Wichita, KS (August 14, 2025) – On Thursday evening, August 14, a three-vehicle crash injured two people, including a child, on the U.S. 54 westbound ramp to I-135 northbound in Sedgwick County. The collision happened at about 6:09 p.m. when an SUV left the roadway and struck a legally parked semi-truck on the shoulder before rolling over and sending debris into another vehicle.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 31-year-old Imani Young of Wichita was traveling westbound on U.S. 54 taking the ramp to I-135 northbound when it veered to the right and collided with a 2019 Freightliner parked on the shoulder with safety cones in place. The Jeep rolled, and debris from the crash struck a 2016 Mazda CX-5 driven by 37-year-old Adam Beckner of Wichita. Young and her 8-year-old passenger, Ryan Jenkins, both of Wichita, sustained suspected minor injuries and were transported to Wesley Medical Center. Neither was wearing a seatbelt at the time. The semi driver, 37-year-old Asemare Melargeh of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was uninjured, as was Beckner. Bud Roat’s Towing removed the Jeep from the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with Imani Young, Ryan Jenkins, and their families as they recover from this accident.
Risks of Driving Without Seatbelts in Kansas
Failing to wear a seatbelt greatly increases the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reports that in 2023, more than 50% of vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing seatbelts. In rollover crashes, such as this one, the risk of ejection is especially high for unrestrained occupants, and the injuries sustained are often life-threatening. Kansas law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts, and child passengers must be properly restrained in age-appropriate safety seats.
If you have been injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, it is important to understand your legal rights. The experienced attorneys at Bretz Injury Law are ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 620-524-0080 today for a free consultation.
