Douglas County, MO (June 1, 2026) – Emergency units responded to the intersection of MO-5 and MO-14 in Ava on Sunday following a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle trike and a passenger car that left a woman seriously injured.
According to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at 12:05 p.m. on May 31. Officials said a 17-year-old female driving a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt was traveling northbound when she attempted a left turn and struck a southbound 2007 Harley Davidson trike.
The 49-year-old female rider of the trike was ejected during the impact and suffered serious injuries. She was taken by ambulance to Cox South Hospital in Springfield for treatment. The teen driver sustained minor injuries and later sought her own medical care.
Both vehicles were heavily damaged and towed from the scene. Additional assistance from local law enforcement was provided during the response. Investigation into the crash is ongoing. We are thinking of the injured rider and hope for a full recovery.
Why Left-Turn Crashes at Intersections Can Be Severe
Left-turn collisions are among the most common types of intersection crashes because drivers must judge oncoming traffic speed and distance while crossing active lanes. When a vehicle turns across a path of travel, there is often little time for either driver to react.
Motorcyclists and trike riders are especially vulnerable in these situations due to limited protection and the potential for ejection during impact. Higher-speed rural intersections can increase the severity of injuries in crashes. Investigators typically review turn timing, visibility, and lane positioning to understand how the sequence of events unfolded.
