Police officer strikes woman with department vehicle on wednesday morning
November 26, 2025 | Seguin, TX
A 67-year-old woman, Cindy Wiatrek, lost her life in a tragic pedestrian incident involving a Seguin Police Department vehicle on State Highway 123 in Seguin, Texas.
Cindy Wiatrek, 67, died after a cruiser driven by a Seguin police officer struck her on State Highway 123 South in Seguin.
What Happened in the Crash?
Preliminary investigations indicate the collision occurred around 6 a.m. in the 14000 block of State Highway 123 South. The officer was en route to work in a department-issued vehicle when the incident took place.
- Victim: Cindy Wiatrek, 67, pronounced dead at the scene.
- Location: 14000 block of State Highway 123 South, Seguin, TX.
- Time: Approximately 6 a.m. on Wednesday.
- Vehicle Involved: Seguin Police Department patrol vehicle.
- Response: Officer placed on administrative leave per department policy.
- Investigating Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Authorities are examining factors such as vehicle speed, lighting conditions, and any potential distractions to determine the sequence of events.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian crashes often stem from a mix of driver inattention, poor visibility, and roadway design issues. In this case, early morning hours may have contributed to reduced visibility.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian fatalities have risen significantly in recent years despite overall traffic death declines.
Year |
Pedestrian Fatalities |
Change from Previous Year |
|---|
2019 |
6,425 |
Not Avialable |
2022 |
7,522 |
+17% from 2019 |
2023 |
7,314 |
-3.7% from 2022 |
Data sourced from NHTSA reports on traffic safety trends.
Motorists, including those in emergency vehicles, must remain vigilant. Even without sirens or lights activated, drivers bear responsibility for scanning the road ahead.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on handling investigations and potential claims in motor vehicle incidents involving pedestrians.
"In cases such as this, it's crucial to conduct a thorough, independent probe alongside official efforts. This includes re-interviewing witnesses, reviewing any available video footage, and securing relevant records like phone data from involved parties," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline.
- Independent attorneys can uncover details missed in initial reports.
- Surveillance analysis often reveals critical evidence in collision reconstructions.
- Early involvement ensures preservation of scene data before it degrades.
"Losing a loved one in a negligence-related crash brings profound emotional and financial burdens. Families should consult professionals to explore avenues for compensation, including for loss of companionship and emotional distress," noted Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline.
Insurance providers may undervalue claims, making representation essential to safeguard rights.
Next Steps for Families
Following such tragedies, relatives may pursue wrongful death actions to address losses. These claims can cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Newsline's analysts emphasize proactive steps: document everything, avoid direct insurer contact without counsel, and seek immediate legal advice.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).