Mikhail Stepanov Killed in Tucson Truck Accident

Mikhail Stepanov, University of Arizona Professor, Died in Tucson Car Accident by Sabino Canyon Road and Snyder Road

TUCSON, ARIZONA (May 13, 2026) – A University of Arizona mathematics professor identified as Mikhail Stepanov has tragically died in a Tucson truck accident by Sabino Canyon Road and Snyder Road.

Tucson police officials are saying that the collision took place on Thursday night. Mikhail Stepanov was crossing the road in a marked crosswalk when he was hit by a truck making a left turn.

Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the victim. Sadly, Mikhail Stepanov later died due to the severe nature of his injuries.

One of his students described him as a devoted professor who was always attentive to the needs of his students. That person also raised safety concerns about the intersection where the crosswalk took place.

Among other things, there isn’t much lighting or visibility at the intersection. Drivers also pass by at high rates of speed.

A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Tucson Pedestrian Accidents

Drivers in Arizona must use caution to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway. According to Arizona Vehicle Code 28-792, “if traffic control signals are not in place or are not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be in order to yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.” Drivers should take several actions to avoid colliding with pedestrians.

• Blind Spots: Drivers should check their blind spots before making any turns at intersections.
• Horn: Drivers should use their horns to alert pedestrians of their presence.
• Traffic Signal: Drivers should use their traffic signals as another means of allowing pedestrians to predict their behavior.
• Rest: Drivers should be well rested before heading out onto the roadway.

If a driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with a pedestrian, this could serve as evidence of negligence. Drivers should be particularly cautious when they are making turns. Depending on the specific facts of any case, there could be several liable parties for a pedestrian collision. In particular, a business could be liable for a pedestrian crash if a truck or other vehicle was being used for some type of commercial purpose.

Municipal Liability for Tucson Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians lack the protections of enclosed vehicles and are more susceptible to being seriously injured or killed in the event of a crash. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, “Drivers struck and killed 7,148 people walking in the United States in 2024, down 4.3% from the year before and the second annual decline, but nearly 20% higher than the 2016 level.” A municipal entity like a city could be liable for a pedestrian accident if it was caused by a dangerous condition in the roadway. There are many ways that a roadway could be in a dangerous condition.

• Potholes: A roadway may have potholes that could cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
• Line of Sight: An intersection may have an obstructed line of sight that obstructs the presence of pedestrians.
• Visibility: An intersection may have poor lighting, which makes pedestrians difficult to see.

Pedestrian accidents are often highly complex. The factors that contribute to any collision could take place hours, days, or weeks beforehand. There could be several liable parties for any specific crash. This is why it is so important that these incidents are properly investigated by an outside party. The family of any person who died in a pedestrian collision is able to seek some measure of accountability and transparency through a civil action.

Investigating Tucson Pedestrian Accidents

We at The Law Offices of John Phebus extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mikhail Stepanov. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong so that similar tragedies can be prevented. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. What is the safety record of the driver involved? Is there a history of accidents or close calls at this intersection?

Do you need more information about a Tucson pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the unique circumstances of any crash, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (623) 267-9283.