[04-20-2024] El Dorado County, CA – Five People Injured Following Three-Vehicle DUI Collision Along Highway 50

Five people were injured following a three-vehicle DUI collision in El Dorado County on Saturday afternoon, April 20, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the traffic accident happened at around 1:00 p.m. along Highway 50, west of Sierra-At-Tahoe Road.

CHP said that the driver of a 2012 Dodge Van, later identified as 37-year-old Zachary L. from Pollock Pines, was traveling westbound on Highway 50 when he made an unsafe left turn on a curved section of the road. 

His risky maneuver led to a collision with an oncoming 2015 Toyota Rav-4, which rolled over on the south shoulder of the highway before coming to rest. The Dodge, meanwhile, continued along the eastbound lane before hitting yet another car, this time a 2013 Honda CR-V. 

Both the driver and passenger of the Toyota, who were only identified as Alviso residents, sustained moderate injuries. At the same time, the driver and passenger of the Honda, both 19-year-old San Jose locals, suffered major injuries and were transported to Barton Memorial Hospital for further medical care.

CHP then stated that the Dodge driver showed apparent symptoms of alcohol intoxication when the incident occurred. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries before getting arrested for a felony DUI.

Additional information was not immediately available. Police work is underway.

Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?

Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:

• Check yourself for any injuries.

• Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.

• Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.

• Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.

• Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.

• Seek immediate medical attention.

• Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. 

The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.