Maria Patrocinio Longoria Dies in El Paso Pedestrian Acci...

Q: What factors contribute to pedestrian collisions at intersections?

In pedestrian accidents such as this, traffic safety analysts note that intersection design often plays a critical role. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "Crosswalk signal timing research shows that standard pedestrian intervals frequently fail to accommodate elderly or mobility-impaired crossing speeds, creating a measurable gap between design assumptions and real-world conditions."

Q: How are liability and negligence determined in cases like this?

Every day, victims like Longoria are killed in motor vehicle accidents across our country, and many times, it is not their fault. When analyzing pedestrian accident patterns, National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, observed that "Driver inattention and failure to yield are consistently cited in police reports as primary causes, but investigators also scrutinize factors like signage visibility and lighting conditions, which can significantly impact a pedestrian's ability to cross safely." Obtaining a police report is important to protect a victim's rights. Formica added that an attorney can interview witnesses, thoroughly examine the scene, and review applicable insurance policies.

Q: What legal options are available for families after a pedestrian death?

While the cause and liability of the collision are being investigated, it is important that a competent attorney handles investigations into cases such as this to ensure the rights of the victim and their family are protected. This can include securing evidence, such as traffic camera footage, and consulting with expert witnesses to reconstruct the accident scene. Seeking legal advice can help clarify rights and potential claims.

Maria Patrocinio Longoria pedestrian accident on Texas Avenue, El Paso, Texas

The downtown collision was the 13th traffic-related death in El Paso this year

Maria Patrocinio Longoria, 74, of El Paso, died after being struck by a vehicle in Downtown El Paso on Easter Sunday, April 5, police said. The collision happened at approximately 8:15 a.m. at the corner of Texas Avenue and Kansas Street.

Investigators with the Special Traffic Investigations Unit reported that Roberto Rodriguez, 86, also of El Paso, was driving a 2011 Volvo S40. He was making a turn from Texas Avenue onto Kansas Street when he hit Longoria, who was in a crosswalk. She died at the scene.

Failure to yield to a pedestrian was a factor in the collision, investigators noted. The investigation continues. The downtown pedestrian collision was the 13th traffic-related death in El Paso this year, compared with 19 at the same time in 2025.

What factors contribute to pedestrian collisions at intersections?

How are liability and negligence determined in cases like this?

What legal options are available for families after a pedestrian death?

Texas wrongful death statute

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.001, certain surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim following a fatal accident. This statute allows for compensation for losses incurred due to the death of a loved one caused by another party's negligence or wrongful act. Texas law also incorporates a modified comparative fault system, meaning a claimant's ability to recover damages may be limited or barred if they are found to be 51% or more at fault for the crash.

Damages that could be sought in a Texas wrongful death action may include financial support the deceased would have provided, loss of companionship and consortium, funeral and burial expenses, and mental anguish experienced by the surviving family members. Bond noted that wrongful death claims in pedestrian accidents often involve a detailed review of urban planning documents to determine if the crossing area met safety standards, which can be a key factor in establishing liability.

Statute of limitations under Texas law

In Texas, a wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years from the date of the deceased's death. This period is known as the statute of limitations. Failure to file a claim within this two-year window typically results in the claim being barred from court. There are limited exceptions that could extend this period, but they are rare.