Fatal Two-Vehicle Collision on Priest Drive (2024): Harvard Law Case Breakdown

Introduction

On November 11, 2024, a fatal incident transpired on Interstate 10 near Tempe, Arizona, involving a pedestrian who was struck while fleeing law enforcement. The sequence of events triggered a secondary crash that killed 40-year-old Peter Stump and injured multiple individuals. This case presents a rare intersection of police procedure, pedestrian rights, and highway traffic safety.

Anyone affected by similarly complex incidents may benefit from consulting a qualified Tempe car accident attorney to evaluate potential legal claims.

Incident Overview

According to public records and media reporting, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a call regarding a man running across the westbound lanes of I-10 near Warner Road. As troopers attempted to apprehend him, the individual fled across the median into the eastbound lanes, where he was fatally struck by a vehicle.

Moments later, a separate collision occurred involving two other cars, one of which was carrying Peter Stump, a passenger who died in the crash. Both drivers sustained injuries, and the freeway was closed for several hours.

Legal Considerations

Law Enforcement Protocols and Duty of Care

Arizona DPS troopers are bound by use-of-force and pursuit protocols meant to mitigate public danger. In this case, the pursuit led to an individual running across an active interstate, posing a foreseeable risk. If evidence reveals a deviation from established procedures, the agency may be exposed to liability under claims of negligence.

Under Arizona law, municipalities can be held liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior if an officer's negligent or reckless actions while on duty lead to third-party injuries (see ARS §12-820.02).

Civil Liability and Wrongful Death

Multiple parties could face or bring civil actions:

• The family of the pedestrian could file a wrongful death claim if law enforcement actions are deemed a contributing cause.

• The estate of Peter Stump may pursue damages for wrongful death due to the chain-reaction crash.

• The surviving drivers may file personal injury claims for medical expenses and emotional distress.

Comparative fault rules (ARS §12-2505) may apply to assess shared liability among parties.

Foreseeability and Proximate Cause

This case raises important questions about proximate cause: Did the pedestrian’s actions alone cause the subsequent deaths and injuries, or did law enforcement’s tactics contribute meaningfully to the outcome? The answers would directly impact fault attribution.

Conclusion

The November 2024 I-10 collision near Tempe illustrates the complexities involved in multi-party incidents that involve both law enforcement and civilian drivers. Legal outcomes in such cases hinge on the standards of reasonableness, protocol adherence, and the foreseeability of resulting harm.

For families affected by similar events, speaking with an experienced Tempe car accident attorney can help clarify liability, build a case, and secure appropriate compensation.