GMC Sierra carrying a Park Rapids resident hit a Hyundai Sonata in Rockwood Township
November 10, 2025 | Rockwood Township, MN
A two-vehicle collision at the intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and County Road 9 left three people with non-life-threatening injuries on November 10, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
The crash involved a GMC Sierra driven by a Park Rapids man and a Hyundai Sonata operated by a teenage driver from Akeley.
James Gregory Preiner, 75, and Barbara Jane Preiner, 80, were injured when their GMC Sierra struck a Hyundai Sonata at U.S. Highway 71 and County Road 9.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: November 10, 2025, just after 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and County Road 9 in Rockwood Township, Wadena County
- Vehicles Involved: GMC Sierra northbound on U.S. Highway 71 and Hyundai Sonata westbound on County Road 9
- Injured Parties:
- James Gregory Preiner, 75, of Park Rapids – driver of GMC Sierra, transported to St. Cloud Hospital
- Barbara Jane Preiner, 80, of Park Rapids – passenger in GMC Sierra, transported to Astera Hospital Wadena
- 17-year-old female from Akeley – driver of Hyundai Sonata, transported to Sanford Hospital Fargo (not wearing seat belt)
Responders included the Wadena County Sheriff's Office, Sebeka Fire Department, Astera Ambulance, North Memorial Ambulance and Air Care, and Menahga Police Department. The incident remains under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol.
Why Do Intersection Crashes Happen?
Intersection collisions often stem from common roadway risks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies key contributing factors in fatal crashes nationwide.
Contributing Factor |
Percentage of Fatal Crashes (2018) |
|---|
Speeding |
26% |
Alcohol Impairment |
25% |
Failure to Yield |
18% |
Distracted Driving |
9% |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Legal Insights
Potential Paths for Recovery
Victims of intersection crashes may pursue compensation for medical costs and other losses.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, in cases such as this.
“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.
- Accident reconstruction may clarify fault
- Insurance negotiations require experienced advocacy
- Timely legal guidance preserves evidence
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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).