Daniel Koenig, 24, killed in car crash with alleged drunk driver Kelley Smith, 25, on Highway 28 in Carnelion Bay, California

Tahoe City resident Kelley Smith, 25, has been arrested on drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter charges in a crash on Lake Tahoe’s north shore that killed his passenger over the weekend. Smith was being held in the Placer County jail Monday on $250,000 bail after he allegedly collided with a power pole at high speed early Saturday on Highway 28 in Carnelian Bay. The victim was identified as Daniel Koenig, 24, of Tahoe City. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the Subaru Outback when it crashed into several trees and the pole about 2:20 a.m. 

How can a lawyer help with an auto accident claim?

First, having a lawyer on your side levels the playing field. The person who caused the accident is required to immediately turn the case over to his or her insurance company. The insurance company uses adjusters and lawyers who are specifically trained to deny or reduce your claim. This may include denying compensation to family members who are entitled to receive benefits for loss of companionship. Learn more here about what a lawyer does in auto accident cases.