Laclede County, MO — July 5, 2025, One person was killed and nine were injured in a car accident that occurred around 6:00 P.M. on Hwy. 5.
According to reports, a Nissan Rogue with four occupants was traveling north on Highway 5 near Lake Shore Drive, when it hydroplaned on wet roads causing it to cross into the southbound lanes where it was struck by a Ford F-150.
When first responders arrived on-scene they found a 27-year-old woman from the NIssan critically injured along with two others who were seriously injured. Two from the Ford sustained serious injuries, and two others, along with one from the Nissan suffered minor injuries. All occupants were taken to the hospital where the 27-year-old later succumbed to her injuries. This remains an ongoing investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When a vehicle hydroplanes and crosses into oncoming traffic, especially with multiple people injured and a fatality involved, the explanation of “wet roads” isn’t the end of the story—it’s the starting point. Crashes like this demand a closer look at what truly caused the loss of control and whether it could have been avoided.
1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
In a crash involving lane crossover and multiple injuries, investigators should be reconstructing the vehicle’s path with precision. That includes documenting pre-impact movement, determining vehicle speeds, and evaluating driver responses leading up to the hydroplane. It’s also important to know whether the investigating team had the time, training, and resources to capture those details—especially in a crash involving multiple vehicles and a complex collision sequence.
2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
While road conditions may have played a role, mechanical issues can easily turn a manageable situation into a disaster. Worn tires, malfunctioning anti-lock brakes, or problems with the stability control system can increase the chances of hydroplaning and reduce the vehicle’s ability to recover. Unless the Nissan Rogue was carefully inspected after the crash, it’s possible that a defect contributed to the loss of control—and was never identified.
3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Both the Nissan and the Ford likely stored critical data in the moments before and during the crash—vehicle speed, steering angle, braking input, and whether stability systems were activated. This information can help determine whether the vehicles responded as expected and whether the drivers had any chance to avoid the collision. GPS and phone records may also provide insight into activity or distraction. If this data wasn’t captured promptly, vital evidence may already be gone.
A crash like this isn’t just a matter of unfortunate timing—it’s a chain of events, and each link needs to be examined. Real answers depend on looking beyond the obvious.
Takeaways:
- Crossover crashes must be thoroughly reconstructed to understand vehicle paths and driver actions.
- Tire condition, braking systems, and electronic stability controls should be closely inspected after a hydroplane.
- Electronic vehicle data offers essential insight into how both vehicles behaved before and during impact.
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