Pickup truck veered into driveway and struck snow blower and man in Princeton
December 09, 2025 | Mille Lacs, MN
A serious incident occurred on Dec. 9 when a vehicle struck a pedestrian and a snow blower along Highway 95 in Princeton Township, leaving one person with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Paul Kenneth Longley, 68, of Princeton, was injured when an eastbound Ford F-250 struck snow blower and then hit him at driveway near 6915 Highway 95 in Princeton Township.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision took place at approximately 7:50 p.m. as a 2011 Ford F-250 pickup truck traveled eastbound on Highway 95. The vehicle crashed into a snow blower and 68-year-old Paul Kenneth Longley at the base of a driveway near 6915 Highway 95. Road conditions at the time included snow and ice, contributing to the hazardous environment.
- Date and Time: Dec. 9, 2025, around 7:50 p.m.
- Location: Highway 95 near 6915, Princeton Township, Mille Lacs County, MN
- Vehicles Involved: 2011 Ford F-250 pickup truck
- Pedestrian: Paul Kenneth Longley, 68, of Princeton
- Injuries: Longley treated for non-life-threatening injuries at M Health Fairview Princeton, the driver, a 53-year-old man from Ham Lake, and the passenger 52-year-old from Ham Lake, uninjured
- Contributing Factors: Snow and ice on the roadway, no alcohol involved
- Responders: Minnesota State Patrol, Mille Lacs County, North Ambulance
The investigation into the crash is ongoing by state troopers.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Winter weather poses significant risks on Minnesota roads, where snow and ice can drastically reduce visibility and traction. According to the Federal Highway Administration, adverse weather conditions contribute to nearly 23% of all vehicle crashes nationwide, with icy roads leading to longer stopping distances and higher chances of loss of control.
Factor |
Impact on Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Snow and Ice Coverage |
Increases stopping distance by up to 3-4 times |
Federal Highway Administration |
Reduced Visibility |
Contributes to 15-20% of winter incidents |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Pedestrian Vulnerabilities |
Higher risk near driveways during snow removal |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Drivers must exercise extra caution, maintaining safe speeds and ensuring clear visibility around driveways and equipment like snow blowers.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on incidents like motor vehicle-pedestrian collisions in winter conditions.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “In cases such as this, an accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
- Thorough investigations, including reconstruction, are essential to determine fault in slippery conditions.
- Victims may pursue claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Insurance companies often minimize payouts, making experienced representation crucial.
“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 at Bond Legal. “Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help protect victims and hold insurers accountable.”
Paul Longley may be eligible to explore personal injury options as the investigation proceeds.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is experienced in serious auto accidents. She offers free consultations for those in need of help.
(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).