Photographer’s Car Hits Lewinskys’ Van

Monica S. Lewinsky and her family were involved in a car accident Friday when their van was struck from behind by an Associated Press photographer on the northbound San Diego Freeway, authorities said.

The accident occurred about 4:15 p.m. near Mulholland Drive, California Highway Patrol Officer Robert Weaver said.

The 24-year-old former White House intern, who has been dogged by the media since allegations surfaced that she had an affair with President Clinton, was a passenger in the right rear seat of the family’s Dodge Caravan.

At the wheel was her father, Dr. Bernard Lewinsky, who was traveling in the far left lane in stop-and-go traffic when a 1987 Volkswagen Jetta hit his van from the rear.

“Bernard Lewinsky was slowing down for traffic ahead and the guy behind him bumped him,” Weaver said.

The other driver was identified as Jeff Schaeffer, 30, an AP television photographer, the CHP said. It was not known whether there were other media cars following the van at the time.

Bernard Lewinsky’s wife, Barbara, who was sitting in the passenger seat, complained of pain but told authorities she would seek her own medical attention, a CHP spokesman said. There were no other injuries, and medical help was not requested.