Wappapello, MO — September 20, 2025, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 9:20 P.M. on MO-T.

According to reports, a Dodge Avenger operated by a 39-year-old man was traveling eastbound on MO-T when it ran a stop sign and struck a Chevy Silverado.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found the Dodge driver, as-well-as an 82-year-old female passenger in the Chevy, seriously injured and transported them to the hospital for treatment. It's unclear if any charges or citations have been filed, and officials have not released any updates on the status of the investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Collisions at intersections are often described as straightforward—one driver ran a stop sign, and the other was struck. But the real question is whether the investigation is being handled in a way that uncovers why the stop sign was missed and what factors contributed to the impact.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
In this type of collision, investigators should go beyond noting that a stop sign was disregarded. Did they analyze whether the Dodge Avenger braked at all before entering the intersection? Were vehicle speeds accurately measured? Reconstructing the point of impact and vehicle positions can help clarify whether this was inattention, a misjudgment, or something more unexpected. Without that work, the explanation remains incomplete.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Mechanical issues could also play a role in a stop sign violation. A brake failure, stuck throttle, or steering issue in the Dodge could have made it impossible for the driver to stop. On the other side, if the Chevy Silverado had any mechanical or electronic issues that affected its ability to avoid the crash, that too should be reviewed. Unless both vehicles are inspected closely, important information could be overlooked.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Both vehicles likely contain event data recorders that log speed, throttle, and braking inputs in the moments before the crash. Phones, GPS systems, or intersection cameras may also provide valuable evidence. If this data is not secured promptly, the chance to know exactly what happened may be lost.

An intersection crash may look simple on paper, but the causes are rarely that straightforward. Finding the full explanation requires asking the harder questions and preserving the evidence before it disappears.

Takeaways:

• It is unclear whether investigators reconstructed the Dodge’s approach to the stop sign.
• A possible brake or throttle failure in the Dodge may not yet be ruled out.
• Vehicle data and digital records could provide critical details if reviewed.