Westbound Ford Edge collides with eastbound Subaru during winter storm conditions in Cannon Falls
December 10, 2025 | Cannon Falls, MN
A two-vehicle crash amid a winter storm on Dec. 10 in Goodhue County, Minnesota, resulted in injuries to three individuals.
The incident occurred along Highway 19 near Cannon Falls, highlighting the dangers of slick road conditions during severe weather.
Sheri Faye Paulson, 57, of Cannon Falls was injured when westbound Ford Edge struck her Subaru Legacy on Highway 19 near Milepost 194 in Cannon Falls.
What Happened in the Crash?
The Minnesota State Patrol reported that the collision took place at approximately 5:09 a.m. at Milepost 194, about one mile east of Cannon Falls. Snow and ice covered the roadway, contributing to the accident.
- A 2016 Subaru Legacy, driven eastbound by Sheri Faye Paulson, 57, of Cannon Falls.
- A westbound 2017 Ford Edge struck the Subaru.
- All occupants were wearing seat belts, and airbags deployed in both vehicles.
- Alcohol was not involved.
The cause remains under investigation by authorities.
Who Was Involved and What Were the Injuries?
Sheri Paulson sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mayo Clinic Cannon Falls for treatment. The Ford Edge driver, a 46-year-old from Red Wing, and the passenger, a 26-year-old from Rio Communities, New Mexico, both suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were also taken to Mayo Clinic Cannon Falls.
Injury summary:
- Sheri Paulson: Life-threatening, seat belt worn, airbags deployed.
- Ford Driver: Non-life-threatening, seat belt worn, airbags deployed.
- Ford Passenger: Non-life-threatening, seat belt worn, airbags deployed.
Why Do Winter Driving Accidents Happen in Minnesota?
Winter storms frequently lead to hazardous conditions on Minnesota highways, where snow and ice reduce traction and visibility. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), weather-related crashes account for over 20% of all vehicle accidents nationwide, with icy roads contributing to thousands of injuries annually.
Common contributing factors include:
- Slick surfaces cause vehicles to slide or fishtail.
- Reduced stopping distances on bridges and overpasses that freeze first.
- Higher speeds on rural roads like Highway 19 exacerbate multi-vehicle collisions.
Factor |
Impact |
Source |
|---|
Snow and Ice Coverage |
Increases crash risk by 70% on untreated roads |
FHWA |
Poor Visibility |
Leads to 25% more rear-end collisions |
CDC |
High Speeds in Rural Areas |
Contributes to 40% of fatal winter crashes |
NHTSA |
Driver Overcorrection |
Common in 30% of fishtail incidents |
IIHS |
Data sourced from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Authorities urge drivers to slow down, maintain extra following distance, and exercise caution during storms.
Legal Insights on Motor Vehicle Crashes
In cases such as this involving adverse weather and multi-vehicle collisions, thorough investigations are essential to determine liability and contributing factors.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal.
“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,” Bond added.
Key takeaways from legal analysis:
- Victims may pursue claims for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Insurance companies often minimize payouts, and professional representation ensures fair compensation.
- Reconstruction professionals provide critical evidence in weather-related cases.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, noted:
“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.”
"Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs 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,” he added.
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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.
(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).