Franklin County, MO — January 31st, 2025, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 6:25 A.M. on US 50.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person injured during the morning hours of January 31st. According to official reports, a Chrysler Pacifica turned in front of a Dodge journey without yielding the right-of-way resulting in a collision.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the driver of the Chrysler had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time it remains unknown what led to the accident, and the status of the Chrysler driver remains unknown, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash like this occurs, the most important thing is ensuring that those involved receive clear answers about what happened. While the official investigation is ongoing, there are three critical questions that must always be asked: Did authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Has anyone considered the possibility of a vehicle defect? And has all available electronic data been collected?

The first question is whether law enforcement has had the time and resources to fully investigate the crash. Collisions involving a failure to yield are often attributed to driver error, but a complete investigation should go beyond surface-level observations. Factors such as visibility at the intersection, traffic control signage, and possible sight obstructions must be considered. Accident reconstruction, witness interviews, and an evaluation of skid marks or lack thereof can provide valuable insights into the moments leading up to the crash.

The second question, which is frequently overlooked, is whether a mechanical failure contributed to the crash. While many assume that failure to yield is always due to inattention or misjudgment, issues such as brake failure, steering malfunctions, or electrical problems affecting turn signals or headlights could have played a role. If a defect caused or contributed to the crash, that would be a crucial detail that could change how the incident is understood. Unfortunately, vehicle defects are rarely investigated unless someone requests a forensic examination of the vehicles involved. If either car is repaired or disposed of before an inspection takes place, critical evidence may be lost forever.

The final question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Both vehicles likely contain electronic control modules (ECMs) that record key data, such as speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dashcams from other vehicles may provide valuable evidence. Cell phone data may also be relevant if distractions were a factor. If this data isn’t preserved quickly, it may be lost, making it much harder to reconstruct the sequence of events.

While the official investigation continues, it is essential to ensure that all potential causes are considered and that no key evidence is overlooked. Those affected by this crash deserve to know exactly what happened and why, and a thorough investigation is the only way to provide them with the answers they need.