2010 Honda Odyssey accident in Mansfield, Missouri

Published by Dunk Law Firm

Published:

A Hartshorn man was seriously injured on Wednesday evening, October 28, in a crash on U.S. 60 about three miles east of Mansfield, Missouri, in Wright County. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened at approximately 7:35 p.m.

Investigators reported that the 47-year-old man had stopped to help at an earlier, unrelated crash. He parked his 2010 Honda Odyssey in the westbound lane with its hazard lights on. A westbound 2022 Ford box truck, driven by a 24-year-old Springfield man, struck the back of the parked Honda, according to the report.

The force of the impact pushed the Honda off the road and into a rock bluff. The Honda driver was flown by Mercy Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for treatment. The box truck driver was not listed as injured. The source does not state what caused the crash, and the investigation is ongoing as to the circumstances.

What Makes This Incident Different

According to reports, the injured man was not driving in traffic when he was hurt. He had stopped to help at another crash and had reportedly activated his hazard lights. The other vehicle was a commercial-style box truck, which can bring additional records and rules into play. Who may be responsible for a collision like this depends on facts that have not been reported and that only a full investigation can establish.

Questions Investigators May Examine

  • Investigators may examine how visible the parked vehicle was to approaching traffic, including lighting, the roadway, and sight lines.
  • Records may help clarify the box truck's speed and what the driver did before impact.
  • Investigators may look at who owned and operated the box truck and whether it was being used for work.
  • Reviewers may consider whether the earlier crash scene affected traffic flow or visibility in the area.
  • The evidence will determine whether any party bears responsibility, and in what proportion.

Evidence That May Need to Be Preserved

  • The Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report and any supplemental reports
  • Photos and video of the scene, the Honda, the box truck, and the rock bluff
  • Dashcam or other video from the box truck or passing vehicles, if any exists
  • Vehicle data, such as event data recorder information, from both vehicles
  • Driver and vehicle records for the box truck, if it was used for business, including any logs or maintenance files
  • 911 and dispatch records for both the earlier crash and this one
  • Air ambulance and hospital records, medical bills, and documentation of missed work
  • Names and statements of witnesses, including people who had stopped at the first crash

What Families Should Know

Serious injuries can bring large medical bills, time away from work, and long recovery periods. In Missouri, a personal injury lawsuit generally must be filed within five years of the injury, though exceptions and shorter deadlines can apply in some cases. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means that fault can be shared and a person's recovery may be reduced by their share, if any. Insurance companies may ask for recorded statements early on, and you may want to speak with a lawyer before giving one. Keep all medical records and bills, and avoid discussing the crash on social media.

How Dunk Law Firm Can Help

If you or a family member was hurt in a crash involving a box truck or another commercial vehicle in Missouri, Dunk Law Firm can review what happened, help preserve important evidence, and explain your options. We can also help you understand insurance issues and communicate with insurers on your behalf. Contact Dunk Law Firm to talk about your situation.

This post is based on publicly available news reports and is provided for general information only. It is not legal advice.