Jefferson County, MO — April 25, 2025, Four people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 11:05 P.M. on Dillion Road.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left four people injured during the morning hours of April 25th. According to official reports, two adults were traveling in a Toyota Avalon on Hillsboro Valley Park in the northbound lanes, when for unknown reasons the vehicle failed to stop at a stop-sign at the intersection with Dillion Road and was struck by an eastbound Buick Lacrosse.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that both occupants in the Toyota, as-well-as the occupants of the Buick, an adult and child, had sustained serious injuries and were transported to the hospital. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the identity and status of those injured, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

In intersection crashes where a vehicle reportedly fails to stop at a stop sign and another vehicle strikes it, many assume the cause is obvious. But in serious collisions like this—especially those resulting in injuries to multiple people including a child—it's essential that investigators go beyond surface-level explanations. Understanding what actually happened at the intersection of Hillsboro Valley Park and Dillion Road begins with three fundamental questions.

First, was the scene investigated thoroughly and objectively? Intersections require careful analysis, especially in cases involving a failure to stop. Investigators should evaluate whether the stop sign was clearly visible and unobstructed, whether road markings were sufficient, and whether any environmental or visual factors—such as lighting conditions, vegetation, or road design—could have contributed to the Toyota Avalon not stopping. It's also important to determine the speeds and positions of both vehicles leading up to the crash to assess whether either driver had an opportunity to avoid the collision.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect may have contributed to the crash? If the Avalon failed to stop, it’s critical to determine whether the driver attempted to brake and the vehicle simply didn’t respond. Brake system failures, problems with throttle control, or malfunctioning driver-assist systems could all result in a situation where the vehicle behaves unpredictably at a critical moment. In addition, if either vehicle’s safety systems did not perform as expected—such as airbag deployment, seatbelt function, or child restraint effectiveness—those issues should be examined as part of the injury severity analysis.

Third, has all available electronic data been gathered from both vehicles? Modern cars like the Toyota Avalon and Buick Lacrosse are typically equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) that record key crash-related information: vehicle speed, throttle position, brake use, and steering input in the seconds before impact. This data can confirm whether the Avalon attempted to stop, whether the Buick was accelerating or braking, and how both vehicles behaved as the crash unfolded. Dash cams, traffic cameras, or surveillance footage from nearby properties can provide additional visual context to support the electronic data.

When multiple people are seriously injured, particularly in a crash involving a child, it is vital that the investigation seek to uncover every contributing factor. These three questions—about the completeness of the scene analysis, the functionality of vehicle systems, and the availability of electronic data—form the foundation for getting a full and accurate understanding. Only by addressing each can we ensure that no critical piece of the puzzle is left unexamined.