Clay County, MO (December 6, 2024) – At 2:55 PM on Thursday, a rear-end collision occurred on I-35 Northbound, south of US 69 in Clay County. The crash involved two vehicles: a 2007 Ford Focus, driven by a 44-year-old male from Lathrop, MO, and a 2024 Volkswagen Jetta, driven by a 50-year-old male from Kansas City, MO. The incident occurred when the driver of the Volkswagen Jetta slowed for traffic congestion ahead, and the front of the Ford Focus struck the rear of the Jetta.
The driver of the Ford Focus sustained moderate injuries and was transported by Liberty Fire to Liberty Hospital for medical care. Both vehicles sustained significant damage. The Ford Focus was towed from the scene by Lucky’s Tow, while the Volkswagen Jetta was towed by Independence Specialty Tow.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, including MSGT J. D. Hall, MSGT R. A. Wood, TPR B. S. Floray, and TPR M. J. Saladrigas, assisted with the investigation and scene management. The crash remains under investigation, and no further details on the cause of the collision have been released.
Our thoughts are with the driver of the Ford Focus as he recovers from his injuries.
Rear-End Collisions and Traffic Safety in Missouri
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents on busy highways, particularly when drivers fail to adjust their speed for changing traffic conditions. This incident, caused by one vehicle slowing down for traffic congestion, highlights the importance of maintaining a safe following distance to avoid such accidents. Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings, especially in areas with heavy traffic, to allow for ample time to react.
In Missouri, rear-end collisions can cause significant damage to vehicles, and in some cases, serious injuries. Fortunately, the driver of the Ford Focus was wearing a seatbelt, which helped to mitigate the extent of the injuries sustained.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rear-end collision, it’s important to seek medical treatment and consider consulting a legal expert for guidance on insurance claims and the legal process.