Zimmerman, MN (January 1, 2026) – A collision involving two vehicles resulted in one person sustaining non-life-threatening injuries Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of US Highway 169 and Sherburne County Road 4 in Zimmerman. The crash occurred at approximately 3:08 p.m. and involved both the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office and North Memorial Ambulance at the scene.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash happened when a 2018 Dodge Journey and a 2018 RAM 2500 were traveling westbound on County Road 4 and collided while turning north onto US Hwy 169. Despite the impact, airbags in both vehicles did not deploy.
Paramedics responded to assess injuries, and 35-year-old Luciano Jesus Rodriguez of Appleton Valley, the driver of the Dodge Journey, was transported to Princeton Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the RAM 2500, 45-year-old Aaron Roger Hagen of Zimmerman, was not injured and did not require medical transport.
Road conditions at the time were reported as dry, and neither driver was under the influence of alcohol. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the crash, though no citations or contributing violations have been reported at this time.
We extend our best wishes to Mr. Rodriguez for a smooth and complete recovery.
Intersection Accidents in Minnesota
Collisions at intersections like US Hwy 169 and County Road 4 are a common occurrence in both rural and suburban parts of Minnesota. These junctions often involve merging and turning traffic, increasing the risk of side-impact crashes, especially when visibility or timing is misjudged during turns or lane changes.
In Wednesday’s incident, both vehicles were reportedly turning at the time of the crash—a frequent scenario in intersection-related collisions. While neither vehicle’s airbags deployed, the force of impact was enough to send one driver to the hospital, highlighting the risks that exist even under normal driving conditions and on dry roads.
For residents of Sherburne County and surrounding communities, this crash underscores the importance of cautious turning maneuvers and adequate spacing when navigating highway intersections. Though impairment and speed were not factors in this particular case, many similar incidents statewide are tied to distraction, misjudged gaps in traffic, or failure to yield.
Local emergency response agencies—including the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office and North Memorial Ambulance—played a vital role in ensuring timely medical attention and road safety following the incident. For those injured in such crashes, recovery can involve medical bills, missed work, and long-term physical therapy—even when injuries are not life-threatening.
Understanding your rights and accessing resources early is crucial for anyone injured in a collision. From coordinating follow-up care to filing insurance claims and navigating legal steps, having the right support system in place can ease the recovery process.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash in Minnesota, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect injury victims with trusted local professionals who understand what you’re going through and can guide you through your next steps. Whether you need medical referrals or legal direction, don’t wait—contact us today to begin your path toward healing and support.
