Platte County, MO — May 8, 2025, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 6:15 A.M. on Interstate 29.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left two people injured during the morning hours of May 8th. According to official reports, a vehicle with two occupants was traveling in the area of Interstate 29 and Interstate 635 when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the roadway where it struck a guardrail.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the 46-year-old female driver had sustained serious injuries and a 46-year-old male passenger suffered minor injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including what caused the vehicle to lose control, 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 loses control and strikes a guardrail—particularly on or near a high-speed interchange like Interstate 29 and Interstate 635—the causes can be complex and may not be immediately apparent. In the May 8th crash that resulted in serious injuries to the driver and minor injuries to a passenger, determining the reason for the loss of control is essential for understanding the crash and preventing future incidents. To that end, investigators must begin by addressing three key questions.

First, was the crash scene fully documented to determine the vehicle’s path and the conditions leading up to the impact? Investigators should assess whether the interchange area presented any design challenges, including sudden curves, merging lanes, or inconsistent signage. Road surface conditions—such as oil, water, or debris—may also have contributed. Tire marks, the angle of the impact with the guardrail, and the final resting position of the vehicle are all critical pieces of evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Second, has the possibility of a mechanical failure or system malfunction been considered? A sudden departure from the roadway could indicate problems with the steering mechanism, brake system, or electronic stability control. Investigators should inspect the vehicle to determine whether a tire blowout or component failure could have limited the driver’s ability to maintain control. In a crash that leads to serious injuries, it’s also necessary to evaluate whether safety systems—such as airbags and seatbelts—functioned as designed.

Third, has all relevant electronic data from the vehicle been retrieved and analyzed? The vehicle’s electronic control module (ECM) can provide detailed information about the moments leading up to the crash, including speed, braking input, throttle activity, and steering commands. This data helps determine whether the driver attempted corrective actions and how the vehicle responded. If available, nearby traffic cameras or dash cams may also provide visual confirmation of what occurred.

Crashes that occur at or near major highway interchanges often involve multiple contributing factors, and a complete investigation must consider the scene, the vehicle’s mechanical condition, and the digital evidence available. By answering these three questions, investigators can move from speculation to a clear, evidence-based understanding of what happened—and what may be needed to help prevent similar incidents in the future.