Fund set up for teen hurt in accident

An account has been set up for a Carson City teen who was injured in a car accident Tuesday.

Family friend Rondell Kubel said the account is to help the family of Elizabeth Vineis, 14, to offset medical costs incurred while she is treated for fractures at a Reno hospital.

On Tuesday, Elizabeth was in the driver's-side back seat of a 1996 Oldsmobile four-door sedan with friends Samuel and Sarah Amador, when driver David Amador, 44, attempted to cross southbound Carson Street traffic from the Quail Park Center.

The Oldmobile was T-boned in the driver's side, injuring David Amador and Elizabeth.

David Amador was taken from the scene by Care Flight helicopter. Elizabeth, who was on her way home from her second day as a freshman at Sierra Lutheran High School in Minden, was taken by ambulance to Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center. She was then transferred to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno.

Elizabeth's father, Christopher Vineis, said she is "on the mend," and scheduled for surgery on her ankle in the coming days.

The family does not have health insurance.

Vineis served 20 years in the Navy and has medical coverage through the Veteran's Administration, which does extend to dependents. Elizabeth's mother, Charlotte, has medical coverage through her private employer, but to cover the family, said Christopher, would cost about $800 per month.

It's not clear at this point what if any of Amador's car insurance will cover Elizabeth's care, said Vineis.

To help the Vineis family, donations can be made to the Elizabeth Vineis Medical Fund, Bank of America Acct. No. 501000719803 or you can mail checks to Grace Community Church, 2320 Heybourne Rd., Minden, NV 89423: Attention: Elizabeth Vineis Fund.

- Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.