Webster Twp, MN (August 24, 2025) – Emergency responders from Lonsdale Fire and Northfield Ambulance were called to the scene of a two-vehicle collision in Rice County Saturday afternoon that left a motorcyclist injured.
The crash took place at approximately 1:29 p.m. at the intersection of eastbound Highway 19 and Garfield Ave in Webster Township. According to reports from the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle was traveling east on Hwy 19 when it collided with a northbound Dodge Grand Caravan entering the intersection from Garfield Ave.
Emergency medical personnel treated the motorcycle operator, identified as 68-year-old Steven Kenneth Christenson of Chaska, at the scene. He was later transported to Hennepin County Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities confirmed that Christenson was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The driver of the Dodge, 43-year-old Kurston Lynn Dahl of Lonsdale, was uninjured. She was properly restrained and remained at the scene to assist with the investigation.
Both vehicles sustained visible damage, and local law enforcement temporarily managed traffic in the area as crews worked to clear the roadway. Conditions were reported to be dry at the time of the crash.
The Rice County Sheriff’s Office, Lonsdale Police, and Minnesota State Patrol are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. We extend our thoughts to Mr. Christenson and wish him a swift and full recovery.
Motorcycle Accidents in Minnesota
Saturday’s crash in Webster Township underscores the heightened risks motorcyclists face on Minnesota roadways—especially when navigating rural intersections like Hwy 19 and Garfield Ave. Unlike car and truck occupants, motorcyclists have far less physical protection in a collision, which often leads to more severe outcomes even in lower-speed crashes.
In this incident, the presence of a helmet likely helped reduce the severity of injuries for the 68-year-old rider. Still, the impact was serious enough to require hospitalization—an all-too-common result in motorcycle-related collisions.
Intersections remain one of the most frequent locations for motorcycle crashes, particularly when larger vehicles fail to properly gauge a motorcycle’s speed or distance. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, more than 40% of motorcycle crashes in the state occur at intersections, many due to issues with right-of-way judgment or visibility.
Beyond the physical recovery process, motorcycle crash victims often face additional challenges: long-term rehabilitation, insurance disputes, and the need to document and report their injuries properly. Accessing trusted resources during this time is essential for ensuring recovery isn’t delayed by paperwork or process errors.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Rice County or surrounding areas, it’s vital to get help that addresses both your immediate and long-term needs. Local networks of medical, legal, and support professionals can assist you in navigating the recovery process with confidence.
If you’ve been hurt in a Minnesota motorcycle accident, Local Accident Reports is here to support your next steps. We connect injured riders with trusted local resources and help you access the care and information you need to recover fully. Reach out today to begin your recovery journey.
