Stanton County, NE — May 12, 2025, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 4:30 P.M. on E. Benjamin Ave.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left two people injured during the afternoon hours of May 12th. According to official reports, an SUV operated by a 16-year-old driver with a 15-year-old passenger was traveling on East Benjamin Avenue in the eastbound lanes, near Highway 35, when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the roadway and struck a utility pole before then overturning.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the passenger had been ejected from the vehicle, and her and the driver both 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 status of their injuries, 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, strikes a fixed object, and overturns—particularly with an occupant ejected—it’s critical to determine the sequence of events and whether the outcome could have been mitigated. The May 12th crash on East Benjamin Avenue involving a 16-year-old driver and a 15-year-old passenger presents a high-impact incident that requires a focused investigation. To uncover what caused the loss of control and how the injuries occurred, three key questions must be addressed.

First, was the crash scene thoroughly documented to assess road conditions, vehicle path, and the nature of the impact? Investigators should evaluate whether the SUV encountered any contributing environmental factors such as wet pavement, road debris, sharp curves, or shoulder drop-offs that might have led to the driver losing control. Tire marks, impact angles, and the vehicle’s resting position will help reconstruct whether the SUV drifted gradually or abruptly veered off the road, and at what point the vehicle began to overturn.

Second, has the possibility of mechanical failure or safety system malfunction been considered? Sudden loss of control can sometimes stem from brake issues, steering problems, or tire blowouts. Given the rollover and ejection, investigators must also assess whether the SUV’s seatbelt systems and airbags functioned properly. The fact that a passenger was ejected raises serious questions about restraint usage or system effectiveness—both of which are critical to understanding injury severity and vehicle performance.

Third, has all available electronic data from the SUV been retrieved and reviewed? The vehicle’s electronic control module (ECM) can provide valuable pre-crash data, including speed, throttle input, brake activity, and steering commands. This information can confirm whether the driver attempted corrective action and how the SUV responded. If additional evidence such as dash cam footage or roadside surveillance is available, it may further clarify the timeline and verify witness accounts.

Single-vehicle crashes involving rollovers and ejections demand careful, fact-based analysis. These three questions—focused on the crash scene, vehicle condition, and digital data—form the foundation of a thorough investigation. For those injured and for broader traffic safety efforts, only a full understanding of what caused the crash can offer meaningful insights and guidance for prevention.