Jefferson County, MO — February 14, 2025, One person was killed and another was injured in a car accident that occurred at around 2:25 P.M. on Missouri 30.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left two people injured during the afternoon hours of February 14th. According to official reports, an Acura was traveling in the eastbound lanes of Missouri 30 at Missouri B when they reportedly failed to stop at a red light where it then struck a Chevy Cobalt.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the drivers of both vehicles had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment, where the Cobalt driver later succumbed to their injuries. At this time it remains unknown what caused the Acura to run the red light, and the identities of those involved have not been released, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may emerge in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators are able to provide clear answers for the loved ones of those involved. A collision caused by one vehicle reportedly running a red light may seem straightforward, but in my experience, crashes like these are often more complex than they first appear. To truly understand what happened, three critical questions must be asked.

First, have authorities thoroughly investigated the crash? Law enforcement will typically document the scene, review any available traffic camera footage, and speak with witnesses to confirm what happened. However, deeper analysis is often necessary. Were there any visibility issues at the intersection that could have affected the driver’s ability to see the traffic signal? Did road conditions or unexpected obstacles play a role? A full accident reconstruction could provide additional clarity on whether the vehicle attempted to brake or if any external factors contributed to the crash.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect? When a driver runs a red light, it’s easy to assume it was due to distraction or misjudgment, but mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, stuck accelerators, or electrical issues—can also cause a vehicle to behave unpredictably. If a defect played a role, it’s critical that investigators examine the Acura before the vehicle is repaired or scrapped, as key evidence could be lost.

Third, has all electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Many modern vehicles store valuable information in their electronic control module (ECM), which may reveal whether the Acura driver attempted to brake before impact, how fast the vehicle was traveling, and if any mechanical issues were detected. Additionally, traffic cameras or surveillance footage from nearby businesses could provide further insights. If investigators fail to secure this evidence quickly, it may be lost, making it harder to determine exactly what happened.

At the end of the day, the families of those involved deserve to know exactly what led to this crash. If the official investigation leaves any gaps, independent experts may be needed to ensure that every possible factor is considered. Whether the cause was environmental, mechanical, or something else entirely, the community owes it to those affected to make sure all the facts come to light.