Late Friday night in downtown Los Angeles, an ambulance hit a pedestrian and left the person seriously injured, according to police. Officers reported the collision at about 11:09 p.m. in the 430 block of 7th Street. Authorities did not immediately identify the pedestrian or say whether the ambulance was responding to a call at the time of the crash.
What We Know So Far
According to CBS News Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department logged the incident at 11:09 p.m. on Friday at 430 7th Street. The outlet reported that the pedestrian had not been publicly identified and was described as seriously injured. CBS also reported that it was not yet clear whether the ambulance was en route to an emergency when it struck the pedestrian.
What the Law Says
California law requires both drivers and pedestrians to yield to authorized emergency vehicles that are using lights and sirens. The statute instructs traffic to "drive to the right-hand edge or curb" and stop until the vehicle has passed. Under California Vehicle Code §21806, those duties apply when an ambulance is sounding a siren and displaying a red light.
At the same time, emergency vehicle operators are still required to drive with "due regard" for the safety of people and property. That standard, spelled out in statute and interpreted in case law, is a key factor courts consider when assigning liability. For more detail, see §21807.
What's Next
Police said no additional details were available shortly after the crash, and the pedestrian's name had not been released. The LAPD did not indicate whether the ambulance crew stayed at the scene or whether any disciplinary or criminal steps might follow, according to CBS News Los Angeles. Hoodline will update this story as authorities release more information.
