Police Cruisers Collide With Truck on Essex St in Lawrence, MA

Lawrence, MA (September 8, 2026) – Two police cruisers collided with each other and then struck a pickup truck stopped at a red light in Lawrence on Sunday morning, September 6.

The crash happened around 11:25 a.m. at the intersection of Essex Street and Amesbury Street Both cruisers had their emergency lights and sirens activated while responding to assist another officer, according to Lawrence police.

Everyone involved, including both officers and the driver of the pickup truck, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. 

An internal review is underway to determine what led to the collision. 

We wish everyone a smooth recovery.

Can You Sue the City After a Police Cruiser Crash in Lawrence, MA?

Yes, but the process differs from a typical car accident claim. Under the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act, a person injured by a municipal vehicle, including a police cruiser, generally must first present a written claim to the city within two years of the injury before filing a lawsuit. Additionally, any damages recoverable from the municipality are typically capped by statute. 

Massachusetts law gives emergency vehicles certain exemptions from standard traffic rules, such as speed limits or stopping at red lights, but only while using lights and sirens and only if the driver still exercises reasonable care for public safety. 

These exemptions mean that an officer responding to a call isn't automatically shielded from liability if their driving falls short of that standard. 

Victims of these kinds of accidents commonly face complicated questions about which insurance policy or municipal fund applies to their injuries and medical expenses. 

It is important to know that the presentment process and damage caps are very strict since they are under the Tort Claims Act. To navigate it, a car accident lawyer can help make sure claims against a municipality are filed correctly and within the required deadlines. 

Going through a claim that involves a city vehicle can raise questions many people haven't dealt with before, and our team at Fiorentino Legal, P.C. is available to walk Massachusetts residents through what comes next. 

You can reach Attorney Christopher Fiorentino of Fiorentino Legal, P.C., at (617) 990-2568 to talk about your situation with us. We are here to help you clarify your options under state law. 

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C., has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.