79-year-old driver fails to yield, causes three-vehicle crash

FESTUS, MO – A 79-year-old Ironton driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic at US-67 and Montauk Drive and caused a three-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol, Victoria A. Rodriguez, 79, attempted to cross US-67 in front of two other vehicles in a 2013 Nissan Altima. The Nissan hit the right side of a 2018 Mazda 3, driven by 23-year-old Aaron M. Champion. A 2012 Dodge Ram 550, driven by 24-year-old Christian W. Smith, also traveling northbound on US-67 hit the Nissan as well. Both the Dodge and Nissan traveled off the left side of the road.

Rodriguez, of Ironton, and a passenger in the Nissan, 67-year-old Michael F. McWilliams, were transported to Mercy Hospital South for moderate injuries.

All three drivers were wearing seat belts. It is unknown if McWilliams was wearing a seat belt.

Both the Dodge and Nissan sustained moderate damages and the Mazda sustained minor damages.

This article is one in a series presented by OnderLaw to inform our neighbors about car accidents and traffic news across our city. It should not be interpreted as legal advice. However, if you or someone you love has been injured in a multiple-vehicle crash, we would like to discuss your case in detail. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, your lost income, and other expenses. More importantly, the only way to fight against careless drivers or fix the root cause of many accidents is to enlist the help of an experienced attorney that has the possibility to effect change and can prevent this from happening to another family. Contact us today to speak to one of our compassionate St. Louis car accident attorneys.