6 Injured in Benton County Car Accident
Six teenagers were hurt, one seriously, in an early Sunday crash at 15th Avenue NE and 125th Street NE in Graham Township.
Candice BondSix teenagers were injured in a two-car crash on 15th Avenue NE in Benton County on Sunday, according to the Benton County Sheriff's Office.
The Early Sunday Crash on 15th Avenue NE
It occurred at about 1:15 a.m. where 15th Avenue NE meets 125th Street NE, east of Little Rock Lake in Graham Township. The sheriff's office said a Mustang with a 17-year-old boy at the wheel and four passengers aboard was northbound on 15th Avenue. A 16-year-old girl was driving a Chevy Impala west on 125th Street. The sheriff's office said the Mustang slowed as it reached the intersection without coming to a full stop, and the Impala hit it broadside. The Mustang passenger who was thrown out has been identified as Juan Cortez, 16, a junior at ROCORI High School, and authorities said he was seriously hurt. All five people in the Mustang were taken to St. Cloud Hospital. The girl driving the Impala got treatment at the scene before being released into her parents' care.
Cortez remained hospitalized in critical condition as of Wednesday, according to his school's head soccer coach. A GoFundMe fundraiser was started to help his family.
What the Benton County Investigation Covers
The crash remains under investigation. The sheriff said investigators are looking at the Mustang's driver, who could face a charge of failing to obey a stop sign. The sheriff also said neither driver is suspected of being impaired. The sheriff's office has not announced any charges.
A full investigation into a serious crash often takes weeks, and sometimes months. Investigators usually wait for vehicle data and lab results before they finish their report.
From an earlier interview. General commentary, not about this crash, and not legal advice.Sources
- bringmethenews.com, “High school soccer standout in critical condition following crash”
- wjon.com, “Six Teenagers Hurt in Sunday Crash Near Little Rock Lake”
- wctrib.com, “ROCORI standout soccer player Juan Cortez in critical condition after weekend car accident”
- willmarradio.com, “Rocori High School soccer player hurt in crash near Rice”
Affected by an accident like this?
Here is what people in Minnesota usually need, in the order it comes up.
Emergency care. Emergency rooms must check and stabilize you, even if you can't pay. The bill comes later.
Your vehicle. Tow yards usually charge for every day a towed vehicle sits there.
Crash report. The crash report is usually ready a few weeks after the crash, and you can still get it later.
Hospital bills. Most hospitals have a program that cuts bills for people with low income, and you can apply months after the first bill.
Insurance offer. You can turn down the insurer's first offer and ask for more.
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