Pedestrian Critically Injured in Montebello Collision With LA Patrol Vehicle

Investigation Underway After Montebello Police Officer Hit Pedestrian While Responding to Possible DUI Driver

MONTEBELLO, CALIFORNIA(January 23, 2026) – A pedestrian was seriously injured in a Montebello car accident with a police officer near the intersection of Montebello Boulevard and Victoria Avenue.

Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:38 p.m. on Saturday. A pedestrian was crossing the street when they were hit by a Montebello Police Department vehicle.

That officer was responding to a call about a possible drunk driver. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the victim.

He was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. A full investigation into the cause of the pedestrian accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Montebello Car Accidents

All drivers in California must use caution to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22350, “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.” Drivers should take several actions to avoid hitting pedestrians.

Drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them to avoid pedestrians and other hazards.
Drivers should slow down in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Drivers should check their blind spots when making turns in the roadway.
Drivers should ensure that their vehicles are periodically inspected and well maintained.

Police officers will typically have immunity for collisions if they are responding to an actual emergency. They must have their lights and sirens on. If a police officer is not responding to an emergency or fails to use their lights and sirens, they could be liable for hitting a pedestrian in the roadway. Even if a pedestrian is outside of a crosswalk, this does not remove a driver’s legal responsibility to use caution to avoid hitting them.

Common Injuries Associated with Pedestrian Accidents

A number of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured in car accidents every year in the United States. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, “Drivers struck and killed 7,148 people walking in the United States in 2024, down 4.3% from the year before and the second annual decline, but nearly 20% higher than the 2016 level.” Victims of pedestrian accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries.

Broken bones
Head injuries
Lacerations
Spinal cord injuries

The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are preventable. They tend to involve drivers that are traveling too fast for the prevailing conditions. Unfortunately, police departments will virtually never accept responsibility if one of their officers hits a pedestrian. This is why it is so important that these accidents are investigated by experienced injury attorneys. Any person injured due to the negligent actions of a police officer may be able to pursue damages through a personal injury claim.

Investigating Montebello Police Vehicle Accidents

We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our best wishes to the pedestrian injured in this Montebello police vehicle accident. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. The Montebello Police Department needs to be transparent.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Montebello police vehicle collision? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of experienced Orange County pedestrian accident attorneys is here for you. We are committed to helping victims get the medical and financial support that they need to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.