Kansas City, MO – Semi and SUV Crash on I-435 Critically Injures One

Kansas City, MO (November 21, 2025) – A serious crash between a semi-truck and an SUV shut down the westbound lanes of Interstate 435 in Kansas City’s Northland on Friday morning, November 21. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that the collision happened around 9:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes just past Missouri Highway 291.

Emergency crews arrived quickly and found major damage involving both vehicles. Troopers confirm that at least one person suffered critical injuries in the crash, though officials have not released details about the victim’s identity or the full number of people involved. First responders provided urgent medical care on scene before transporting the severely injured victim for further treatment.

The impact forced authorities to close Interstate 435 westbound for roughly two hours as investigators examined the crash site, documented debris patterns, and worked to clear the roadway. Traffic backed up for several miles while crews worked through the busy morning hours. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the semi-truck and SUV collision. 

Our thoughts are with the critically injured victim, and we hope for a full and steady recovery. 

Semi-Truck Accidents in Missouri

Semi-truck accidents continue to be a major concern on Missouri highways, especially on busy routes where traffic moves quickly and lanes fill with commuters, commercial trucks, and local drivers. Large trucks require more time and distance to stop, turn, or correct mistakes, and any sudden change in roadway conditions can lead to a serious crash. 

Several factors commonly contribute to semi-truck crashes across Missouri:

• Driver fatigue, which affects many long-haul truckers who spend long hours on the road. Fatigue slows reaction time and makes it harder for drivers to make quick, safe decisions.
• Distracted driving, including texting, navigation adjustments, and reaching for objects inside the cab. Even a brief distraction can cause a truck to drift or miss slowing traffic ahead.
• Speeding or traveling too fast for conditions, especially during heavy traffic or sudden congestion. Semi-trucks require a much longer stopping distance than passenger vehicles.
• Blind spots, which exist on all sides of large trucks. Smaller vehicles traveling in these no-zone areas can become hidden from the driver’s view, increasing the risk of a collision.
• Brake or equipment failure, which can happen when trucking companies fail to maintain their fleets. Worn brakes, bad tires, or faulty coupling systems can cause catastrophic accidents.
• Improper lane changes or merging, particularly on highways like I-435 where ramps, exits, and changing speeds create unpredictable movement.
• Weather conditions, including rain, fog, or icy patches, which make it harder for truck drivers to maintain control or bring their vehicle to a stop.
• Cargo shifting, which can cause a semi to become unstable, especially during sharp turns or sudden braking.

When a semi-truck is involved, any one of these factors can turn a simple mistake into a devastating crash that affects multiple lanes of traffic. Accident investigations often take time because troopers must review driver logs, onboard truck data, road conditions, and witness statements to determine exactly what caused the collision.

Victims of semi-truck crashes often face major challenges, including medical bills, vehicle loss, and long-term recovery needs. Many individuals and families choose to work with a truck accident lawyer to understand their rights, protect their financial future, and pursue compensation from the responsible parties. An attorney can gather evidence, negotiate with trucking companies and insurers, and fight for the support victims need to rebuild their lives.

If you or someone you love was injured in a semi-truck accident in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, we are here to help. At Wallentine Injury Law, we stand beside crash victims and work tirelessly to protect their rights. 

Our team of attorneys can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call Wallentine Injury Law at (913) 934-6333 for a free and confidential consultation today.

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 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.