Washington County, MO — September 29, 2025, One person was injured following an ATV accident that occurred at around 5:35 P.M. on Younker Road.

According to reports, a Yamaha ATV operated by a 62-year-old man was traveling on private property near Younker Road when it swerved to avoid a turkey in the road, causing it to lose control and strike a gate.

When first responders arrive don the scene they found the driver seriously injured and transported him to the hospital for treatment. No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and officials have not released any updates on the status of the investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When an ATV swerves to avoid an animal and ends up in a crash, the story may sound simple. But even in these situations, important questions remain about how the incident unfolded and whether all contributing factors have been considered.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
On private property, investigations are sometimes less detailed, but a rollover or impact crash still deserves close review. Tire marks, the ATV’s final resting position, and the angle of impact with the gate can show whether the swerve was sudden or if the vehicle was already unstable before the maneuver. Without documenting these details, the cause risks being left incomplete.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Even though a turkey in the roadway appears to explain the event, the ATV’s performance also matters. A steering issue, suspension failure, or brake problem could have made it harder for the rider to recover after swerving. If the Yamaha wasn’t inspected thoroughly, the possibility of a mechanical contribution may go unnoticed.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Some ATVs now include systems that log performance data, and rider phones or GPS devices might provide additional insight into speed and direction. If investigators don’t secure that information quickly, valuable context about how the vehicle reacted could already be lost.

Animal-related crashes are often viewed as unavoidable, but the bigger picture depends on examining the rider’s actions, the machine’s performance, and the evidence left behind.

Takeaways:

• It’s unclear whether investigators documented the ATV’s full path before striking the gate.
• A possible steering, brake, or suspension issue may not have been ruled out.
• Electronic data or device records could provide important insight if reviewed.