Car Accident on I-35 SB Near 95th St in Overland Park, KS

Overland Park, KS (January 2, 2026) – A car accident in Overland Park involving three vehicles left two drivers injured on Tuesday evening, January 2. The crash occurred at approximately 5:42 p.m. along southbound Interstate 35 near mile marker 223.7, just south of the 95th Street interchange.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, all vehicles involved were traveling southbound when a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt rear-ended a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta, pushing the Volkswagen into the rear of a 2012 Ford Escape. The Chevrolet veered off the roadway and came to rest in a ditch. The incident was investigated by unit K69.

The driver of the Chevrolet, 53-year-old Michelle Whitaker of Olathe, was transported to AdventHealth Shawnee Mission with reported injuries. The driver of the Volkswagen, 43-year-old Anne J. Mason from Overland Park, was also injured and taken to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. The driver of the Ford Escape, Eric O. Hansen from Edgerton, was not hospitalized and reported no apparent injuries.

Both damaged vehicles were towed from the scene by PK Logistics. There was no indication of a police pursuit or hit-and-run involved. Authorities are still reviewing the crash details to determine liability.

Our thoughts are with Michelle Whitaker and Anne J. Mason. We hope they recover quickly and fully from their injuries.

Car Accidents in Kansas

When a car accident in Overland Park occurs, victims are often left facing painful injuries, property damage, and insurance complications. According to recent statistics, thousands of crashes occur annually throughout Kansas, especially in high-traffic areas like Johnson County.

Many victims aren’t aware of the deadline to file a claim after a car accident in Overland Park. Missing this deadline could mean losing the right to seek damages altogether. It’s also common for insurance companies to use aggressive tactics to avoid fair settlements. When a car accident in Overland Park results in injury, understanding more about accidents and legal rights can make all the difference in your recovery journey.

Common Crash Causes in Kansas

There are many reasons why accidents take place here in Kansas. Some leading factors that contribute to crashes include:

• Distracted Driving: Cell phones, GPS devices, and even passengers are common distractions that take drivers’ focus off the road. Distracted driving significantly increases the chance of rear-end collisions, especially during rush hour.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating doesn’t give drivers enough time to brake if traffic slows suddenly. This is a leading cause of chain-reaction crashes on highways.
• Weather and Road Conditions: Rain, ice, or sudden lane merges on busy interstates can trigger multi-car collisions. Drivers must adjust speed and spacing to road conditions.
• Impaired Judgment: Fatigue, alcohol, or even aggressive driving behaviors reduce reaction time and decision-making ability, which can lead to serious wrecks.

Injuries Often Linked to Multi-Vehicle Crashes

Crashes involving multiple vehicles, like this car accident in Overland Park, can result in a wide range of injuries:

• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage: The sudden jolt of impact can cause significant back and neck injuries. These injuries can be long-lasting and require physical therapy.
• Concussions and Head Trauma: Even low-speed crashes can cause the brain to jolt inside the skull. Head injuries must be monitored closely for long-term effects.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Arms, ribs, and legs are commonly fractured when cars slam into each other, especially if seat belts pull tight or limbs strike interior surfaces.
• Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of a violent crash can include PTSD, anxiety, or fear of driving, which may impact daily life and relationships.

Legal Considerations for Victims

Victims involved in a car accident in Overland Park should be aware of their legal rights.  Knowing what to do after a car wreck is key, especially when dealing with complex fault determinations and insurance companies:

• Jury Trial Options: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, your case could go before a jury trial. Trials can bring justice, but require strong legal preparation.
• Fault and Comparative Negligence: Kansas applies a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you’re partly at fault.
• Insurance Disputes: Adjusters may try to minimize your injuries or offer lowball settlements. Having legal guidance is critical when fighting for fair compensation.
• Legal Deadlines: Kansas law imposes strict limits on how long you have to file a personal injury claim. Missing these deadlines could leave you without recourse.

Get Help After a Car Accident in Overland Park

You don’t have to go through this alone. After a crash, you deserve to have a car accident attorney who truly fights for you. At Wallentine Injury Law, we prioritize every client and give personal attention to every case. Our firm is led by Jerry Wallentine, a seasoned trial attorney with nearly two decades of experience representing injured victims in the Kansas City area and throughout Kansas.

Jerry is known for aggressive, truth-driven advocacy and has recovered millions for clients. He brings a calm but firm approach to negotiations, and when necessary, will take a case all the way to trial. When insurance companies try to deny or minimize your pain, we push back. Our team guides you from day one, from the accident scene to mediation or even trial, if needed. Let us handle the legal side while you focus on healing. Call 913-934-6333 today for your free consultation.

Notes: This article was written using available secondary sources regarding the reported accident. We have not independently verified every detail. If you notice any incorrect information, please contact Wallentine Injury Law right away so we can make prompt updates with the most accurate details available. We will also remove this post upon request.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to promote awareness of roadway dangers and encourage safer driving to help prevent serious injuries. This accident news article is not intended as a business solicitation, nor should it be taken as medical or legal guidance. The image used in this post does not depict the actual accident scene.