Leeton, MO – Teen Injured in Three-Vehicle Crash on NW 400 Rd

Leeton, MO (April 16, 2025) – A teenage driver was injured in a three-vehicle crash that occurred at around 5:13 p.m. on April 15. The collision involved a Jeep Cherokee, a Ford F-150, and a Chrysler 200. At least one person, identified as a 16-year-old from Leeton, suffered injuries and was taken for further treatment by private transportation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the scene at NW 400 Rd and Business 13 in Johnson County. According to officials, the crash happened when the Jeep Cherokee, driven by the teenage boy, turned into the path of an oncoming Ford F-150 traveling southbound. The Ford struck the Jeep, causing it to spin out and crash into a northbound Chrysler 200. The force of the impact resulted in total damage to both the Jeep and the Ford. The Chrysler sustained only minor damage and was driven away from the scene.

The 16-year-old driver, who was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt at the time, was evaluated and transported for treatment by private means. No other injuries were reported. The scene was assisted by Missouri State Troopers, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, the Johnson County Ambulance District, and the Johnson County Fire District.

We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.

Teen Driver Accidents in Missouri

Teen drivers face unique risks when behind the wheel, and Missouri sees its fair share of these accidents. According to data from the Missouri Department of Transportation, drivers aged 15 to 19 account for a significant percentage of crashes across the state each year. This age group, due to inexperience and increased likelihood of distraction, often faces greater challenges in critical driving moments.

When accidents involve teenage drivers, it’s important to understand some of the contributing factors. Below are several that often come into play:

• Inexperience Behind the Wheel: Teenagers are still developing the ability to assess risk and respond to sudden changes in traffic. Their lack of driving experience makes them more prone to misjudgments, such as making unsafe turns or underestimating the speed of oncoming vehicles.
• Seatbelt Non-Use: Despite ongoing campaigns, seatbelt use among teens remains inconsistent. Not wearing a seatbelt dramatically increases the likelihood of injury in even minor crashes. In this incident, the teen was reportedly unrestrained at the time of the crash.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure: Split-second decisions are often required on the road. Young drivers may struggle with making quick, safe decisions—especially in unfamiliar situations—resulting in collisions like the one in Johnson County.
• Overcorrection and Loss of Control: Many young drivers tend to overcorrect their vehicles in emergencies, leading to further impact or rollovers. This can turn a minor incident into a major collision, especially at higher speeds.

If you or your child were involved in a recent crash, calling a Leeton car accident attorney can help ensure your rights are protected. It’s critical to gather evidence, evaluate insurance coverage, and understand how fault is determined under Missouri law. The sooner legal guidance is obtained, the more prepared you’ll be to move forward with medical bills, repairs, or insurance negotiations.

At Wallentine Injury Law, we know that accidents can throw your life off balance in an instant. Our team is here to help families and individuals through each step of the legal process. We offer free consultations and are ready to discuss your situation in detail. With a commitment to personal attention and compassionate care, we’ll take the time to truly understand what you’re going through. Let us help you navigate the aftermath of a serious accident. Call us today at 913-934-6333 to get started on your case.

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.