St. Louis County, MO — June 28, 2025, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 11:53 P.M. on Interstate 44.

According to reports, a Toyota Camry operated by a 27 year old woman, was stopped in the westbound lanes of Interstate 44 due to a previous accident, when it was struck by a westbound Ford Explorer near Mraz Lane.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found the Toyota driver fatally injured and she was pronounced deceased. No other injuries were reported, and the identity of the deceased has not been released.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a stationary vehicle is struck on a highway, the surface explanation often points to driver inattention. But the deeper concern is whether everything that could have prevented the crash—both human and mechanical—was functioning as it should have been.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
This type of collision, involving a stopped vehicle on a major roadway, demands a detailed reconstruction. Investigators should determine how long the Toyota was stationary, whether its lights were activated, and whether the driver of the Ford had enough time and distance to respond. Skid marks, impact angles, and any available traffic camera footage are critical pieces of that assessment. Without those elements, the root cause remains uncertain.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused or contributed to the crash?
The focus shouldn’t just be on why the Ford Explorer didn’t stop in time—it should also include whether any of its safety systems failed to activate. Modern vehicles often come equipped with collision warning and automatic emergency braking features. If those systems weren’t functioning or failed to engage, it’s important to understand why. A full mechanical and electronic inspection should be part of any investigation into this type of crash.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Vehicle data from both cars can confirm whether the Toyota was completely stopped, if hazard lights were on, and how the Ford responded leading up to the impact. Speed, braking effort, and steering inputs are key details in determining whether the crash was avoidable. Without this data, investigators may miss the opportunity to identify underlying issues with either vehicle’s operation or safety features.

When one vehicle is stopped and another collides with it at highway speed, assumptions won’t explain what really happened. Only a full review of the evidence and vehicle systems can provide that clarity.

Takeaways:

• Stopped-vehicle collisions require thorough review of visibility and driver response.
• Safety system performance should be evaluated in both vehicles.
• Electronic crash data can clarify actions taken and potential system failures.