Winona County, Minnesota (February 19, 2026) — A 42-year-old Fillmore County woman was injured Thursday morning after her vehicle collided with a semi-truck on Highway 43 in Hart Township, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Authorities identified the injured driver as Laura Lynn Kahoun, of Rushford. She was transported for medical treatment following the crash.
The collision occurred around 11:50 a.m. on northbound Highway 43 at Milepost 28.
Incident Details: According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Kahoun was driving a Chevrolet Cruze northbound when it was involved in a collision with a Peterbilt semi-truck.
The semi was driven by Gary Eugene Chadbourn, 70, of Minnesota City. Chadbourn was not injured in the crash.
Investigators reported that Kahoun sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Mayo Health System in La Crosse for treatment. Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision. Authorities stated that alcohol was not suspected as a contributing factor for either driver.
Road conditions were reported to be dry at the time of the incident.
The Winona County Sheriff’s Office, along with Rushford Fire and Ambulance, assisted at the scene.
Investigation: The Minnesota State Patrol is leading the investigation into the cause of the collision. In crashes involving passenger vehicles and commercial semi-trucks, investigators typically examine right-of-way, lane positioning, vehicle speed, and driver attentiveness.
Crash reconstruction may include reviewing physical evidence at the scene, analyzing vehicle damage patterns, and assessing whether either vehicle crossed into opposing lanes or failed to yield. Investigators may also review any available onboard electronic data from the semi-truck, as commercial vehicles often contain event data recorders that capture speed and braking activity before impact.
Because roadway conditions were dry and alcohol was not suspected, the investigation will likely focus on traffic movement and decision-making in the moments leading up to the crash.
At this time, authorities have not announced any citations or charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Considerations: Collisions between passenger vehicles and semi-trucks often involve complex liability assessments. Commercial drivers are required to follow both standard traffic laws and additional federal and state safety regulations. However, fault in these cases depends on specific findings related to lane use, right-of-way, and reasonable care under the circumstances.
Laura could be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit to recoup medical bills, lost wages, and other losses stemming from the accident, depending on the results of the investigation.
I wish Laura Lynn Kahoun a complete and speedy recovery.
Source: KIMT News