Clay, MO – One Killed, One Seriously Hurt in Head-On Crash on MO-92

Clay, MO (May 13, 2025) – Late Monday morning in Clay County, a head-on crash claimed the life of a woman and left another seriously injured. The collision happened around 10:13 a.m. on May 12 along the eastbound lanes of Missouri Route 92, just east of Highway A.

According to investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu was traveling westbound when it crossed the center line while cresting a hill. The Malibu collided head-on with an eastbound 2020 Nissan Sentra. The impact caused severe damage to both vehicles, which had to be towed from the scene by GT Tow out of Smithville.

The driver of the Malibu, a 34-year-old woman from Smithville, Missouri, was not wearing a seat belt and suffered fatal injuries. She was transported by EMS to Liberty Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased at 11:24 a.m. by Dr. Dan Hagard.

The 19-year-old woman driving the Nissan Sentra, a resident of Kearney, Missouri, sustained serious injuries. She had been wearing a seat belt and was also taken to Liberty Hospital for emergency treatment.

Multiple troopers and members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Major Crash Investigation Unit responded to the scene. The crash is marked as the 25th fatal accident within Troop A for 2025, resulting in the 28th fatality of the year.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the woman who lost her life, and we hope the injured driver makes a full recovery.

Car Accidents in Missouri

Missouri roads have seen a troubling rise in fatal crashes in recent years. In 2023, the Missouri Department of Transportation recorded more than 1,000 fatalities in motor vehicle accidents across the state. Rural roads—especially those with hills, limited shoulders, or passing restrictions—can be particularly dangerous. A momentary lapse in attention or a small misjudgment can quickly turn tragic on these kinds of roadways.

Head-on crashes are especially dangerous and often cause severe injuries. Below are some common causes that contribute to head-on collisions:

• Driver Fatigue: Fatigue can impair judgment and reaction time as severely as alcohol. Drivers may drift into oncoming traffic without realizing it, particularly on long or rural routes with few visual cues or traffic signals.
• Passing on Hills or Curves: Attempting to pass other vehicles on a hill or curve where visibility is limited significantly raises the risk of a head-on crash. In many cases, drivers misjudge the timing or do not see oncoming traffic until it’s too late.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting controls, or reaching for items can lead a driver to drift across the center line. Even a brief glance away from the road can cause a devastating impact in two-lane highway scenarios.
• Poor Weather or Road Conditions: Rain, fog, or slick roads can affect both visibility and vehicle control. Combined with a hill crest or sharp curve, this creates an especially dangerous environment.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash like this, contact our Clay wrongful death attorney at Wallentine Injury Law today. Taking legal action early is key. Insurance companies often act quickly, and evidence like crash data or witness statements can be lost over time. An attorney can help preserve your rights and ensure your voice is heard during such a difficult period.

At Wallentine Injury Law, we are committed to helping families find answers and justice. Our firm offers free consultations, and we are here to guide you through every step with compassion and clarity. We understand that loss and injury can change lives forever, and we’re here to lighten the load. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, insurance complications, or legal questions, we’ll work closely with you to provide the answers you need. Reach out to our team by calling 913-934-6333. There’s no charge for your first conversation with us, and no obligation to move forward unless it’s right for you.

Notes: Our writers utilized secondary sources when writing this news article about an accident. We have not independently reviewed all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, please get in touch with Wallentine Injury Law, LLC right away if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will update the post with the most accurate information currently available.  A post will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: We hope that by raising awareness about driving hazards, drivers will be more cautious when operating a motor vehicle and avoid being seriously injured in a collision. This accident news post is not a business solicitation. The content of this post is not intended to serve as medical or legal advice. This post’s featured image was not captured at the accident scene depicted in the post.