Dudley, MO — May 12, 2025, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 5:00 P.M. on Highway 60.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left two people injured during the evening hours of May 12th. According to official reports, a Hyundai Elantra with four occupants was traveling on Highway 60in the westbound bound lanes when for unknown reasons the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lanes where it collided with a Nissan Altima. The impact caused the Elantra to leave the roadway where it became airborne before then overturning and striking an embankment.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that two of the Elantra's occupants, a 43-year-old and a 12-year-old, had sustained serious injuries and transported them to the hospital. At this time there has been no further information released about the accident, including the status of the motorist's injuries, 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 complex, multi-occupant crashes like the one that occurred on the evening of May 12th along Highway 60, where a Hyundai Elantra reportedly crossed into oncoming traffic before becoming airborne and striking an embankment, I’m reminded why it’s essential to ask three specific questions in every serious accident investigation. These questions are foundational for understanding what actually happened and whether all contributing factors have been considered.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? The sequence of events described—crossing into opposing lanes, becoming airborne, overturning, and striking an embankment—suggests a highly dynamic crash with multiple stages. A proper investigation should involve reconstructing the incident through careful analysis of the crash scene, gathering witness statements, and evaluating any physical evidence such as tire marks, debris patterns, and roadway conditions. Unfortunately, not all investigations receive the same level of detail, depending on the agency’s time, training, and available tools. Without a comprehensive reconstruction, it's difficult to determine what triggered the initial loss of control and how the vehicle ended up in such a violent series of movements.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect could have contributed to the crash? With a vehicle behaving as erratically as this—crossing lanes, going airborne, overturning—it’s important to consider whether a mechanical or electronic malfunction may have played a role. Steering failures, brake issues, or problems with electronic stability control systems can all lead to sudden, unmanageable changes in vehicle behavior. These possibilities are often overlooked unless someone explicitly investigates them, especially in cases where initial reports may focus solely on operator actions. The presence of multiple occupants and serious injuries raises the stakes for ensuring all mechanical systems are scrutinized.

Third, has all electronic data related to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles like the Hyundai Elantra are equipped with event data recorders that can capture valuable information in the seconds before a crash, including speed, steering angle, braking input, and throttle position. This data can help establish whether the driver took evasive action or whether the vehicle experienced a sudden malfunction. In addition, surveillance footage, dash cams, and cell phone data may offer further context. The preservation of this data early in the process is critical. Once overwritten or lost, this vital source of truth cannot be recovered.

In a crash as severe and complex as this one, answering these three questions isn't just procedural—it’s the only way to ensure that every potential cause is identified and every piece of evidence is brought to light. The community owes it to those injured, and to all involved, to conduct an investigation that leaves no question unanswered.