Swift County, Minnesota (March 20, 2026) — An 84-year-old man was injured in a crash involving a pickup truck and a semi-truck near Benson, according to authorities.
Officials identified the injured driver as Ronald Hensinger of Clontarf.
The crash occurred Friday along County Road 20 in Swift County, near the city of Benson.
Incident Details: According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the collision involved a pickup truck driven by Hensinger and a semi-truck operated by Shawn Petermann, 54, of Alexandria.
Authorities reported that both vehicles were traveling southbound on County Road 20 when they collided. The exact sequence of events leading up to the impact has not yet been released.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and provided aid to Hensinger, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a hospital in Benson for treatment.
The driver of the semi-truck, Petermann, was not injured in the collision.
No additional information has been released regarding roadway conditions, traffic flow, or whether either vehicle was attempting a maneuver prior to the crash.
Investigation: The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the cause of the collision. In crashes involving vehicles traveling in the same direction, particularly between passenger vehicles and semi-trucks, investigators often examine following distance, lane positioning, speed, and driver awareness.
Because both vehicles were reportedly traveling southbound, investigators will likely focus on whether one vehicle slowed, stopped, or changed position in a way that caused the collision, or whether there was a failure to maintain a safe distance between the vehicles. Crash reconstruction may include analysis of vehicle damage patterns, impact points, and any available physical evidence such as tire marks or debris fields. Investigators may also review statements from both drivers and any witnesses who observed the incident.
Additionally, in collisions involving commercial vehicles, authorities often evaluate compliance with safety regulations, including vehicle operation and driver attentiveness, even when no injuries are reported for the commercial driver.
At this time, officials have not announced any citations or contributing factors. The investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Considerations: Collisions involving semi-trucks and passenger vehicles can raise important questions regarding safe following distances and roadway awareness, especially when vehicles are traveling in the same direction. Drivers of all vehicles have a duty to maintain adequate space and control to avoid collisions, particularly when operating near large commercial trucks, which require longer stopping distances and larger blind spots.
Ronald may be able to pursue a personal injury claim, depending on the results of the investigation. This claim can provide him with financial compensation to cover medical costs, recovery time, and other life disruptions caused by the incident.
I hope Ronald Hensinger has a quick and full recovery after this crash.
Source: Voice of Alexandria