Crystal City, MO – One Injured in Crash on S US 61 near Schmidt Rd
Crystal City, MO (January 16, 2026) – A crash involving two vehicles left an elderly driver injured on Wednesday, January 14, on southbound US Highway 61 (US 61) north of Schmidt Road in Jefferson County. The incident was reported around 1:16 p.m.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2016 Kia Soul was traveling southbound on US 61 when it was struck by another vehicle entering the roadway from the right shoulder. Investigators reported that the second vehicle had been stopped on the shoulder before pulling into traffic.
The impact caused the Kia Soul to overturn. The driver of the Kia, an 80-year-old man from Crystal City, suffered moderate injuries. He was taken to Mercy Hospital Jefferson by ambulance for treatment.
The second vehicle was identified as a 2023 Rivian Electric Delivery Van (EDV) operated by a 27-year-old man from Florissant. Authorities reported that the Rivian sustained moderate damage and was driven away from the scene. No injuries were reported for that driver.
Emergency units responded to assist at the scene and help with the injured driver. The crash caused temporary disruption as crews worked to clear the overturned vehicle and document the incident.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding contributing factors. The crash remains under investigation as officials continue to review the circumstances.
Our thoughts remain with the injured driver as he continues to receive care and recover.
Safety Risks Following Commercial Vehicle Crashes
Crashes involving commercial vehicles often raise additional safety concerns, especially on high-speed highways like US 61 in Jefferson County. These types of vehicles, including delivery vans such as the 2023 Rivian EDV, are larger and heavier than passenger cars. When commercial vehicles enter traffic from the shoulder, the risk of serious injury increases due to limited space and reduced reaction time for other drivers.
Highway shoulders are intended for emergencies, not regular merging. When a vehicle pulls back into traffic from the shoulder, approaching drivers may not expect sudden movement. On busy routes used by both local drivers and commercial traffic, this can quickly lead to severe crashes, including rollovers.
When accidents like this happen, injured drivers often deal with medical care, appointments, and temporary changes to their daily lives. Recovery usually takes more time for older individuals, particularly those experiencing age-related changes. Keeping track of medical records and crash documentation is really key for handling insurance claims and making sure you get the right care.
A car accident attorney can help explain how these types of crashes differ from standard car accidents. Legal guidance can clarify insurance coverage, responsibility questions, and what types of compensation may be available based on the facts. Lawyers can also help organize records and explain next steps.
If you have questions after a crash involving a commercial vehicle, you can contact Dunk Law Firm at 414-209-4398. We have experience reviewing injury cases and explaining available options. You can speak with our attorneys to discuss possible actions after a highway accident.
Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. We have not independently verified all details of the incident. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Dunk Law Firm so we can promptly review and correct the content for accuracy and reliability.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship nor constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention and consult a qualified attorney. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the actual scene or parties involved in the incident.
