By Crash News Writer 
Alton, MO (July 8, 2025) — A single-vehicle accident west of Alton has left a Gatewood man with minor injuries and facing multiple charges. The crash occurred on P Highway about five miles west of Alton on July 7 when the driver reportedly lost control of his pickup.
According to reports, Derrick Simmons, 29, of Gatewood, was operating a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado when the truck ran off the right side of the roadway. Simmons overcorrected, causing the vehicle to leave the highway a second time, overturn, and strike a tree. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Emergency responders transported Simmons by ambulance to Ozarks Healthcare for treatment of minor injuries. Following the crash, Simmons was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Operating a Vehicle in a Careless and Imprudent Manner, Failure to Drive on the Right Half of the Roadway, and No Seatbelt. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and urge drivers to stay safe and avoid impaired driving.
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Even when injuries appear minor, an accident can bring unexpected medical costs, lost wages, and emotional stress. It is important for victims to know their rights and seek proper legal guidance if they were harmed due to someone else’s reckless behavior. An experienced attorney can help pursue compensation for medical treatment, vehicle damage, and other related expenses. Legal professionals also work with insurance companies to ensure fair settlements and to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, taking timely legal action can help protect your rights and secure the financial support you need for recovery.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this article is based on initial reports from local authorities and may be subject to updates as investigations continue.
- The identities of those involved in the incident have not been released pending official confirmation and notification of next of kin.
- Further details about the accident, including toxicology results and potential charges, will be shared as they become available.
- Road closures and traffic updates related to the accident scene can be found by checking with local authorities or traffic monitoring services.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.