De Valls Bluff, AR — November 25, 2024, William Kirkland was killed in a car accident at about midnight on U.S. Route 70.

Authorities said a 1998 Mercury Tracer was eastbound on U.S. Route 70 when it was unable to handle a curve in the road near Arkansas Highway 33. The vehicle struck an embankment after going off the south side of the road.

Driver William Kirkland, 72, was pronounced dead at the scene in Prairie County, according to authorities.

Authorities said the road was dry at the time of the crash.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

A crash like this seems simple, so my first thought when reading about it is whether all the right questions are being asked to understand what happened. In single-vehicle crashes, it’s tempting to assume driver error is to blame, but that conclusion risks overlooking other critical factors. To get a complete picture, we need to consider three key questions: Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Has anyone explored the possibility of a vehicle defect? And has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected?

The first question is whether authorities conducted a comprehensive investigation. Crashes on curves often raise questions about the vehicle’s speed, the driver’s actions and the road conditions. While authorities noted that the road was dry, was the curve itself examined for design or maintenance issues? Sometimes, poorly marked or sharp curves can contribute to loss of control, especially at night. Investigators would also need to determine if the driver attempted to brake or swerve and whether there were any environmental factors, such as limited visibility or obstructions, that could have played a role. If these details weren’t fully examined, an independent review might be necessary to fill in the gaps.

The second important question is whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash. The car involved in this incident is an older vehicle, and with age comes the increased risk of mechanical failure. Was there an issue with the steering system, brakes or tires that prevented the car from negotiating the curve safely? Could something like worn suspension components or a sudden tire blowout have caused the loss of control? A forensic examination of the vehicle could provide these answers, but only if it’s preserved after the crash. Without such an analysis, critical evidence pointing to a mechanical failure could be overlooked.

The third question concerns the collection of electronic data. While a 1998 vehicle may not have an advanced event data recorder, other sources of data might still be available. Witness statements, surveillance footage or even data from nearby businesses or homes with security cameras could provide important context, such as the vehicle’s behavior before the crash or other potential factors. Additionally, if the driver had a cell phone, records might help establish whether distraction or a medical emergency played a role. Collecting this data promptly is essential to preserve vital information that might otherwise be lost.

Answering these three questions is essential to understanding what truly happened on U.S. Route 70 that night. The victim's deserves to know whether his death was influenced by factors beyond his control. By ensuring a thorough investigation, considering the potential for mechanical issues, and securing all available data, we can work toward uncovering the full story and providing clarity to those affected.