Pulaski County, MO — April 3, 2025, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 4:50 P.M. on Red Wing Rd.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person injured during the afternoon hours of April 3rd. According to official reports, a Chevy Spark was traveling on Red WIng Rd. near Red Oak Rd. in the southbound lanes, when for unknown reasons the vehicle drove into the path of a Dodge pickup resulting in a collision.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the driver of the Chevy had 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 identity and status of the Chevy driver, 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 into the path of another—especially in a head-on or near head-on configuration—the causes are not always immediately apparent and require careful evaluation. In this April 3rd crash on Red Wing Road near Red Oak Road, where a Chevy Spark reportedly entered the path of a Dodge pickup, resulting in serious injuries to the Chevy driver, the investigation should begin with three essential questions: (1) Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? (2) Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused or contributed to the crash? (3) Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?

First, the circumstances surrounding how and why the Chevy Spark veered into oncoming traffic must be determined. Investigators should examine road conditions, signage, and any potential obstructions or sudden changes that may have prompted a steering response. If the movement into the other lane was abrupt, it may suggest either a reaction to an obstacle or a sudden loss of control—both of which require scene documentation and potential witness statements to confirm.

Mechanical failure is another possibility that should not be overlooked. A malfunction in the steering or braking system, suspension problems, or even a tire failure could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The Chevy Spark should be subjected to a full mechanical inspection to assess whether it was operating within safe limits at the time of the crash. Any prior repair history, maintenance gaps, or open recalls should also be reviewed.

Finally, the electronic control module (ECM) from the Chevy Spark may provide critical insights into the moments before the crash. This data could include speed, throttle input, braking effort, and steering actions—details that can help establish whether the driver attempted to avoid the crash and whether the vehicle responded as expected. Prompt retrieval of this data is essential to ensure it is preserved accurately.

Until these three core questions are answered, the cause of the crash remains unclear. A full investigation that includes scene analysis, mechanical review, and electronic data collection is necessary to determine what happened and whether any correctable issues contributed to the collision. This process is vital for establishing accountability and identifying steps that may help prevent similar incidents in the future.