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Collision Between A Semi-Truck And Pickup in Apple Valley, CA Ends With Three Airlifted to Hospital

Collision Between A Semi-Truck And Pickup in Apple Valley

Late morning on Monday, April 8, three people were seriously injured in a traffic collision between a pickup truck and a tractor-trailer. Around 11:15 am an accident was reported in Apple Valley, an unincorporated, rural-urban town in San Bernardino County.  The accident occurred at the intersection of Stoddard Wells Road and Outer Highway 15.

Collision Between A Semi-Truck And Pickup in Apple ValleyWhen emergency response crews arrived at the scene, they found a Volvo semi-truck and a gray Ford F-150 on the dirt shoulder of the northbound I-15. The semi had sustained some front-end damage on the left, driver’s side.

According to Apple Valley Fire Department firefighters, there were a total of three patients. Extrication was required for at least one individual involved in the crash, though they did not specify who. All three patients were transported by ground ambulances to the Apple Valley airport and airlifted to trauma centers in other areas from there. Helicopters from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), REACH, and Mercy Air assisted with the airlifts for the three patients.

This accident is currently under investigation by the Apple Valley Police Department to determine the circumstances and cause of the incident.

Trucking Companies and Truck Drivers Legal Obligations On The Road

Truck drivers and trucking companies are held to a higher standard of care due to the size and weight of their vehicles. “This higher standard of care is mainly because trucks, especially large commercial ones, pose an increased risk on the road due to being larger and heavier than other vehicles,” says Brett Schreiber, a lawyer at Singleton Schreiber,  “Accidents involving semi-trucks are much more likely to result in significant damage and injuries, and in some cases may result in death.”

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes strict regulations on commercial trucking companies and their drivers to increase safety on the roads. Regulations imposed include areas such as strict driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and more.

Truck drivers must undergo specific training in order to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL) that allows them to operate large trucks. Commercial truck drivers are expected to adhere to truck-specific safety protocols like maintaining safe speeds and following distances, proper lane usage, and more to mitigate the risk associated with their vehicles.

Additionally, trucking companies are responsible for ensuring the drivers they employ are properly trained, their fleet vehicles are well-maintained, and operations comply with relevant regulations (i.e. hours of service, cargo securement, etc). Failure to meet these regulations can result in serious consequences such as fines, penalties, and legal liabilities should they be involved in an accident.

What Can You Do If You Or A Loved One Are Injured In An Accident Involving A Semi-Truck?

If you or a loved one have been in an accident with a semi-truck that resulted in injuries, you may be entitled to some form of compensation.

Accidents involving semi-trucks can cause severe injury, leaving you with temporary or permanent disabilities, and some incidents may even lead to death. Often, when negotiating with trucking company’s insurance companies, they will try to give victims as little compensation as possible. Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney may be helpful when dealing with insurance companies in the aftermath of a truck accident.

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a semi-truck, you may be able to obtain compensation for things like:

  • Property damage
  • Medical bills
  • Lost income and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • And more

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, contact the attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling (619) 771-3473 or via email at info@singletonschreiber.com.

San Diego Motorcyclist Dies In Crash on Westbound SR 94

San Diego Motorcyclist Dies In Crash on Westbound SR 94

Thursday, April 4, 2024, around 5:30 am, a motorcyclist crashed on San Diego’s westbound state Route 94, near Kelton Road in the Oak Park neighborhood. The rider was struck by several vehicles after crashing and died on scene shortly after. The identity of the motorcyclist remains undisclosed.

San Diego Motorcyclist Dies In Crash on Westbound SR 94Motorcycle accidents resulting in serious injuries and fatalities are unfortunately common in California, with an annual average of more than 12,000 instances, according to data collected by the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Among the state’s 58 counties, San Deigo County stands out, ranking second only to Los Angeles County for the highest number of motorcycle accidents leading to severe injury and/or death.  When looking at motorcycle accidents resulting in death, San Diego ranks third, behind Los Angeles and San Bernadino Counties.

What Factors Contribute To Causing Motorcycle Accidents?

Riding a motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than traveling in a vehicle, mainly due to the lack of protective barriers around the rider. This leaves motorcycle riders more vulnerable to the impacts and injuries that may occur in the event of a crash. Many factors can contribute to the cause of a motorcycle accident, including:

  • Poor road conditions: things like potholes, gravel, oil spills, or uneven surfaces can cause motorcyclists to lose control and crash
  • Weather conditions: inclement weather conditions like rain or high winds can reduce visibility, inhibit traction, and increase the risk of accidents
  • Mechanical failures: mechanical issues or failures, like bake failure, tire blowouts, or engine problems can cause accidents
  • Visibility obstructions: large vehicles and poor weather conditions can obstruct the motorcyclists’ view making it difficult to anticipate, spot, and react to hazards on the road
  • Loss of control: abrupt maneuvers, excessive speed, or sudden braking can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their bike and crash
  • Distracted driving: on behalf of the rider or other drivers, can cause them to be unaware of their surroundings, make poor decisions, and not see what is going on around them
  • Other vehicles: often, other drivers do not see motorcycles, don’t check for them, or misjudge their distance and will change lanes or turn in front of motorcyclists and cause an accident

