Two women walking on a sidewalk in Rockford were struck by a vehicle
May 03, 2026 | Rockford, MN
A 55-year-old woman died, and another woman sustained serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle while walking on a sidewalk near Ash and Elm streets on May 3.
What happened in the crash?
Laura Bachinski, 55, was killed after a vehicle struck two women walking on a sidewalk near Ash and Elm streets in Rockford.
- The incident occurred at approximately 1:53 p.m.
- Laura Bachinski and a 56-year-old woman were hit while on the sidewalk.
- Bachinski was pinned under the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene.
- The 56-year-old woman was taken to North Memorial Health - Robbinsdale Hospital with leg injuries.
- A 15-year-old driver from Cologne and her passenger were uninjured.
Why do these accidents happen?
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, pedestrians account for 15% of traffic deaths despite representing only 5% of injuries. Data from 2024 recorded 54 fatalities and 735 injuries across more than 805 crashes.
| Statistic | 2024 Figures | Source |
|---|
| Pedestrian fatalities | 54 | Minnesota Department of Health |
| Pedestrian injuries | 735 | Minnesota Department of Health |
| Total crashes involving pedestrians | 805+ | Minnesota Department of Health |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, an independent investigation helps clarify contributing factors such as road conditions, signage, and lighting.
Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined.— Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways:
- Thorough examination of the scene supports an accurate determination of liability.
- Families may pursue claims covering loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and related damages, said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
- Legal review ensures rights remain protected during official proceedings.
Pending investigation results, the family of Laura Bachinski may have options for a wrongful death claim.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
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