Omaha, NE — February 17, 2025, One person was killed and two were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 9:30 A.M. on West Dodge Road.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left one person dead and injured two others during the morning hours of February 17th. According to official reports, a Chevy pickup was travelling on West Dodge Road when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the roadway striking a guardrail, causing the vehicle to roll on its side.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that a 60-year-old woman was partially ejected from the vehicle and she had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased, wile a 60-year-old man and a child sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the 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

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators can provide clear answers for the loved ones of those involved. A vehicle losing control and overturning raises important questions about what led to the crash and whether anything could have been done to prevent it. While initial reports confirm what happened, they don’t necessarily explain why it happened. To truly understand the cause, three critical questions must be asked.

First, have authorities thoroughly investigated the crash? Law enforcement will typically document the scene, assess road conditions, and consider factors such as weather, traffic patterns, and visibility. However, deeper analysis is often necessary. Were there any hazards on West Dodge Road—such as black ice, standing water, or debris—that could have contributed to the vehicle losing control? Were there skid marks or other signs indicating an attempt to avoid something? A full accident reconstruction could help determine whether external conditions played a role.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect? People often assume that losing control is solely due to driver error, but mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or tire blowouts—can also cause a vehicle to veer off the road. Additionally, given that the vehicle rolled on its side, questions should be asked about whether its safety systems functioned as designed. If a defect played a role, it’s critical that the vehicle is examined before being scrapped or repaired, as key evidence could be lost.

Third, has all electronic data relating to the crash been collected? The electronic control module (ECM) in the Chevy pickup may contain crucial data, such as speed, braking attempts, and steering input in the moments leading up to the crash. Additionally, nearby traffic or surveillance cameras might have captured footage that provides further insights. If this evidence isn’t secured quickly, it may be lost, making it harder to determine exactly what led to the crash.

At the end of the day, the families of those involved deserve clear answers. 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 available evidence is carefully examined.