Because riding a motorcycle is much more dangerous than traveling in a car or other vehicle, it is important that both riders and drivers maneuver the road with care and respect to avoid causing an accident that could have been prevented. “I’ve seen how devastating motorcycle accidents can be and how difficult the aftermath can be for families who lose their loved one,” says Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber, “It is the responsibility of both drivers and riders to travel carefully and work together to prevent accidents. If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, an attorney may be able to help you.”

Legal Recourse After A Motorcycle Accident

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident or tragically lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, it is important to hire a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Navigating the aftermath of a crash can be difficult, emotionally, financially, and physically, without the added stress of navigating the legal system. When you work with an experienced attorney, they will be able to help you gather the evidence you need, properly file, and build a strong claim.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, call us today at (619) 771-3473 or by email at info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about your options.

Forklift Fatality at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro

Forklift Fatality at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro

At 10:40 a.m. March 18th, a worker was killed at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro after becoming trapped underneath a forklift.  The worker, a man in his 30’s, was pronounced dead at the scene, Berth 270, after firefighters responded to a report of the worker being trapped.

Forklift Fatality at the Port of Los Angeles in San PedroNo further details have been provided at this time, however, the California Department of Industrial Relations, Los Angeles Port Police, and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner will begin an investigation into the incident.

Workplaces Have Become Increasingly More Deadly for Americans

This tragic incident is another in an alarming trend in workplaces across the United States.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a worker is killed every 96 minutes in the U.S. and 2022 was the deadliest year for workplace deaths since 2007.

Workers in the transportation and materials moving industries have the second highest rate of fatal work injury rates, behind only the farming, fishing, and forestry industries.

Due to the dangerous nature of the work, the workers in the maritime shipping industry – including dock workers and longshore workers – are protected by strict OSHA and U.S. Department of Labor regulations.  However, safety guidelines are not always followed by employers.

According to attorney Gerald Singleton, these incidents serve as a stark reminder for the importance of regulating workplaces.

“Ensuring the safety of our workers is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a moral imperative,” Singleton said.  “Every employee deserves to work in an environment that values their safety and life above all else. When accidents occur, especially those as tragic as a fatal harbor incident, it illustrates exactly what’s at stake when safety measures are overlooked or neglected. As an attorney, I stand committed to seeking justice and support for the injured and their families, reinforcing the necessity of stringent safety standards to prevent such tragedies from happening again.”

Compensation for Families in Fatal Work Incidents

While the family of the man killed in this tragic incident and those of workers that are killed in similar incidents may be entitled to death benefits outlined in the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, these benefits may not be adequate to cover the financial and emotional impact of losing a loved one.  Depending on the outcome of the investigation, there may be other avenues for families to pursue.  These remedies may not only recover compensation for the loss, but allow them to get justice for their loved ones if their death was the result of negligence or failure to adhere to safety regulations.

In cases such as these, an attorney with an understanding of the regulations and laws involved may be able to help families facing loss.

Salinas Man Dies After Being Run Over By Semi-Truck

Salinas Man Dies After Being Run Over By Semi-Truck

Late afternoon on Friday, April 5th, a man was run over by a semi-truck at B C Systems in Salinas, CA. Police reported the incident occurred at the B C System’s loading docks on Merrill Street when a semi-truck pulled out and hit the man. He died at the scene. According to police reports, the man who was struck and died was not an employee of B C Systems.

Salinas Man Dies After Being Run Over By Semi-TruckAfter the incident, the semi-truck driver pulled over and has been cooperating with the investigation. While the full details of this accident are still under investigation, police do not believe that the driver was impaired while operating the vehicle.

Legal Remedies For Families Of Loved Ones Killed In Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks are significantly larger and heavier than other vehicles or pedestrians. This is what causes accidents with them to be so severe. When a semi-truck is involved in an accident with a pedestrian or another vehicle on the road, the aftermath can leave victims seriously injured or even result in death, like in the incident described above.

If you have lost a loved one in an accident involving a semi-truck, you may have legal recourse and should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. After the loss of a loved one, families face many hurdles, both financially and emotionally. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal landscape so that you can spend time healing with your family.

“As an attorney, I have seen the devastating impact of losing a loved one in an accident like this,” says Brett Schreiber of Singleton Schreiber, “Losing a loved one in such a sudden and devastating manner is incomprehensible. While nothing can undo the pain they feel from this loss, it is important for this family and families facing similar situations to understand their rights and options. Working with an experienced wrongful death attorney can give them the support and legal guidance they deserve to pursue justice on behalf of their loved one.”

