Driver lost control on snow and ice-covered road in Hart Township
March 16, 2026 | Hart Township, MN
A rollover crash on State Highway 43 sent three teenagers to the hospital with injuries on a snowy evening.
Evan Basil Koxlien, 19, and two teens were injured after a GMC Sierra left the roadway and rolled on Highway 43 near County Road 102 in Hart Township.
What Happened in the Crash?
Evan Basil Koxlien, 19, from Galesville, Wisconsin, was driving a GMC Sierra northbound near County Road 102 around 5:49 p.m. The vehicle veered into a ditch and rolled over due to hazardous road conditions.
Key details include:
- Location: State Highway 43, about 10 miles north of Rushford, in Hart Township.
- Date and Time: March 16, approximately 5:49 p.m.
- Vehicle: GMC Sierra pickup truck.
- Involved Parties: Driver Evan Basil Koxlien, 19, and two female passengers, ages 16 and 17, both from Rushford.
- Injuries: All three were transported to Winona Health Hospital with unspecified injuries.
- Conditions: Snow and ice on the roadway contributed to the incident.
The Minnesota State Patrol is leading the investigation into the factors that caused the vehicle to leave the road.
Why Do Single-Vehicle Accidents Like This Occur?
Single-vehicle crashes often stem from environmental hazards, driver behavior, or mechanical issues. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), road weather conditions like snow and ice play a role in nearly 20% of crashes annually.
Common causes include:
- Distracted or fatigued driving.
- Speeding or reckless maneuvers.
- Impairment from alcohol or drugs.
- Adverse weather is reducing visibility and traction.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) notes that over 19,000 people suffer injuries each year in U.S. crashes, many of which are preventable through safer driving practices.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual U.S. Crash Injuries |
Over 19,000 |
NTSB |
Weather-Related Crashes |
About 20% of the total |
NHTSA |
Preventable Single-Vehicle Incidents |
Majority |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, conducting an independent investigation promptly is crucial to preserving evidence and understanding contributing factors.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Your lawyer has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide victims during this difficult time, while protecting their legal rights.”
Key takeaways:
- Attorneys can access specialized resources for thorough crash analysis.
- Independent investigations help identify liability and support recovery claims.
- Legal guidance ensures victims' rights are protected amid recovery.
Authorities continue to investigate the rollover to pinpoint why the GMC Sierra departed the roadway.
Pending investigation outcomes, the 16- and 17-year-old passengers could pursue personal injury claims covering medical expenses, lost income, pain, and emotional distress.
“Passengers who suffer injuries following a collision have several options in pursuing a personal injury lawsuit,” Bond said. “The passenger may open a claim with the insurance company of the vehicle they were occupied in if their driver is held liable. It has no impact on one's own insurance policy since the claim is being made against a policy that is not their own.”
“When vehicle accidents result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, victims are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).