St. Louis County, MO — March 18, 2025, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 5:02 P.M. on Route 367.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left two people injured during the evening hours of March 18th. According to official reports, a 33-year-old woman with a 1-year-old passenger were travelling in a Volkswagen Atlas on MO Route 367 in the northbound lanes near Parker Road, when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and veered to the left and struck a concrete barrier, before then over correcting causing the Atlas to hit the right barrier, lose control, and then collide with the left concrete barrier again before coming to a stop.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that both occupants had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including what the status of their injuries as-well-as the identity of the driver, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope both occupants receive the care they need and that those affected get the answers they deserve. While it may seem like a straightforward case of a vehicle losing control and striking multiple barriers, my experience has shown that crashes like this often have more to them than meets the eye. Before drawing any conclusions, it’s essential to ask three key questions to ensure a full and thorough investigation.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a comprehensive investigation. Law enforcement officers typically document the scene, take witness statements, and assess visible evidence, but the depth of these investigations can vary. Given that the vehicle struck multiple barriers in a sequence of overcorrections, investigators should determine whether external factors—such as road conditions, debris, or the actions of other drivers—contributed to the loss of control. Additionally, it’s important to assess whether the roadway’s design, including barrier placement, played a role in the severity of the crash.

The second question—one that is often overlooked—is whether a mechanical defect contributed to the crash. The Volkswagen Atlas, like all modern vehicles, relies on advanced stability control and braking systems to help prevent loss of control. If a system failure—such as unintended acceleration, brake malfunctions, or a steering defect—occurred, that could explain why the vehicle veered and was unable to recover. Given the complexity of modern vehicle electronics, a detailed forensic examination of the Atlas is necessary to determine whether any mechanical issues contributed to the crash. However, if the vehicle is not preserved for analysis, crucial evidence could be lost.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Most modern vehicles are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM), which records key information such as speed, braking, and steering input leading up to the crash. Additionally, nearby traffic cameras, dashcam footage, or even data from the driver’s phone could provide valuable insight into what happened. Since electronic data can be lost or overwritten if not secured quickly, investigators must act fast to preserve this critical evidence.

At the end of the day, answering these three questions isn’t just about understanding how this crash happened—it’s about ensuring that the injured driver, her young passenger, and their loved ones have access to the full truth. Serious crashes leave families searching for clarity, and the least we can do as a community is make sure that every possible explanation is explored before reaching any conclusions.