Nodaway County, MO — January 29, 2025, Two people were killed following a car accident that occurred at around 3:50 P.M. on US 136.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left two people dead during the afternoon hours of January 29th. According to official reports, an Acura was traveling on Route E in the southbound lanes and disregarded a stop-sign for US 136 as a Cadillac sedan was driving in the eastbound lanes of 136, and a Chevy pickup was stopped at a stop sign at the Route MM & 136 intersection.

The Acura, having not stopped at the stop sign, went through the intersection and and struck the driver's side of the Cadillac, causing it to the strike the pickup. When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the Cadillac driver sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased, and the driver of the Acura sustained serious injuries and taken to the hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries. This remains an ongoing investigation, and thus far authorities have not released the identities of those involved, though more details of the accident may come forward in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Whenever I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators can determine exactly what led to the accident. At first glance, it may seem like a simple case of a driver running a stop sign, but experience has shown me that these incidents are often more complex than they appear. Instead of making assumptions, it’s critical to ask three key questions to ensure a full and accurate understanding of what happened.

The first question is whether authorities have conducted a thorough investigation of the crash. Law enforcement officers work hard to document accident scenes, but their primary focus is often clearing the roadway and ensuring public safety rather than conducting a detailed forensic analysis. A complete investigation should include accident reconstruction, an evaluation of sightlines at the intersection, and a determination of whether the stop sign was visible and properly placed. Investigators should also consider whether road conditions, sun glare, or other external factors could have contributed to the driver of the Acura failing to stop. If authorities assume this was simply a case of driver error without exploring other potential causes, they may overlook key details.

The second question that must be asked is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect contributing to the crash. While running a stop sign is typically seen as a driver mistake, it’s important to consider whether a mechanical failure—such as brake failure, an issue with the accelerator, or a problem with the vehicle’s electronic systems—played a role. If the Acura’s driver attempted to stop but the vehicle did not respond, that would significantly change the understanding of what happened. Unfortunately, vehicle defects are often overlooked unless someone specifically investigates them, and if the vehicle is scrapped or repaired too soon, crucial evidence may be lost.

The third question is whether all available electronic data related to the crash has been collected. Most modern vehicles, including the Acura, Cadillac, and Chevy pickup involved in this crash, are equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) that store critical data such as speed, braking inputs, and steering adjustments leading up to the crash. This information can help determine whether the Acura’s driver attempted to stop or if the vehicle experienced an issue. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, as well as any dashcam recordings, could provide valuable context. Too often, this kind of electronic evidence is overlooked, and once it’s lost, it’s gone forever.

At the end of the day, crashes like this demand a careful and thorough investigation. It’s not enough to assume that running the stop sign was simply a mistake without considering all possible contributing factors. The families of those involved deserve clear answers, not assumptions. Ensuring that these three critical questions are fully explored is the best way to uncover the truth and, if necessary, prevent similar accidents in the future.