PERHAM, Otter Tail County, Minn., Nov. 14, 2026 — Two drivers were hurt on Thursday afternoon, November 12, when their vehicles collided on Minnesota Highway 78 near County Road 14 in Perham, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Both vehicles, a 2009 Infiniti FX35 and a 2013 Ford Edge, were headed south on MN Highway 78 when they collided, the state patrol said. The road was dry at the time.
The driver of the Infiniti, a 69-year-old woman from Ottertail, Minnesota, suffered non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. The driver of the Ford, an 86-year-old man from Perham, Minnesota, also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Both were taken to Perham Health, and both were reportedly wearing seat belts.
The Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office, Perham Police Department, Perham EMS, and Perham Fire Department all responded to the scene. The state patrol listed the incident report as believed complete as of Thursday evening, though the exact cause of the collision has not been released.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Intersection Crashes in Minnesota
This crash happened at Highway 78 and County Road 14 in PERHAM, MN. Our Minnesota intersections page covers intersection crashes across Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
Many crashes occur on two-lane highways and rural roads, especially where vehicles traveling in the same direction or crossing paths have limited reaction time or visibility.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Keeping a safe following distance, staying alert to vehicles ahead and around, and adjusting speed for road and weather conditions all help drivers avoid last-second collisions.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Crashes like this one commonly cause injuries such as whiplash, bruising, and strains, though severity varies widely depending on speed and impact angle.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Distraction, following too closely, and misjudging another vehicle's speed or position are frequent factors in multi-vehicle collisions, though a cause is not always immediately confirmed by investigators.
