Door County, WI — March 15, 2025, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 12:45 P.M. on Jefferson Street.

Authorities are investigating after a car accident left one person injured on the afternoon of March 15th. According to official statements, an SUV operated by a 72-year-old woman was travelling in the area of Jefferson Street and 4th Avenue when for unknown reasons the vehicle was rear-ended by a pickup truck operated by a teen driver who later stated that the brakes were malfunctioning.

When emergency personnel arrived on the scene they found that the driver of the SUV had been seriously injured and she was transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time the identities of those involved remains unknown, and investigators are still piecing together all the details from the crash, however this remains an ongoing investigation, and additional information may be released by officials at a later date.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured driver receives the care she needs and that those affected get the answers they deserve. While it may seem like a straightforward case of a rear-end collision, my experience has shown that these types of crashes 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. Rear-end collisions are often attributed to driver inattention, but in this case, the teen driver reported that the brakes were malfunctioning. Investigators should carefully examine whether other factors, such as road conditions, traffic signals, or vehicle speeds, played a role.

The second question—one that is often overlooked—is whether a mechanical defect contributed to the crash. If the pickup truck’s brakes truly malfunctioned, that could indicate a serious mechanical failure. Modern vehicles rely on advanced braking systems, and failures in components like the master cylinder, brake lines, or anti-lock braking system (ABS) could result in the loss of stopping power. Additionally, if the truck had recently undergone maintenance or repairs, investigators should determine whether a mechanical issue was overlooked. However, identifying a defect requires a forensic examination of the vehicle, and if it is not preserved, key evidence may be lost before it can be properly analyzed.

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 crucial information such as speed, braking, and throttle input in the moments leading up to the crash. Additionally, nearby traffic cameras, dashcam footage, or even data from the teen driver’s phone could provide valuable insight into what happened. The challenge is that this type of evidence is time-sensitive and must be secured quickly before it is lost or overwritten.

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 and her family have access to the full truth. Serious crashes leave people 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.