Greene County, MO — August 20, 2025, three people were injured in a truck accident at about 4:20 p.m. on State Route CC south of Brighton.
Authorities said a 2020 Lincoln Corsair was heading west when it drifted off the road and crashed into a 2016 Freightliner tow truck. The SUV caught fire after the collision.
The Lincoln’s driver, a 31-year-old Buffalo woman, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report, while her passengers, a 22-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man, suffered moderate injuries.
No other injuries were reported.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Greene County crash at this time.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When people read about a crash like this, the first question is usually, how does something like that happen? Was the SUV driver distracted? Was there a mechanical failure? Did another vehicle run her off the road? Those are the right questions to be asking, because until we understand why the vehicle left the road in the first place, we won’t really know who’s responsible.
At first glance, this may seem like a single-vehicle crash where the SUV caused its own harm. But that conclusion may be premature. Depending on whether the tow truck was parked or moving, and where it was at the time, very different legal questions arise. For instance, if the truck was actively working on the roadside, was it clearly marked and safely positioned? If it was stopped in a live lane, that changes the analysis entirely.
The key to understanding a crash like this lies in the evidence. Vehicle black boxes (ECMs), dash cams and even cell phone records can all help paint a fuller picture of what led up to the impact. Was the SUV’s driver braking or accelerating? Did she swerve at the last second to avoid something? Did the tow truck pull out unexpectedly into her path? Right now, we don’t know.
It’s also worth asking whether visibility or road conditions played a role. Did a curve, hill or blind spot make it harder to see the truck? Was the sun in the driver’s eyes, or was the road wet? None of these factors automatically excuse what happened, but they’re part of a real investigation.
In my experience, the official version of events often leaves out important details. That’s why it’s essential for families affected by serious crashes to get answers through an independent investigation. That means gathering every shred of data — photos, diagrams, measurements, even maintenance records — and letting the evidence speak for itself. Without that, people are left guessing, and that’s no way to get to the truth.
Key Takeaways:
- It’s not yet clear why the SUV left the roadway or whether the tow truck was parked or moving at the time of the crash.
- Important evidence — like ECM data, dash cams and cell phone records — will help determine what really happened.
- Road conditions and visibility may be relevant factors, but they can’t be evaluated without a full investigation.
- Depending on the truck’s position and activity at the time, different parties could bear responsibility.
- Independent investigations are critical when the initial report leaves key questions unanswered.
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