Police Chase in Cambridge Leads to Horrific Accident That Injured Olivia Zerwas at Bio-Medical Building
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS (February 1, 2026) – A 23-year-old woman identified as Olivia Zerwas was seriously injured in a Cambridge car accident after a vehicle crashed into a building.
Cambridge police are saying that a man stole a car in Boston after the owner of the vehicle left it running. Police spotted that driver, but he fled the area.
This initiated a motor vehicle pursuit. That pursuit ended when the suspect hit a speed bump and lost control of his vehicle before crashing into a building.
Olivia Zerwas was getting coffee and was hit by the out-of-control vehicle. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim.
She was transported to a hospital to receive treatment for major injuries, including broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. Authorities are saying that the driver responsible for the crash is facing multiple charges and has been captured.
A full investigation into the accident that injured Olivia Zerwas remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Cambridge Car Accidents
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid causing injury to pedestrians. This necessitates that they maintain their vehicle at a safe speed. According to Massachusetts General Laws, Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 17, “No person operating a motor vehicle on any way shall run it at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and proper, having regard to traffic and the use of the way and the safety of the public.” Several other factors could contribute to a car accident.
- Distracted Driving: A large portion of motor vehicle collisions involve a distracted driver.
- Inclement Weather: Drivers are substantially more likely to crash during inclement weather, including snow and rain.
- Reckless Driving: When drivers weave in and out of traffic or make other risky driving decisions, they are substantially more likely to be involved in a collision.
If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting any pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There’s a presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that leaves the roadway and collides with a pedestrian. These accidents nearly always involve some amount of driver error. However, accidents involving stolen vehicles and police chases could involve multiple liable parties.
Third-Party Liability for Car Accidents Involving Police Chases
Many people are killed or seriously injured every year in accidents during police pursuits. According to Injury Prevention, “There were 2654 fatal crashes involving 3965 vehicles and 3146 fatalities during the nine year study period. Of these, 1088 were to people not in the fleeing vehicle. These crashes often occurred at high speed, in the night, on local roads. Most of the pursued drivers had prior motor vehicle related convictions.” There could be several sources of liability for any accident involving a fleeing vehicle.
- Vehicle Owner: The owner of a vehicle that is stolen and involved in a crash will typically not be liable for an accident. But they can be if they leave a car running and unattended, thereby making it an easy target for thieves.
- Police: A law enforcement agency could also be liable for any collision involving a vehicle pursuit if they showed a reckless disregard for the safety of the public. For example, an officer may have initiated a pursuit or kept it going after being given explicit instructions not to pursue.
- Property Owner: A business owner or property manager could also be liable for a car accident if it was the result of their premises being in an unsafe condition. This could include situations where outdoor dining areas lack adequate safety measures to protect from intruding vehicles. In particular, bollard posts can stop cars from hitting pedestrians.
Motor vehicle pursuits are Among the most dangerous tactics that police officers use. They routinely lead to innocent bystanders being seriously injured or killed. This is why they should be a measure of last resort. Victims of car accidents are protected by a number of laws. They are able to seek some measure of justice and accountability through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Investigating Cambridge Police Vehicle Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to Olivia Zerwas and her family as she continues to recover. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. This was a preventable collision that should not have taken place. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. Did officers follow all police pursuit guidelines?
Do you need more information about a Cambridge police vehicle accident? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We are committed to getting victims the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at (617) 870-0907.