Police Cruiser Strikes Pedestrian Outside McGauvran Center at UMass Lowell’s South Campus Near Broadway and Wilder Street
LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS (February 9, 2026) – A pedestrian was injured in a Lowell car accident with a police cruiser at UMass Lowell’s South Campus.
Middlesex County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:30 p.m. outside the McGauvran Center. A pedestrian was walking near the intersection when they were hit by a police cruiser.
The victim was knocked to the ground and injured in the process. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim.
They were transported to a local trauma center to receive treatment. Both the Lowell Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section are currently conducting an investigation into the collision.
Liability for Lowell Police Vehicle Accidents
Drivers in Massachusetts have a legal obligation to use caution to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway. This requires that they maintain a safe speed. Pursuant to MGL c. 90, § 17 & § 17A, “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.” Police officers should take several measures to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Blind Spots: Police officers should check their blind spots before making turns at intersections.
- Rest: Police officers should ensure that they are well rested before heading out onto the road. This can be difficult at times, since officers often work at night and during odd hours.
- Horn: Police officers may need to use their horns to alert pedestrians of their presence.
- Turn Signals: Police officers should make their intentions clear by using their turn signals.
Determining liability for any accident involving a police vehicle can be tricky. If a police officer is not responding to an emergency, they must obey traffic regulations, as would any other driver. They could be liable for failing to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian. When police officers are responding to an actual emergency with their lights and sirens on, they could be liable for hitting a pedestrian if they acted with a reckless disregard for the safety of the public.
Common Injuries Associated With Lowell Pedestrian Accidents
A large number of pedestrians are killed every year in accidents involving emergency vehicles. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2023, 198 people died in crashes involving emergency vehicles. More than half of these deaths were occupants of non-emergency vehicles (57%). Deaths among pedestrians accounted for 23% of the total, while emergency vehicle drivers represented 11%, and emergency vehicle passengers accounted for about 7% of the deaths.” These accidents tend to leave pedestrians with serious injuries.
- Broken Bones: The force of being hit by a vehicle can cause victims to suffer broken bones. These are especially common in a victim’s wrists.
- Head Injuries: One of the most consequential injuries that pedestrians sustain is head injuries. These can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries.
- Organ Damage: The force of being hit by a motor vehicle can cause substantial damage to a person’s internal organs. Many of these injuries will not be immediately obvious.
Accidents tend to be highly preventable. They are often the result of drivers who are traveling too fast for the prevailing conditions or failing to properly scan the road ahead of them for hazards. Unfortunately, police departments and their insurance providers will almost never accept responsibility if one of their officers hits a pedestrian. This is why it’s so important that these incidents are properly investigated by an outside party, like a pedestrian accident attorney.
Investigating Lowell Police Vehicle Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to the pedestrian injured in this car accident at UMass Lowell’s South Campus. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the authorities.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian accident in Lowell? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of 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 for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.