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Injury Crash on Westbound US-40 Near US-59 in Douglas County, KS

Lawrence, KS (March 23, 2026) – A two-vehicle car accident in Lawrence on westbound US-40 near milepost 385.5 sent one driver to the hospital Sunday morning at approximately 10:36 a.m., just 0.2 miles west of US-59 in Douglas County.

According to the crash report, Mark Denney, 47, of Ottawa, Kansas, was traveling westbound in a 2016 Toyota Camry when he attempted to make a U-turn. A 2021 Toyota Tacoma traveling directly behind him, driven by Matthew Brydenthal, 54, of Flagstaff, Arizona, was unable to avoid the turning vehicle and struck the driver’s side door of the Camry. Both vehicles came to rest in the middle of the westbound lanes of US-40.

Denney was injured in the crash and transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center for further care. Brydenthal was reported with no apparent injury. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the crash.

Both vehicles were removed from the scene by TLC Towing and Recovery and taken to a tow lot. The crash was investigated by unit K174 and was not a hit-and-run or police pursuit incident. The Kansas Highway Patrol is currently investigating the crash.

Our thoughts are with Mark Denney as he recovers, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Car Accidents in Kansas

Mark Denney Hurt in Car Accident in Lawrence on US-59Car crashes happen more often than many people expect. If you have experienced a car accident in Lawrence, you may be wondering why these incidents are so common. The truth is, several everyday factors increase the risk on Kansas roads, especially in busy areas like Lawrence.

Heavy Traffic and Growing Cities

Kansas cities continue to grow, and with that growth comes more traffic. A car accident in Lawrence is more likely during rush hour when roads are packed. More vehicles mean more chances for mistakes, especially at intersections and on highways.

Distracted Driving

One of the biggest reasons for a car accident in Lawrence is distracted driving. This includes texting, eating, or even adjusting the radio. Drivers who are not fully focused can easily miss signals or stop signs. Many crashes today are tied to distracted driving, making it a serious issue across Kansas.

Speeding and Risky Behavior

Speeding is another major cause of accidents. When drivers go too fast, they have less time to react. This often leads to rear-end crashes or worse. A car accident in Lawrence caused by speeding can result in more serious injuries and damage.

Weather Conditions

Kansas weather can change quickly. Rain, snow, and ice make roads slippery and harder to control. Even careful drivers can struggle in these conditions. Many cases involving a car accident in Lawrence happen during bad weather when visibility is low and stopping takes longer.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Some roads are simply more dangerous than others. Poor lighting, sharp turns, and heavy traffic patterns all increase risk. Areas known for dangerous roads can see repeated crashes over time.

Get Help After a Car Accident in Lawrence

If you have been hurt in a car accident in Lawrence, you do not have to face this alone. A car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight to protect them.

At Wallentine Injury Law, we understand how stressful this time can be. Jerry Wallentine built his career by learning from experienced attorneys and working closely with real clients facing real problems. Over the years, he has handled more than 1,000 cases and even served in the courtroom as a judge. That experience gives our team a clear understanding of how cases move forward and what it takes to get results. We focus on listening to your story and building a case that reflects your needs. You deserve someone who truly cares about your outcome. Call our team today for a free consultation at 913-934-6333.

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.

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