Maries County, MO — February 12, 2025, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 9:52 A.M. on US 63.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person injured during the morning hours of February 12th. According to official reports, a Buick LeSabre was traveling in the southbound lanes of US 63 near the Highway 28 junction when the Buick lost control and and crossed into the northbound lanes where it was struck by an oncoming 18-wheeler.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the Buick driver sustained serious injuries and transported her to the hospital for treatment. At this time it has been reported by officials that snowy road surfaces may have contributed to the accident, and currently the identity and status of the Buick driver has not been made public.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Whenever I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured driver receives the medical care they need and that investigators can determine exactly what led to the accident. While authorities have suggested that snowy road conditions may have contributed to the loss of control, experience has shown me that crashes like this are often more complex than they first appear. To ensure a complete understanding of what happened, there are three critical questions that must be asked.

The first question is whether authorities have conducted a thorough investigation of the crash. Law enforcement officers work hard to document accident scenes, but their primary focus is often on restoring traffic flow and ensuring public safety rather than conducting an in-depth forensic analysis. A proper investigation should include accident reconstruction, an examination of road conditions at the time of the crash, and a review of whether other vehicles were also struggling with traction in the same area. It’s also important to determine whether speed limits were appropriate for the conditions and whether the roadway had been treated for ice or snow buildup. If authorities simply attribute the accident to the weather without exploring other possible contributing factors, key details may be missed.

The second question that must be asked is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect contributing to the crash. Snowy roads can certainly reduce traction, but modern vehicles—including the Buick LeSabre—are equipped with safety features like anti-lock brakes and traction control systems designed to help maintain stability in slippery conditions. If the Buick lost control despite these systems, it’s worth asking whether a mechanical failure—such as faulty brakes, a steering malfunction, or an issue with the vehicle’s stability control—played a role. Determining this requires a forensic examination of the vehicle before it is repaired or scrapped, but too often, these steps are skipped under the assumption that road conditions were the only factor.

The third question is whether all available electronic data related to the crash has been collected. Most modern vehicles, including the Buick LeSabre, are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM) that records crucial data such as speed, braking inputs, and steering adjustments in the moments leading up to a crash. This data could help determine whether the driver attempted to regain control, if the vehicle responded properly, or if an unexpected issue occurred. Additionally, any nearby traffic cameras, surveillance footage, or dashcam recordings from the 18-wheeler could provide further context. If this electronic evidence isn’t preserved quickly, it can be lost, making it much harder to determine exactly what happened.

At the end of the day, crashes like this demand a careful and thorough investigation. It’s not enough to assume that weather conditions alone were responsible for the loss of control. The injured driver and their loved ones deserve clear answers, not assumptions. Ensuring that these three critical questions are fully explored is the best way to uncover the truth and, if necessary, prevent similar accidents in the future.