Timothy Patsalos Killed in Cochise County Pedestrian Acci...
The good Samaritan was struck by a Nissan X-Trail while helping at a previous rollover crash scene
Timothy Patsalos, 28, of Maricopa, was killed in a pedestrian crash on Interstate 10 near milepost 319 in Cochise County on July 21, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS).
The eastbound lanes were slick when a Nissan X-Trail struck the man as he flagged down traffic to warn oncoming drivers about a previous rollover crash. Patsalos, who had stopped his semi-truck, did not survive. Paramedics took him to a hospital in Willcox, where he later died from his injuries.
No other injuries were reported in the collision.
Troopers have not announced any charges against the driver of the Nissan.
The crash remains under investigation.
What factors complicate the Interstate 10 investigation?
When a pedestrian is struck on a high-speed corridor like Interstate 10, investigators must examine visibility, vehicle speed, and driver reaction times. In pedestrian accidents such as this, legal practitioners note that establishing liability requires a thorough review of the crash scene and witness statements.
Cristina Perez, attorney at Perez Law Group, said, "Pedestrian crashes tend to be devastating because a person walking has no metal frame, no airbag, and no seatbelt standing between a vulnerable body and a multi-ton vehicle moving at speed. A moderate impact can cause catastrophic injury almost instantly."
"Legal counsel often works to preserve footage, secure vehicle data, and protect surviving relatives from adjusters pushing a lowball settlement," added Perez, a national legal analyst for Accident News
Arizona recorded 263 pedestrian fatalities last year, a toll that now includes a good Samaritan struck on a rural highway.
How does weather impact driver liability?
While slick roads and poor weather conditions contribute to many collisions, drivers are still expected to maintain control of their vehicles and adjust their speed accordingly.
Law enforcement will continue to review the Nissan driver's actions leading up to the impact to determine if negligence played a role in the fatal strike. Families of good Samaritans killed in traffic collisions often face significant emotional and financial burdens. Individuals involved in pedestrian accidents may have legal options.
Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
Arizona wrongful death statute
Under A.R.S. § 12-611, surviving family members of a person killed in a traffic collision may file a wrongful death action in Arizona. The state applies pure comparative fault when determining liability. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages under Arizona's wrongful death statute may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship and consortium, funeral and burial expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering. Arizona law designates specific parties — typically a surviving spouse, children, or parents — as eligible to bring a wrongful death action.
"Crash reconstruction relies on careful measurements, physics calculations and scene diagrams to rebuild what happened during a fatal collision on a roadway," said Gabe Miller, attorney at Perez Law Group.
Miller, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "A legal team reviews reconstruction findings, translating complex conclusions into plain language surviving relatives can use going forward."