Lincoln County, MO — January 31, 2025, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 3:30 P.M. on Highway 79.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left two people injured during the afternoon hours of January 31st. According to official reports, a Dodge Ram was traveling on Highway 79 in the southbound lanes as a Kia Sorento was traveling north when for unknown reasons the Dodge crossed the center line and collided with the Kia. The collision caused the Dodge to rollover and the Kia to go off-road.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that both drivers had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time it remains unknown what caused the vehicle to lose control as well as the status of the drivers, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a vehicle crosses the center line and causes a crash, people often assume that distraction or driver error was the cause. However, my experience investigating crashes has shown me that the reality is often more complex. Before reaching any conclusions, it’s important to ensure that the investigation answers three key questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Law enforcement officers will likely document the scene, measure skid marks, and interview witnesses, but the depth of their investigation depends on available resources and training. Critical questions include: Was the Dodge Ram’s movement intentional, or did something force it across the center line? Were there road hazards, such as debris or poor pavement conditions, that contributed? Did investigators consider whether another vehicle’s actions led to the Dodge’s loss of control? Without a detailed reconstruction, these possibilities could be overlooked.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? A sudden loss of control raises important questions about mechanical failure. Did the Dodge experience a tire blowout, steering failure, or brake malfunction? Was there an issue with the electronic stability control system, which is designed to prevent rollovers? Additionally, since the crash resulted in the Dodge rolling over, it’s worth examining whether the vehicle’s design or condition contributed to its instability. Unfortunately, vehicle defects often go unexplored unless someone preserves the vehicle and conducts a forensic examination.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? The electronic control modules (ECMs) in both vehicles likely contain valuable data, including speed, steering input, and braking activity in the moments before impact. Additionally, nearby traffic or security cameras may have captured footage, and cell phone records could indicate whether distraction played a role. The problem is that this evidence doesn’t last forever—ECM data can be overwritten, surveillance footage is often deleted within days, and vehicles can be quickly repaired or totaled before a proper review is conducted. Securing this information quickly is essential to understanding what really happened.

At the end of the day, those injured in this crash deserve clear answers. When a vehicle unexpectedly crosses the center line, the least we can do as a community is ensure that every possible factor is considered so that those affected aren’t left wondering what caused the crash.