Vehicle struck woman crossing Highway 25 from post office parking lot
January 13, 2026 | Pierz, MN
An 85-year-old woman suffered severe injuries after being hit by a vehicle while crossing Highway 25 in Pierz on Monday afternoon, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Janet Ann Brixius, 85, of Pierz, sustained injuries when a vehicle struck her as she crossed Highway 25 eastbound at the intersection with Park Avenue in Morrison County.
The incident occurred near the intersection of Highway 25 and Park Avenue around 2:25 p.m. The victim, Janet Ann Brixius of Pierz, was crossing the roadway when a 64-year-old driver from Royalton merged onto the highway from a nearby post office parking lot, striking her.
Investigators determined that alcohol did not play a role, and the driver was properly restrained with a seat belt. Brixius was transported to CentraCare in St. Cloud for treatment of her critical injuries.
Assisting agencies included the Pierz Police and Fire departments, along with the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not filed charges as the review of the crash continues.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: Jan. 13 at approximately 2:25 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of Highway 25 and Park Avenue, Pierz, Minn.
- Victim Details: Janet Ann Brixius, 85, of Pierz, sustained life-threatening injuries.
- Vehicle and Driver: 64-year-old from Royalton merging from the post office parking lot; no alcohol involvement, and seat belt worn.
- Response: Minnesota State Patrol is leading the investigation, and is supported by local police, fire, and sheriff’s office.
- Current Status: No charges announced, and the victim is receiving care at CentraCare-St. Cloud.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable in traffic scenarios, often facing risks from driver errors. Common causes include distractions behind the wheel, excessive speed, and not yielding properly at crossings.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes injure thousands of pedestrians annually, underscoring the need for heightened awareness.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Crashes |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Distracted Driving |
Using phones or other devices while operating a vehicle |
CDC |
Speeding |
Exceeding posted limits, reducing reaction time |
National Safety Council |
Failure to Yield |
Drivers not stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks |
Federal Highway Administration |
Poor Visibility |
Low light or obstructed views contribute to collisions |
CDC |
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian incidents to establish accountability.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, and national analyst for Newsline. “Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from such analyses include:
- Pedestrians generally have the right-of-way at intersections and streets, even outside marked crosswalks.
- Drivers must always yield to those on foot to prevent tragedies.
- In cases such as this, detailed evidence gathering can reveal driver responsibility.
“Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with mounting expenses that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes.”
Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. For transparency, readers can review our Corrections Policy, which guarantees a 24-hour review of any submitted concerns.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is experienced in pedestrian accidents involving serious injuries. She is available for a free consultation if you or a family member needs assistance.
(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).