Petrella, 39, was struck and killed by a semi on Interstate 88 near Aurora on January 27, 2014, as he was helping another truck driver with his disabled vehicle. An Illinois State trooper was injured.
Renato Velasquez pleaded not guilty to several felony charges stemming from the case in criminal court earlier this month. Petrella's wife, Sandra, filed the civil suit against Velasquez and his trucking company DND International.
Petrella is survived by his wife and two young children.
