Pemiscot County, MO — January 24, 2025, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 11:53 A.M. on MO 84.
An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person injured during the morning hours of January 24th. According to official reports, a Chevy Impala was traveling on MO 84 near I-55 when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and went off road, colliding with a pole.
When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the driver had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital via helicopter for treatment. At this time it remains unknown what caused the vehicle to lose control as well as the status of the driver, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Single-vehicle crashes like this often lead people to assume that driver error was the sole cause, but that’s not always the case. Before reaching any conclusions, it’s important to take a step back and ensure that the investigation covers all possible factors. There are three key questions that must be asked to get a full understanding of what happened.
The first question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. While law enforcement will typically document the scene and file a report, the level of detail in these investigations can vary. Did they examine the roadway for hazards like debris, potholes, or slick conditions that could have contributed? Were any witnesses interviewed? Did they check to see if another vehicle may have been involved but left the scene? Without a careful review, critical details can be missed, making it harder to determine the true cause of the crash.
Next, has anyone considered the possibility of a vehicle defect? People often overlook mechanical failures as a cause of single-vehicle crashes, but issues like brake failure, steering malfunctions, or tire blowouts can cause a driver to lose control without warning. Many of these problems don’t leave obvious signs at the crash scene, meaning they can go unnoticed unless someone takes the time to investigate further. If no one looks into this possibility, an important piece of the puzzle could be left out.
Finally, has all available electronic data been collected? The vehicle’s engine control module (ECM) may hold valuable information about speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to the crash. Additionally, nearby surveillance cameras, traffic cameras, or dash cam footage from other vehicles could provide more context about what happened. If this evidence isn’t preserved quickly, it may become inaccessible, making it even harder to get a complete picture.
Situations like this leave many unanswered questions, and the injured driver deserves real answers. Ensuring that every potential factor is considered isn’t just about explaining what happened—it’s about making sure that nothing important is overlooked so that those affected can move forward with the full facts in hand.
