Emma Jean Broadwater Injured in Preston Car Accident
The 18-year-old Spring Valley resident was hospitalized following a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 16 and County Road 11
Emma Jean Broadwater, 18, of Spring Valley, was injured in a two-vehicle car accident at the corner of Highway 16 and County Road 11 near Preston, Fillmore County, Minnesota, on Wednesday, according to the State Patrol.
The eastbound car collided with a southbound SUV around 7:45 a.m. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts.
Paramedics took the 18-year-old woman to St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the SUV was not hurt.
Investigators confirmed alcohol was not a factor. The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office, Preston Fire and Preston Ambulance assisted at the scene.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there were 17,199 injury crashes across the state in 2024. The crash remains under investigation.
Why did the vehicles collide at the Highway 16 intersection?
For victims recovering from intersection crashes, understanding right-of-way failures is a critical step toward accountability. While authorities continue to investigate the exact sequence of events that led the SUV and car to collide, independent reviews often uncover important details missed in preliminary reports.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal"In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from a crash scene, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide an injured client during this difficult time, as well as protect their legal rights and best interests."
What are the next steps for the injured Spring Valley teen?
Insurance adjusters frequently contact injured parties within days of a crash, often before the full extent of medical costs and long-term impacts are known. Securing legal representation early can help protect a victim's right to fair compensation.
According to National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal"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."
Minnesota personal injury framework
Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault (51% bar) system. The statute of limitations is 6 years — one of the longest in the nation.
Damages include economic and non-economic losses.