Reno County, KS – Several Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Pretty Prairie Rd

Reno County, KS (July 21, 2025) – A three-vehicle crash late Saturday night sent at least one person to the hospital and left several shaken. The collision happened at approximately 10:47 p.m. on July 19 along the 300 block of Pretty Prairie Road, roughly four miles east of Pretty Prairie and just a quarter mile west of Kansas Highway 14.

According to reports from Kansas Highway Patrol, all three vehicles were traveling eastbound on Pretty Prairie Road when the wreck occurred. The 2016 Nissan Altima, driven by 68-year-old Randy G. Nicholas of Wichita, rear-ended a 2022 Kia Sportage that had stopped behind a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The force of the impact caused the Kia to collide with the back of the Subaru.

A passenger in the Altima, 76-year-old Maria S. Nicholas, also from Wichita, sustained injuries in the crash and was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. No other injuries were reported, although several individuals were evaluated at the scene. Occupants of the Kia included 27-year-old driver Kendall A. Smith of Independence, Missouri, and passengers Meagan A. Contreras, Ryan T. Palmbaum, and Madelyne F. Denslow, all of Salina, Kansas. The Subaru was driven by 39-year-old Ginger L. Houser of Wichita. Investigations are ongoing to determine contributing factors in the crash.

We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.

Rear-End Accidents in Kansas

Rear-end crashes are one of the most common types of collisions on Kansas roads. They frequently occur when traffic slows suddenly or when a driver is distracted. Many of these crashes happen at night when visibility is lower, especially on rural roads like Pretty Prairie Road.

To better understand the risks involved, here are a few key factors related to rear-end crashes:

• Reaction Time and Speed: When a driver is following too closely or not paying full attention, they may not have enough time to stop if traffic ahead slows. Even small delays in reaction time can lead to major consequences.
• Elderly Passenger Risk: Older adults, like the 76-year-old injured in this crash, are more likely to suffer serious injuries even in relatively moderate-impact collisions due to age-related fragility.
• Multiple Occupants: When a vehicle carries several passengers, the potential for injury increases. Even if some walk away without injury, others may suffer hidden trauma that surfaces later.
• Night Driving Challenges: Reduced visibility, glare, and fatigue can all contribute to rear-end crashes at night. Drivers must be especially alert and cautious on dimly lit rural roads.

If you or someone you know was hurt in a crash like this, call our Reno County car accident attorney right away. Our Kansas car accident attorneys can help you understand your rights and begin building your case. Evidence fades fast after any crash, especially at night when conditions complicate scene documentation. Getting legal support as soon as possible can make a difference in the outcome of your claim.

Wallentine Injury Law understands how accidents impact every part of your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. We’re here to help you take the next step toward recovery. Our Kansas team is available for free consultations and is prepared to help guide you through this difficult time. You won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. With experience representing injured Kansans across the state, we bring the knowledge and compassion needed to support your family. Call us today at 913-934-6333 and talk with someone who’s ready to stand in your corner.

Notes: Our writers utilized secondary sources when writing this news article about an accident. We have not independently reviewed all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, please get in touch with Wallentine Injury Law, LLC right away if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will update the post with the most accurate information currently available.  A post will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: We hope that by raising awareness about driving hazards, drivers will be more cautious when operating a motor vehicle and avoid being seriously injured in a collision. This accident news post is not a business solicitation. The content of this post is not intended to serve as medical or legal advice. This post’s featured image was not captured at the accident scene depicted in the post.