Cass County, MO — August 21, 2025, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 7:00 P.M. on Peculiar Drive.

According to reports, a Chevy Impala operated by an 85-year-old woman was traveling east on Peculiar Drive near East Outer Road, when it lost control for unknown reasons and left the road where it struck a ditch and overturned.

When first responders arrive don the scene they found the driver seriously injured and transported him to the hospital. Officials have not released any updates on the status of the investigation which is ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a single vehicle leaves the roadway and overturns, the first impression may be that it was a simple loss of control. But in reality, the cause is rarely that straightforward, and a proper investigation is the only way to get real answers.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
For an overturn like this, investigators should document the Chevy’s path with precise measurements, note whether there were skid or yaw marks, and determine where the vehicle first began to drift off course. Mapping the sequence of events helps show whether this was a gradual departure or a sudden, unexpected loss of control. The depth of that work depends on whether crash reconstruction specialists were involved or if only a surface review was done.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Unexpected control loss can point to potential mechanical issues. A steering problem, brake failure, or tire blowout could have contributed to the crash, particularly if no signs of evasive action were found. Without a detailed inspection of the Impala’s critical systems, the role of a defect cannot be ruled out.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Modern vehicles often contain event data recorders that capture speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before a crash. Reviewing that information can help confirm whether the driver attempted to slow or steer before the overturn. Additional sources, like phones, GPS devices, or nearby cameras, could provide further context. Acting quickly to secure this data is key to preserving accuracy.

A meaningful investigation requires pulling together the scene evidence, mechanical condition, and electronic record so no potential cause is overlooked.

Takeaways:

• Scene mapping is essential to distinguish between gradual drift and sudden control loss.
• Mechanical inspections can uncover hidden failures in steering, brakes, or tires.
• Event data and other digital evidence can clarify what happened in the final moments.