Jefferson County, MO — July 11, 2025, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 12:35 P.M. on US-67.

According to official reports, a Ford Escape was stopped on Montauk Drive at the intersection with US-67, when it failed to yield to traffic and turned onto US-67, striking a Dodge Grand Caravan.

When first responders arrived at the scene they found the Ford driver had sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital along with the Dodge driver who sustained minor injuries. This is an ongoing investigation, and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a vehicle pulls into a major roadway and ends up in a collision, it’s easy to focus on the failure to yield. But that’s just the starting point. The real work is in understanding what led to the decision—and whether any part of the vehicle's performance played a role.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
This kind of crash demands a full reconstruction of vehicle timing and movement. Investigators should determine how the Ford Escape approached the intersection, whether the driver misjudged the gap, or if the vehicle’s response time was delayed. The point of impact, speed of both vehicles, and any attempts to avoid the collision all help clarify what actually happened. If these details weren’t captured thoroughly at the scene, important elements may already be missing from the picture.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
A failure to yield doesn’t always mean the driver made a poor decision. If the Escape had a problem with throttle response, braking, or steering, it could have contributed to the misjudgment or hindered any attempt to correct the move. In low-speed, high-pressure maneuvers like intersection turns, any delay or malfunction can make the difference between a close call and a collision. Without a mechanical inspection, those factors could be overlooked entirely.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Both vehicles likely hold electronic records showing speed, brake application, and steering input before impact. This data can help confirm whether the Ford driver tried to stop or adjust before the crash—and whether the vehicle responded as expected. GPS or mobile phone data might also provide helpful context about driver attention or timing. Collecting this data early is crucial, as it can disappear or be overwritten if not preserved.

In any crash involving a failure to yield, the full story isn’t just about who turned and when. It’s about what each vehicle did—and whether it could have done something different.

Takeaways:

• Intersection crashes must be thoroughly reconstructed to evaluate timing, visibility, and driver action.
• Mechanical issues affecting control during turning maneuvers must be ruled out through inspection.
• Vehicle and device data can confirm system performance and reaction leading up to impact.