Elkhart, IN — April 10, 2025, One person was killed and one was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 4:45 A.M. on E. Mishawaka Rd.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead and injured another during the morning hours of April 10th. According to official reports, a man was traveling in a Cadillac on East Mishawaka Road in the westbound lanes near Minuteman Way, when for unknown reasons the vehicle collided with a Toyota operated by a male driver.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the driver of the Toyota had sustained fatal injuries and he was pronounced deceased, while the Cadillac driver was transported to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the identities of those involved or the circumstances that caused the accident, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Any time a collision results in both a fatality and serious injury, it’s essential to go beyond surface-level explanations and dig into the full range of contributing factors. There are three key questions that should guide that effort: (1) Did the authorities conduct a detailed and complete investigation? (2) Has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? (3) Has all the electronic data from both vehicles been collected and analyzed?

With no clear explanation yet available, investigators need to reconstruct exactly how the crash unfolded. That means closely examining the road where the collision occurred—looking at lane markings, surface conditions, sightlines, and any nearby intersections or curves that may have played a role. The vehicle positions and physical evidence at the scene—such as tire marks and debris—can help clarify whether one vehicle unexpectedly crossed into the other's path.

It’s just as important to examine both vehicles for potential mechanical failure. A steering or brake malfunction, a suspension issue, or a tire blowout could all result in a sudden and uncontrollable loss of direction. A complete inspection is necessary to rule out or identify problems that may have prevented either driver from avoiding the crash.

Finally, the electronic control modules (ECMs) in both vehicles could hold the most objective evidence available. These systems typically record pre-crash data such as speed, throttle position, braking, and steering input. This information can help determine whether either driver made an effort to avoid the collision and whether their vehicle responded properly. Preserving this data quickly is crucial, especially in collisions involving serious or fatal outcomes.

Until these areas are fully examined—scene analysis, mechanical review, and digital data retrieval—there’s no complete understanding of what caused the crash. A thorough investigation is essential not only for those directly involved but also for identifying any safety issues that could help prevent similar incidents in the future.