St. Louis County, MO — April 28, 2025, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 8:10 A.M. on I-255.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person injured during the morning hours of April 28th. According to official reports, an SUV was traveling on Interstate 255 in the eastbound lanes near Missouri 231, when for unknown reasons the vehicle struck the rear of a Ford F-250, causing it to leave the roadway and strike a concrete barrier.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that an occupant of the Ford 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 what caused the collision, or the identities of those involved, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a rear-end collision sends a large vehicle like a Ford F-250 off the roadway and into a concrete barrier, resulting in serious injuries, the investigation must go beyond simply documenting that a crash occurred. On highways like Interstate 255, where traffic moves at high speeds, determining what caused such a significant impact starts with three critical questions that every serious crash investigation must answer.

First, was a detailed investigation of the crash scene conducted? Investigators should evaluate the traffic flow at the time of the crash, including whether the F-250 was slowing, stopped, or moving at a consistent speed when struck. The physical damage to both vehicles, skid marks, and the position of the vehicles following impact can help reconstruct how fast the SUV was traveling and whether there was any attempt to avoid the crash. The roadway conditions near Missouri 231—including visibility, lane shifts, or signage—may also help explain why the collision occurred and whether anything contributed to the SUV striking the rear of the truck.

Second, has there been any inquiry into whether a mechanical issue in either vehicle played a role? While rear-end collisions are frequently attributed to driver inattention, there are cases where a failure in braking, acceleration control, or steering systems can limit a driver’s ability to react. In addition, how the Ford F-250 responded to the impact—particularly whether the truck's frame, seats, and restraint systems performed as intended—can affect the severity of the injuries sustained. These elements should be assessed to determine whether mechanical or safety system failures contributed to the crash or its outcome.

Third, has all relevant electronic data been collected from both vehicles? The SUV and the Ford F-250 likely contain electronic control modules (ECMs) that store key crash-related data—such as speed, throttle position, braking effort, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to the collision. That information is vital in determining whether the SUV attempted to slow down, whether the F-250 was accelerating or decelerating, and how the vehicles were interacting just before the crash. Any nearby traffic cameras or dash cams can also help fill in gaps and provide a visual timeline of events.

Rear-end crashes may seem routine, but when they result in serious injuries and involve heavy vehicles, the stakes are much higher. By answering these three questions—about the scene, the condition of the vehicles, and the availability of electronic data—investigators can ensure that the cause is fully understood and that any contributing factors are not overlooked. For those injured, that kind of thorough investigation is not only warranted—it’s essential.