Clinton County, MO — February 17, 2025, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 10:30 A.M. on I-35.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left two people injured during the morning hours of February 17th. According to official reports, an SUV was travelling on I-35 in the southbound lanes, when for unknown reasons a pickup heading in the northbound lanes lost control and entered the southbound lanes where it collided with the front of the SUV causing serious damage to both vehicles.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that both occupants of the SUV 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 the status of the injured, 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 investigators can provide clear answers for those involved and their loved ones. A vehicle crossing into oncoming traffic is always a serious matter, and while initial reports confirm what happened, they don’t necessarily explain why it happened. To truly understand the cause of the crash, three critical questions must be asked.

First, have authorities thoroughly investigated the crash? Law enforcement will typically document the scene, take witness statements, and assess possible contributing factors like road conditions, weather, and traffic patterns. However, deeper analysis is often necessary. What caused the pickup to lose control and enter the southbound lanes? Were there any road conditions—such as ice, standing water, or debris—that contributed to the loss of control? Were there signs of evasive maneuvers, such as skid marks or steering adjustments? A full accident reconstruction could help clarify how and why the vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect? When a vehicle unexpectedly veers into oncoming traffic, many assume it was due to driver error, but mechanical failures—such as steering malfunctions, brake failures, or tire blowouts—can also cause a driver to lose control. If the pickup experienced a sudden mechanical failure, it’s critical that investigators examine the vehicle before it is removed from the scene or repaired, as key evidence could be lost. Additionally, modern vehicles have stability and lane-keeping assistance systems designed to help prevent such incidents—did these systems function properly?

Third, has all electronic data relating to the crash been collected? The electronic control module (ECM) in both the pickup and the SUV may provide key insights, including speed, braking attempts, and steering input before the collision. Additionally, nearby traffic cameras, surveillance footage, or dashcams from other vehicles may have captured useful details. If investigators don’t secure this evidence quickly, it could be lost, making it much harder to determine exactly what led to the crash.

At the end of the day, the people involved and their families deserve clear answers. If the official investigation leaves any gaps, independent experts may be needed to ensure that every possible factor is considered. Whether the cause was environmental, mechanical, or something else entirely, the community owes it to those affected to make sure all available evidence is carefully examined.