Maries County, MO — September 22, 2025, One person was killed and one was injured in a car accident that occurred at around 6:13 P.M. on US 63.
According to reports, a Dodge Ram 3500 operated by a 35-year-old man was traveling southbound on US 63 near Highway 68 when it crossed the dividing line and struck a Ford F-150 head-on.
When first responders arrived on the scene they found the 65-year-old female Ford passenger fatally injured and pronounced her deceased, while the 69-year-old male driver was injured and taken to the hospital. It is unclear if any charges or citations have been filed, and officials have not released any updates on the investigation’s status.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Head-on collisions are among the most devastating types of crashes, and when one vehicle crosses the center line, the first instinct is to assume the driver simply drifted. But that explanation doesn’t always capture the full story, and a careful investigation is needed to uncover why such a catastrophic event occurred.
1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
When a pickup crosses into oncoming traffic, investigators should reconstruct the truck’s path in detail. That means analyzing tire marks, steering evidence, and vehicle positions to determine whether the driver swerved suddenly, drifted gradually, or attempted to correct before impact. Without this level of reconstruction, the reasons behind the lane departure remain uncertain.
2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
A Dodge Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty truck, and sudden mechanical issues could have catastrophic results. A steering failure, brake malfunction, or tire blowout might cause the driver to lose control with little chance to recover. Unless the truck is closely inspected, the possibility of a mechanical or electronic defect remains open—and if overlooked, the wrong conclusion could be drawn about why the crash occurred.
3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Both the Ram and the Ford F-150 likely carry event data recorders that log speed, braking, and steering input in the seconds before impact. That information could show whether the Dodge driver attempted to slow or steer before crossing the center line. Phones, GPS systems, or nearby cameras might also provide valuable insight. If this evidence isn’t secured, investigators are left with incomplete answers.
Head-on collisions don’t happen without a cause. The difference between knowing and guessing lies in whether investigators take the time to pursue every possibility and preserve the evidence before it’s gone.
Takeaways:
- It’s unclear whether investigators reconstructed the Dodge Ram’s full path before crossing the line.
- A tire, steering, or brake failure in the Ram could have played a role but may not yet be ruled out.
- Data from both vehicles, along with digital records, could provide vital clarity if reviewed.
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