Michael Ruzicka Killed in Tucson Car Accident

Michael Ruzicka, 70, Died in Tucson Bicycle Accident on Stone Avenue

TUCSON, ARIZONA (May 14, 2026) –  A 70-year-old bicyclist identified as Michael Ruzicka has tragically died in a Tucson car accident along Stone Avenue near Fort Lowell.

Tucson police officials are saying that the accident took place on Monday. Michael Ruzicka was struck by a Chevy Tahoe as he was trying to cross the southbound lanes of traffic.

Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help. Michael Ruzicka was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

Sadly, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Tucson Car Accidents

Every driver in Arizona must use caution to avoid hitting cyclists or pedestrians in the roadway. This necessitates that they check their blind spots and yield the right-of-way with caution before making turns. According to Arizona Vehicle Code 28-772, “The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that is approaching from the opposite direction and that is within the intersection or so close to the intersection as to constitute an immediate hazard.” Drivers should take several measures to avoid hitting cyclists.

• Distance: Drivers should maintain at least 3 feet away from cyclists at all times.
• Horn: Drivers should use their horns when necessary to alert pedestrians and cyclists of their presence.
• Speed: Drivers should maintain a safe speed for the prevailing road conditions.
• Scanning: Drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for cyclists and other potential hazards.

If a driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with a pedestrian in the roadway, this could serve as evidence of negligence. Drivers must slow down to avoid hitting any pedestrian, even if they are outside of a lawfully marked crosswalk. Depending on the facts of any case, there could be several sources of liability for any bicycle accident. This is particularly true if a vehicle was being used for some type of commercial purpose at the time of the crash. A city could also potentially be liable for a car accident if an intersection were in a dangerous condition.

Steps to Take After Tucson Car Accidents

Bicyclists lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in the event of a crash. According to the National Safety Council, “The number of preventable deaths from bicycle transportation incidents increased by 1% in 2024 and 37% in the last 10 years (from 1,015 in 2015 to 1,392 in 2024). The most recent nonfatal injury data are for 2023.” Certain actions should be taken after any bicycle accident.

• Police Report: The police report created after the accident should be reviewed.
• Surveillance: Any surveillance footage that may have captured the collision should be collected.
• Medical Records: All of the medical records related to a person’s injuries should be sought. The nature of a person’s injuries can help reveal how a crash took place.
• Independent Review: The family of any person who died in a bicycle accident should seek an independent review by a team experienced in accident reconstruction.

Bicycle accidents are often highly preventable. In many cases, drivers are simply not paying enough attention to the road ahead of them. However, another major part of the problem is city infrastructure. As cities across Arizona have continued to grow, the infrastructure in place for cyclists and pedestrians has not kept pace. The family of any person who died in a bicycle accident may have legal recourse through a civil claim.

Investigating Tucson Car Accidents

We at The Law Offices of John Phebus extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Ruzicka. Any person who may have more information about what took place should reach out to the police. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to make this stretch of road safer so that other tragedies can be prevented.

Do you need more information about a Tucson car accident? Our team of accident investigators 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 any type of support, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at (623) 267-9283.