Franklin County, MO — January 28, 2025, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 9:24 A.M. on Route A.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead during the morning hours of January 28th. According to official reports, a Mazda CX-3 was traveling in the northbound lanes of Route A when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the roadway where it collided with the culvert of a driveway and overturned.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the driver had been ejected and was without signs of life and declared deceased. At this time it remains unclear what caused the vehicle to lose control, and the identity of the deceased has not been released by authorities, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

An investigation is underway following a crash that occurred on the morning of January 28th, resulting in one fatality. Reports indicate that a Mazda CX-3 was traveling northbound on Route A when it left the roadway, struck a driveway culvert, and overturned. At this time, authorities have not provided further details regarding the cause of the accident.

When a serious crash like this happens, the most important thing is ensuring that those affected get clear answers about what led to the incident. While the initial reports describe what happened, they don’t necessarily explain why it happened. To get to the root of the matter, there are three critical questions that must be asked.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Law enforcement officers typically document crash scenes, but the extent of their investigation can vary. Critical factors such as road conditions, vehicle performance, and potential outside influences should all be examined. If key details are missed or overlooked, it could leave important questions unanswered.

The second question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. It’s easy to assume that a vehicle left the roadway due to external factors, but mechanical or electronic failures could also contribute to a crash. Steering malfunctions, brake failures, or stability control issues can cause a loss of control. A forensic examination of the vehicle is often necessary to determine whether a defect played a role, but that step is rarely taken unless someone specifically requests it. Preserving the vehicle for further analysis is crucial in these situations.

The third question concerns whether all available electronic data has been collected. Modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders that capture key information in the moments leading up to a crash, including speed, braking, and steering inputs. Additionally, other sources of data—such as cell phone records, nearby surveillance footage, and GPS tracking—could help reconstruct what happened. However, if this evidence isn’t preserved quickly, it can be lost or overwritten.

At the end of the day, the people affected by this crash deserve to know exactly what happened. Ensuring that all investigative avenues are explored is the best way to provide those answers, giving families and loved ones the clarity they need.