Mountain View, AR — December 5, 2024, Virginia Bigalke was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 8:47 A.M. on SH 14.
An investigation is underway into a car accident that left one person dead during the morning hours of December 5th. According to official statements, Bigalke was travelling in her Ford Escape in the eastbound lanes of SH 14 and was turning left, when the Ford was struck in the front by a Dodge Charger resulting in significant damage to both vehicles.
When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Bigalke had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased, and the driver of the Charger was transported to the hospital. At this time authorities have not released any further details from the accident, including which vehicle is deemed to be “at-fault”, the status of the Dodge driver’s injuries, and if any charges or citations have been filed.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about accidents like the one on State Highway 14, my thoughts are with the loved ones left behind, grappling with the sudden loss and unanswered questions. Understanding the factors that led to this collision is essential not only for closure but also for ensuring accountability and learning from the incident. To achieve that, a thorough investigation must address three key questions.
First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Intersection-related collisions, like this one, are particularly complex and require careful accident reconstruction to determine how and why the vehicles collided. Investigators should examine whether proper visibility, traffic controls, or other roadway conditions contributed to the crash. Additionally, it’s critical to assess whether either driver had enough time and space to avoid the collision, or whether external factors made it unavoidable. Ensuring these elements are part of the investigation is crucial to understanding what occurred.
Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? While many assume such crashes result solely from human error, mechanical issues can also play a role. For example, if the Ford Escape experienced a braking failure or the Dodge Charger had a steering malfunction, these defects could have influenced the outcome. Preserving both vehicles for detailed forensic examination is essential to identifying whether any mechanical or design flaws contributed to the collision.
Third, has all electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Both vehicles involved in this collision are likely equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs), which can provide valuable data about speed, braking, and steering inputs before the crash. Additionally, nearby traffic cameras or surveillance footage could provide visual evidence of the crash sequence. Finally, any electronic devices present, such as cell phones, should be reviewed to determine whether distractions played a role. Collecting this data promptly is vital to preserving the most accurate picture of the events leading up to the collision.
For the deceased’s family and the injured driver of the Dodge Charger, these unanswered questions represent more than just details—they’re key to understanding what happened and why. Thoroughly addressing these areas is not only about uncovering the truth but also about ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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