Lohan in new drink-driving claim

Police ruled out any paparazzi involvement in the crash

Actress Lindsay Lohan is due back in court next April over claims that she was drunk at the wheel during a car accident in October 2005.

Lohan, 21, is being sued by van driver Raymundo Ortega, whose lawyer claims he was knocked out during the crash.

Mr Ortega claims the star was fleeing photographers and was drink-driving.

Local traffic police concluded at the time that Mr Ortega caused the accident by making an illegal U-turn. Lohan and a passenger sustained minor injuries.

On Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Michael L Stern rejected a motion that argued that Mr Ortega's legal action lacked legal sufficiency. A trial was set for 7 April 2008.

"This case is about responsibility and she's not taking responsibility," Mr Ortega's lawyer, Robert G Klein, said outside court in Los Angeles.

Lohan's party lifestyle has been well documented in the press

Mr Ortega is seeking at least $200,000 (£100,000) in damages.

Lohan's lawyer, David J Ozeran, said there was no evidence that the Mean Girls star was intoxicated.

After the incident, police in Los Angeles said the paparazzi were not to blame for the car crash.

"It appears it's the van's fault for making an illegal U-turn," a police spokesman was quoted as saying. He added that no drink or drugs were involved in the crash.

Jail time

Last month, Lohan was ordered to spend one day in jail after pleading guilty to drink-driving and drug charges as part of a plea bargain stemming from arrests earlier this year in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

She was put on three years' probation, and must complete community service and a drug treatment programme.

The actress crashed her car in Los Angeles in May and was arrested again in July after being stopped by police.

In a statement, Lohan said: "It is clear to me that my life has become completely unmanageable because I am addicted to alcohol and drugs.

Deputy District Attorney Danette Meyers said after the hearing in August that if Lohan was convicted of any further drink-driving charges in the future, she would have to spend a mandatory four months in jail.

Lohan, whose most recent film - I Know Who Killed Me - was critically slammed, has spent several stints in rehab this year.