William Januszewski Seriously Injured in Erie Township DUI Crash

clock Created with Sketch Beta. October 12, 2026
William Januszewski Seriously Injured in Erie Township DUI Crash

ERIE TOWNSHIP, MN — October 9, 2026 William David Januszewski, 65, sustained life-threatening injuries in a two-vehicle collision involving a suspected impaired driver at the intersection of County Highway 29 and Minnesota State Highway 34 in Erie Township, Minnesota, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

The crash occurred at approximately 10:43 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, according to the agency’s report cited by Accident Injury News.

Januszewski was riding as a passenger in a GMC Acadia SUV when a Toyota Camry allegedly driven by 18-year-old Gabriel Allen Schermerhorn struck the vehicle at the intersection.

Januszewski suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Essentia Health in Detroit Lakes for medical treatment.

The Minnesota State Patrol reported that alcohol consumption was suspected in connection with Schermerhorn. Authorities have not announced a final determination regarding the cause of the collision.

The crash remains under investigation.


DUI CRASH INVESTIGATION

The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision at County Highway 29 and Minnesota State Highway 34 in Becker County’s Erie Township. Investigators will work to establish how the two vehicles collided and determine whether impairment or other contributing factors played a role.

In suspected impaired-driving crashes, investigators may examine witness statements, physical evidence from the scene, vehicle damage, available surveillance footage, and relevant toxicology or chemical-test results. These investigative steps can help authorities reconstruct the collision and assess whether a driver’s actions contributed to the injuries.

Candice Bond, a managing partner at Bond Legal and a national legal analyst, has discussed the importance of a thorough investigation in cases involving suspected impaired drivers. Such investigations can help clarify the circumstances of a collision and identify evidence relevant to potential criminal proceedings or a separate civil claim.

A civil investigation may also involve reviewing available video footage, speaking with witnesses, examining relevant phone records when legally appropriate, and assessing insurance coverage. These steps can help establish a more complete account of the incident.

The available report identifies suspected alcohol involvement, but the final findings of the investigation have not been established. Any conclusions about responsibility should be based on verified evidence and official findings.


PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM

Depending on the investigation’s findings and the applicable law, William David Januszewski may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim arising from the collision. The availability of compensation would depend on the evidence, liability determinations, insurance coverage, and other circumstances specific to the case.

Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal and a national legal analyst, has highlighted the financial and personal difficulties that can follow a serious injury. In cases such as this, the consequences of an injury may extend beyond initial emergency treatment to include continued medical care, rehabilitation, lost earnings, and disruption to daily activities.

Potential damages in a qualifying personal injury claim may include reasonable medical expenses, anticipated future treatment costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress, where permitted by applicable law and supported by the evidence.

A review of medical records, employment information, treatment expenses, insurance policies, and the circumstances of the crash may help determine the extent of any losses. The available evidence would also need to establish the legal basis for holding another party responsible.

Any claim arising from this collision would be subject to the results of the investigation and the relevant legal requirements. No conclusion regarding liability or eligibility for compensation should be drawn before the supporting facts have been established.


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If you, a friend, or a family member have been injured at the hands of a hit-and-run or drunken driver, contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation for guidance

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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