Milaca, Minnesota (October 21, 2025) — A 21-year-old man from North Branch was injured Tuesday morning when his pickup truck was struck by a semi-trailer while crossing Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Incident Details: The crash occurred at approximately 7:26 a.m. in Milo Township, just south of Milaca. Investigators said a 2011 Dodge pickup driven by Alexander Jesus Garcia, 21, was crossing Highway 169 at 125th Street when it was struck by a northbound 2023 Kenworth semi-truck. The semi’s driver, identified as David Floyd Mott, 42, of Onamia, was not injured.
Garcia sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital for treatment. The Minnesota State Patrol noted that road conditions were wet at the time of the collision, which may have contributed to the impact. The Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office, Milaca Fire Department, and North Memorial Health Ambulance responded.
Investigation: The Minnesota State Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that Garcia’s pickup attempted to cross Highway 169 when it entered the semi’s path. Officers will review skid marks, sightlines, and traffic patterns at the intersection to determine whether visibility, speed, or road conditions were contributing factors.
Weather may have played a role, as light precipitation and slick pavement can reduce traction and braking ability. Investigators will also examine whether either driver had sufficient time to avoid the collision, considering the semi’s longer stopping distance on wet roads. While impairment has not been reported, fatigue and inattention are also common factors in early morning crashes.
Legal Considerations: Even when injuries are reported as non-life-threatening, collisions between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks often result in substantial damage and the potential for delayed medical complications. The injured driver, Alexander Garcia, may have grounds to pursue a truck accident claim to recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If investigators determine that the semi driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to maintain proper lookout, liability could extend to both the driver and their employer under federal trucking safety regulations. Conversely, if visibility, weather, or roadway design contributed to the collision, other parties, including government agencies responsible for road maintenance, could share responsibility.
It’s also important to note that Minnesota’s comparative fault laws allow injured individuals to recover compensation even if they are found partially at fault, provided their share of responsibility does not exceed 50 percent.
I wish Alexander Jesus Garcia a full and speedy recovery and commend the quick response of first responders who provided aid and ensured traffic safety following this serious crash on Highway 169.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch