Ms. Petelski, according to the Los Angeles Times, was driving her vehicle on Glyndon Avenue after finishing her shift at work at a counseling center and was stopped at a stop sign.  This was around midnight, and according to a representative of the Los Angeles Police Department she pulled out in front of the cruiser. Two police officers who were inside of the cruiser were treated at the hospital for minor to moderate injuries.  Petelski died one day after the accident from her injuries.  Individuals in related accidents should contact a car accident attorney in Los Angeles.

The two officers have stated that they were not responding to a call at the time the accident occurred, according to the LAPD, and questions have been raised regarding the speed of the cruiser and whether negligence may have been involved.  The accident is still being investigated, and the cause of the crash is still uncertain at this time.

Residents who live near the scene of the crash suggest that the cruiser had no lights or sirens in use, and seemed to be traveling at a rate of speed between 50 and 70 mph.  Other witnesses seem to agree with these reports, and Captain Paul West had already admitted to reporters that as far as he knew, lights or sirens were not in use at the time.

Those near the area when the accident occurred reported that they heard no brakes screeching or sirens just before the crash took place.  These witnesses say that within a few short moments of the time that the cruiser hit Petelski’s car on the driver’s side, 10 more cruisers arrived at the scene and began blocking off the crime scene.  They also stated that emergency vehicles arrived more than 15 minutes after the crash took place.

Witnesses who saw the entire event unfold claim that the officers were indeed speeding without the use of lights or sirens, and that they are clearly at fault in the accidents.  Naturally, emotions are running rampant over this incident, and is very upsetting to Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers who respect law enforcement officials at the LAPD immensely.

The Reeves Law Group has offices across California and are dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of car accidents.  Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.