Birch Tree, MO (March 3, 2025) – A man sustained serious injuries early Monday morning when he was run over by his own truck in a tragic accident at the intersection of County Road 609 and County Road 625.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. The driver of a 1995 Dodge Ram, a 60-year-old man from Birch Tree, MO, had stopped his vehicle at the intersection. However, after exiting the truck, he failed to put it in park. As a result, the vehicle rolled forward and struck him, eventually coming to a stop on the right side of the intersection.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and determined the man had suffered serious injuries. Due to the severity of his condition, he was airlifted by Air Evac to Cox South Hospital in Springfield for advanced medical treatment. No other individuals or vehicles were involved in the incident.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Our thoughts are with the injured man, and we hope for his full recovery.
Pedestrian Accidents Involving Vehicles in Missouri
Accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles can be devastating, even in situations where no other drivers are present. In some cases, mechanical failures or simple human errors—such as forgetting to engage a parking brake—can result in life-altering injuries.
Missouri sees a significant number of pedestrian-related incidents each year, particularly in rural areas where road conditions, visibility, and emergency response times can affect outcomes. A common cause of these accidents is vehicle rollaway incidents, which occur when a driver exits their vehicle without properly securing it. Many newer vehicles include safeguards, such as electronic parking brakes or automatic shift-lock mechanisms, but older vehicles like the Dodge Ram involved in this crash may lack such features.
To prevent rollaway accidents, drivers should always:
- Engage the parking brake before exiting a vehicle.
- Ensure the transmission is securely in park or, for manual vehicles, in gear with the parking brake applied.
- Turn the wheels toward the curb or a safe direction to minimize movement.
- Regularly check vehicle brakes and transmission systems for maintenance issues.
Injuries from pedestrian accidents can be severe, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Victims may face significant medical expenses, loss of income, and physical hardships. Seeking medical and legal support can be crucial for those affected.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian accident, resources are available to help. Local Accident Reports provides information and assistance for those impacted by unexpected injuries. Reach out today to learn more about your options.