California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin Domby reported that the accident involved a 1999 Volvo station wagon driven by 80-year-old Arkansas resident James Lebert, and a vehicle driven by Donald Malsack, 22, of Lucerne.

Domby said Malsack, who was driving southbound on Highway 29, reported that he saw Lebert, driving northbound, waiting to turn onto Merritt Road.

Lebert reportedly turned in front of Malsack, and Malsack said he tried to brake but couldn't stop in time to avoid hitting the other vehicle.

Domby reported that Malsack reported minor injuries, including pain in his chest, back and head.

In addition, both vehicles sustained major damage and had to be towed from the scene, Domby said.

Several other accidents around the county were noted in CHP's Thursday incident report. However, Domby said he didn't believe the wet weather had been a major factor.

“People are adjusting to it pretty well to it, i think,” he said.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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