EspañolPedestrian Crossing Hollywood Intersection Died In Multi-Vehicle Collision Involving LAPD Patrol Vehicle
HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (April 30, 2024) – A pedestrian has tragically died after being hit by an LAPD patrol vehicle at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Gower Street.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the collision took place around 4:00 p.m. on Monday. An LAPD patrol car was heading north and crossing through an intersection when it was hit by another vehicle.
The force of the impact caused the LAPD vehicle to spin and hit a pedestrian in the crosswalk. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
The pedestrian was taken to the hospital, where they later died. A full investigation into the cause of the Hollywood pedestrian accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Hollywood Pedestrian Accidents
Los Angeles County has a disproportionately high number of pedestrian collisions. According to Streets for Everyone, “On average (2018-2023), housed pedestrians and cyclists in Los Angeles are killed at a rate of 3.2 per capita (100,000 individuals), a rate that is significantly higher than the national average of 2.4 per capita.” Many of these collisions involve police vehicles. Police officers should take a number of steps in order to avoid collisions with pedestrians.
- Police officers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for pedestrians and other vehicles.
- Police officers should use their lights and sirens when responding to emergencies.
- Police officers should refrain from distractions while they are on the road.
Pedestrian accidents can be complex events, and there could be more than one liable party. In general, all drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any vehicle approaching a pedestrian must exercise due care in order to avoid striking them. If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
A police department could also be liable for a crash. When police officers are not engaged in emergency trips with their lights and sirens on, they must obey the rules of the road like any other driver. The LAPD could be liable for an officer who was traveling at an unsafe speed or otherwise caused a collision by committing a traffic infraction. Victims of car accidents involving LAPD vehicles should consider taking several measures.
- Dashcam footage from the officer involved should be reviewed.
- Photos of the accident should be taken.
- Any person who is injured should seek medical treatment.
- An experienced catastrophic injury attorney should be consulted.
The LAPD has demonstrated time and time again that they will do everything in their power to deny liability for accidents involving their officers. When they investigate themselves, they inevitably find that their officers did nothing wrong. This is why it is so important to have any accident with a police officer independently analyzed by a skilled personal injury attorney. Any attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Los Angeles Police Department Car Accidents
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to the family of the pedestrian who died in this collision. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about an accident involving a Los Angeles Police Department patrol vehicle? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you. We are committed to helping accident victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
