St. Louis, MO (January 6, 2026) – A two-vehicle collision on eastbound Interstate 70 late on Monday night left a local woman hospitalized with moderate injuries after her SUV sideswiped another car and crashed into a guardrail. The incident occurred just east of Jennings Station Rd at around 9:25 p.m., according to authorities.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2018 Chevrolet Trax, driven by a 35-year-old woman from St. Louis, was traveling in lane two when it veered from its lane and sideswiped a 2012 Nissan Altima in lane three. The impact caused the Chevrolet to lose control, veer off the right side of the highway, and strike a guardrail on the passenger side.
The Chevrolet sustained total damage and was towed from the scene by Bolin Services. The driver was not wearing a safety device at the time of the crash and suffered moderate injuries. She was transported to Barnes-Jewish Hospital by Northeast Fire and EMS. The Nissan, driven by a 25-year-old man from Smyrna, GA, sustained minor damage and was able to be driven away. He was reportedly uninjured.
Trooper J.E. Childers of Troop C conducted the investigation, with assistance from Trooper S.C. Clair. No citations have been announced at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
We wish the injured driver a full and smooth recovery.
Lane Deviation Collisions on Missouri Highways
Late-night crashes on Missouri’s major interstates can be especially hazardous, as visibility decreases and fatigue or distraction becomes more likely. Monday night’s crash on I-70 in St. Louis highlights the dangers of lane maintenance failures, where even a brief deviation can lead to serious consequences.
In this case, the driver of the Chevrolet Trax failed to maintain her lane while traveling alongside another vehicle, leading to a sideswipe incident. Such crashes are often sudden and leave drivers with little time to react. Once the Chevrolet struck the Nissan Altima, the loss of control resulted in a secondary collision with the roadside guardrail, amplifying the damage and injuries involved.
Seat belt use is a significant factor in injury outcomes during collisions like this one. The injured driver was not wearing a safety device, which may have increased her vulnerability to injury upon impact. Data from similar highway crashes consistently show that proper restraint use can significantly reduce the risk of moderate to severe injuries.
Urban interstates like I-70 often carry high volumes of traffic late into the night, increasing the risk of sideswipe collisions caused by merging errors or inattentive driving. Drivers must remain vigilant, especially when sharing the road with vehicles in adjacent lanes. Momentary lapses in focus or coordination, whether due to fatigue, impairment, or distraction, can have far-reaching consequences.
Recovery from such an event can be both physically and emotionally demanding. For injured drivers, getting the right medical care, filing claims, and addressing long-term recovery needs can be overwhelming without the proper support.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a crash caused by lane departure or other roadway error, help is available.
Lane deviation crashes can leave lasting impacts. At Local Accident Reports, we help injured victims connect with trusted support networks, from medical providers to legal guidance, so you don’t have to go through the recovery process alone. Reach out today to take the next step toward understanding your rights, receiving the care you need, and regaining control of your life.
