Ralls County, MO — May 1, 2025, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 2:28 P.M. on Highway P.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person injured during the afternoon hours of May 1st. According to official reports, an 85-year-old woman was traveling in a Buick Encore on Highway P in the southbound lanes when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the roadway where it struck a utility pole.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the driver had sustained fatal injuries and she was pronounced deceased. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the identity of the deceased, 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 leaves the roadway and strikes a fixed object—particularly in a single-vehicle crash resulting in a fatality—the need for a thorough investigation becomes even more urgent. In the May 1st crash on Highway P involving a Buick Encore, the early lack of explanation for why the vehicle lost control underscores the importance of asking three critical questions that can lead to real answers.

First, did investigators conduct a detailed review of the crash scene? In single-vehicle incidents like this, especially those involving an older driver, it’s crucial to assess every possible environmental factor. That includes road surface conditions, visibility, the presence and clarity of lane markings, and whether the roadway itself may have played a role in the vehicle’s departure. Skid marks, debris patterns, and the angle of impact with the utility pole can all help determine whether the vehicle drifted gradually or abruptly veered off course.

Second, has anyone explored the possibility of a mechanical or system failure in the vehicle? A sudden loss of control can stem from failures in steering, braking, or even stability control systems—issues that wouldn’t necessarily be visible without a technical inspection. Even a tire blowout or a compromised suspension component can cause a driver to lose control, particularly on a rural or less forgiving stretch of roadway. These mechanical factors are especially important to consider when the initial cause remains undetermined.

Third, has the electronic data from the vehicle been retrieved and reviewed? The Buick Encore is equipped with an electronic control module (ECM), which captures vital information such as vehicle speed, throttle position, brake usage, and steering input in the seconds leading up to a crash. This data is critical for determining whether the driver attempted to regain control or whether the vehicle’s systems failed to respond. Additional sources like surveillance footage, dash cams, or GPS-based route tracking can also help piece together what happened before the crash.

Single-vehicle crashes are often mischaracterized as simple mistakes, but that view can obscure deeper truths. By focusing on the condition of the road, the mechanical reliability of the vehicle, and the availability of electronic data, we begin to understand the real reasons behind the crash. These three questions not only guide a thorough investigation—they also ensure that those affected by the loss receive the answers they deserve.