SIOUX FALLS, Minnehaha County, S.D., Sept. 18, 2026 — One person was hurt Thursday evening, September 17, in a crash at East Rice Street and Veterans Parkway in Sioux Falls.
Emergency crews responded to the intersection after reports of a crash involving injuries, authorities said. Details on the number of vehicles involved and how the crash happened have not been released.
Detectives said the injured person was reported to have non-serious injuries. No other injuries were reported.
The crash remains under investigation. The police have not released additional details about what led up to the collision.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Why Intersection Crashes Concentrate Injury Risk in Sioux Falls
Intersections like East Rice Street and Veterans Parkway bring together vehicles moving in different directions at different speeds, usually with only a stoplight or stop sign managing who goes first. When that timing breaks down, whether from a missed signal, a rolling stop, or a driver misjudging a gap, the result is a side or angle impact rather than a straight-line crash. Those impacts strike the sides of a vehicle, where there is less structure and crumple space than at the front or rear.
Merges create a related problem. A driver entering or crossing traffic has to match speed and find a gap at the same time, and any miscalculation puts two vehicles on a collision path with little room to react. The closing speed between two vehicles moving toward each other, or across each other's path, is frequently higher than either driver's own speed, which is why intersection and merge crashes tend to produce more forceful impacts than crashes on an open, straight road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger vehicles made up 92 percent of registered vehicles and 89 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023. That means most of the traffic moving through any given intersection is passenger cars and SUVs of relatively similar weight, but even small differences in vehicle size or speed at the moment of impact can change how much force is transferred to each vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur at or near intersections, where vehicles cross paths, turn, or merge. Rural highways and areas with higher speeds also see a large share of serious crashes.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Common injuries include whiplash and other neck and back strains, head injuries, and broken bones. Severity depends on speed, impact angle, and whether occupants were belted.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Distraction, speeding, failure to yield, and running red lights or stop signs are frequent factors, especially at intersections where drivers must judge gaps in cross traffic.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Sioux Falls, SD
If you're involved in a crash in Sioux Falls, move to a safe spot if possible and call 911 to report any injuries. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries don't show symptoms right away.
Exchange information with the other driver and take photos of the vehicles and the scene if you're able to. Ask for a copy of the police report once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits related to the crash. Give yourself time to rest and recover, and don't hesitate to follow up with a doctor if new symptoms appear in the days after.
