Winsted Twp, MN (July 23, 2026) – A motorcyclist was injured after a motorcycle and an SUV collided along Hwy 7 in Winsted Township on Wednesday afternoon.
The collision occurred at approximately 4:23 p.m. near 5383 Hwy 7. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a westbound 2009 Yamaha XVS1300 motorcycle and a westbound 2019 Ford Explorer were involved in the collision.
The motorcycle rider, 38-year-old Joseph William Goettl of Silver Lake, was taken to Waconia Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities said he was not wearing a helmet. The Ford Explorer driver, 63-year-old Irene Katherine Johnson of Lester Prairie, was not injured and was wearing a seat belt. Alcohol was not suspected for either driver. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
We wish the injured rider a full and speedy recovery.
Why Motorcycle and SUV Collisions Require Careful Investigation
Motorcycle collisions with larger vehicles can result in injuries even at moderate speeds because riders have far less protection than people inside enclosed vehicles. The size difference between motorcycles and SUVs can also influence the amount of damage and the severity of injuries.
After these collisions, investigators usually examine vehicle positions, roadway markings, debris, and available video footage. They may also review witness statements, driver actions, and environmental conditions to determine how the vehicles came into contact. Helmet use, visibility, and traffic patterns are additional factors that may help explain how the collision occurred.
