Lafayette Co., MO – Two Hurt in US 40 Crash Near Action Rd

Lafayette County, MO (May 9, 2025) – An afternoon crash along United States Highway 40 left two people injured following a collision involving a pickup truck and an SUV in Lafayette County on May 7.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the accident occurred at around 3:56 p.m., just east of Action Road. According to the investigation, a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox traveling southbound struck the passenger side of a westbound 2000 Chevrolet Silverado for reasons still being investigated by law enforcement officials. The force of the impact caused both vehicles to suffer total damage.

The Silverado was carrying two occupants at the time of the crash—a 28-year-old man from Odessa and a 16-year-old male juvenile from Bates City. Neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt, and both sustained minor injuries. They were transported by Odessa EMS to Centerpoint Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.

The Equinox was driven by a 65-year-old woman from Higginsville. She was not reported injured in the incident and was not wearing a seatbelt. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by towing services. Trooper B.A. Owens handled the crash investigation, with the support of local first responders.

We hope both injured individuals make a full and speedy recovery.

Car Accidents in Missouri

Accidents caused by failure to yield are a frequent issue on Missouri roadways. According to Missouri traffic data, over 18,000 crashes each year involve drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way. These crashes can occur at intersections, driveways, or highway entrances and are especially common in rural or semi-rural areas.

When someone is injured in a crash like this, several things should be kept in mind:

• Failure to Yield: This traffic violation often leads to T-bone collisions, which can be particularly dangerous depending on which side of the vehicle is struck. Right-of-way laws in Missouri are designed to reduce confusion at intersections, but misjudgments or inattention can quickly result in serious crashes.
• Unrestrained Occupants: Not wearing a seatbelt dramatically increases the risk of injury or death, even in low-speed crashes. Missouri law requires seatbelt use, and failure to use one can affect compensation in legal claims.
• Injured Passengers: When passengers are hurt, they may be eligible to file a claim for their injuries, even if the driver of their own vehicle is at fault. Passengers should always seek medical care and legal advice following a collision.
• Medical Treatment and Documentation: After any crash, getting a full medical evaluation is essential—even for minor injuries. Headaches, dizziness, or soreness can be signs of something more serious.
• Legal Liability: Determining who was at fault matters, especially when injuries are involved. Police reports and witness statements play a key role in sorting out responsibility.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, don’t wait to speak with a Lafayette County car accident attorney. Talking to an attorney early on ensures your rights are protected and that you aren’t pressured by insurance companies to settle for less than you deserve. At Wallentine Injury Law, we can help you gather evidence, assess medical needs, and understand your legal options. It’s always wise to have someone on your side after a serious collision.

At Wallentine Injury Law, we know how difficult the aftermath of a crash can be. That’s why we offer free consultations to injury victims across Missouri. Our team is committed to helping people understand their rights and move forward with confidence. We’ll take the time to get to know your situation and provide honest guidance on your legal options. If you’ve been injured, call us today at 913-934-6333. Let’s discuss your case and what comes next. We’re here to help you take that first step toward recovery.

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.