Benton County, MO (September 14, 2026) – A 23-year-old woman was hurt when another vehicle sideswiped her Jeep on Rte. AA west of Stone Piler Ave.
The collision happened around 7:30 a.m. Saturday, September 12. An unknown vehicle was traveling west and moved into the eastbound lane while attempting to pass the Jeep.
The unknown vehicle sideswiped the 2003 Jeep Liberty, causing it to slide off the right side of the roadway. The Jeep entered a ditch, overturned, and the driver was ejected.
The Jeep then struck a tree and fence before coming to rest off the roadway facing east. The driver was taken to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach with moderate injuries.
The other vehicle left the wreck and had not been identified in the initial report. The Jeep sustained total damage and was secured for later removal.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation as additional details are gathered.
Our thoughts are with the woman as she recovers from her injuries.
What Happens When a Driver Is Ejected During a Rollover?
Vehicle occupants can be thrown from a vehicle when it overturns, particularly when they are not secured by a seat belt. Ejection can expose a person to greater risks of serious harm because the body may leave the protection of the vehicle’s passenger compartment.
During a rollover, the vehicle can travel through several movements before coming to rest. Investigators may examine the vehicle’s final position, damage patterns, tire marks, roadway conditions, and debris to help determine how the sequence unfolded.
Seat belts are designed to keep occupants positioned inside the vehicle during sudden changes in movement. Airbags also provide protection, but they are designed to work with seat belts rather than replace them. Following the manufacturer’s safety guidance and using a properly fitted seat belt can reduce the likelihood of ejection during a rollover.
