A three- car accident, near Lira’s Market in Meyers sent three people to local hospitals Saturday morning.

A resident of South Lake Tahoe, Kevin Smith (42) was driving an Audi in the west-bound lane of Highway 50. Suddenly his car began to drift into the east-bound lane. As a result the vehicle collided with the left side of a Toyota 4Runner, driven by Sacramento resident Lisa Levy (43). In the vehicle with Ms. Levy was Sacramento resident Jeff Schuitema (55). Following the collision with the 4Runner, the Audi spun around and collided with the front end of a third car, a Dodge driven by Andrew Cross (55) of Sacramento. Mr. Cross was traveling with an 11-year-old passenger. According to the Police the alcohol was not a factor in the accident.

Ms. Levy was flown to Renown Health in Reno with minor injuries. Her passenger Mr. Schuitemawas transported by ambulance to Barton Health. Mr Smith was flown to Renown Health too with major injuries to his torso, legs and head. According to the California Highway Patrol report Mr. Cross and his 11-year-old passenger did not obtain medical treatment.

Although it appears that this collision was caused by Mr. Smith, the case is still under the investigation.

California Highway Accidents

Based on the California Highway Patrol Integrated Traffic Records System there were 173,657 injured people in different kinds of collisions.

Insurance Questions in a California Car Accident

For insurance claims purposes, the most important question to be answered after a multi-vehicle accident is, “Who’s at fault?” The answer will determine whose insurance is responsible for what. Will the other driver’s insurance company have to pay for your property damage losses and bodily injury losses , or will your insurance be responsible for paying the other driver?

Insurance companies will usually follow the conclusion of the investigating police officer in determining liability. If the police officer concludes that the other party is at fault based on independent witness statements or physical evidence, his insurance company will typically accept liability. However, if the statements are conflicting – for instance drivers claimed to have had a green light at an intersection, there are no witnesses, and the officer chose to believe you over the other party – the insurance company may refuse to accept liability.

Hiring a Lake Tahoe, CA Auto Accident Attorney

While this Meyers, Lake Tahoe car accident remains under investigation, the injured victims are highly suggested to consult with an experienced Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney as soon as possible. The victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering, and lost earnings, which should be discussed in consultation with the lawyer.

The Demas & Rosenthal personal injury law firm is not currently representing anyone mentioned in this article at the time it was posted. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your legal rights and options, call us or another well recognized and respected personal injury law firm. Please do not rely or act solely upon the information provided in this article. Please consider getting a consultation immediately. The best personal injury law firms will provide a free consultation. Demas & Rosenthal will provide a free, confidential consultation to the persons who were not at fault named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.