In situations like this one, it may be best to find an attorney who has experience handling both wrongful death and trucking accident claims, as elements and laws from both areas will likely play a large role in your claim. Depending on the details of each unique situation, especially if negligence played a role in the accident, families may be eligible to obtain compensation to cover things like:

  • Medical Bills – if their loved one was hospitalized or received any type of medical treatment after the accident, before dying
  • Funeral Expenses – costs associated with funeral arrangements and burial expenses
  • Loss of Financial Support – income the deceased would have provided to their family had they not passed away
  • Loss of Consortium – compensation to cover the loss of the companionship, guidance, and care the family would have received from the deceased had they not died
  • Pain and Suffering – in some instances, the family may be able to seek compensation for any personal injury attorney their loved one experienced before dying
  • Punitive Damages – depending on the location of the accident, if the truck company or driver acted egregiously or recklessly, the family may be awarded punitive damages. These damages are only offered in some states and are intended to punish the responsible party

If you lost a loved one in a semi-truck accident, contact Singleton Schreiber at info@singletonschreiber.com.

Nelson Road Fire Fatality in Scotts Valley, CA

Nelson Road Fire Fatality in Scotts Valley, CA

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that one person was killed in a deadly residential structure fire that took place in Scotts Valley, CA Tuesday night. The blaze destroyed a small cabin-like structure on the 200 block of Nelson Road.  

Nelson Road Fire Fatality in Scotts Valley, CAShortly after 8:30 p.m., fire agencies were alerted to reports of smoke in the area and, by the time firefighters arrived on the scene, the structure was engulfed in flames with only one wall left standing. The location of the structure was at the end of a private road and off of the water grid, so water tenders were brought in to fight the fire.

The occupant was found deceased inside the home at around 10:45 p.m. and has been confirmed to be the homeowner. The victim’s identity, however, has yet to be released as officials are waiting to notify the family. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation as of Wednesday afternoon, though Fire Chief Mark Correira said that it was unclear if the home had smoke detectors.  

Prevention Not Necessarily Protection

While smoke detectors can help greatly in decreasing the risk of injury or death in a home fire, they cannot completely remove it. One out of every five fires occurs in one or two-family homes – yet these fires cause nearly 60 percent of civilian fatalities.  

As was the case in this incident, home fires have become increasingly deadly – even as their numbers have dropped precipitously over the last 40 years.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the death rate in single-family home fires is 13 percent higher than it was in 1980 on a per-fire basis.  

According to attorney Gerald Singleton, finding the cause of the blaze is paramount for families.

“Our hearts go out to the family affected by this tragic incident.  Through my years of experience handling wildfire litigation, I’ve seen first-hand the devastation that a fire can bring and how profound the ramifications can be,” Singleton said. “While the cause of this fire is still under investigation, families want answers. They want to know why this happened and who is responsible.” 

While cooking is the leading cause of residential fires, heating equipment and electrical systems are second and third. If one of these systems proves to be the cause of the blaze, the family of the victim may have options.

“If officials determine that an electrical or heating system or a faulty product is to blame, they have recourse and deserve justice for their unimaginable loss” Singleton went on to say.  “In this situation, it may be in their best interests to speak with an attorney.”

If you have lost a loved one in a residential fire, contact Singleton Scheiber today by calling 831-400-5755 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

Fatal Car Crash on I-15 Claims Three Lives Amid Heavy Rainfall Over Easter Weekend

Fatal Car Crash on I-15 Claims Three Lives Amid Heavy Rainfall Over Easter Weekend

At approximately 1:40 pm Saturday, March 30, a Kia car traveling southbound on I-15 hydroplaned and lost control, causing a head-on collision. The Kia skidded across all southbound lanes, the center dirt median, and into northbound traffic, colliding head-on with a Mercedes SUV traveling north. The collision occurred near mile marker 145, near the Halloran Springs Road exit. Three passengers died in the crash, one adult and two children.Fatal Car Crash on I-15 Claims Three Lives Amid Heavy Rainfall Over Easter Weekend

The Kia car was driven by a 52-year-old man, transporting five other passengers, a 43-year-old woman, a 19-year-old male, a 13-year-old male, a 7-year-old male, and a 3-year-old male. The 43-year-old woman, identified as Alicia M Ramos, and her 13-year-old son, Isaac Ramos, died as a result of the crash. Alicia succumbed to her injuries while in transport to Barstow Community Hospital, and her son Isaac died on the scene of the crash. The surviving passengers remain in critical condition at this time.

The Mercedes SUV was driven by a 38-year-old male, transporting three other passengers, a 34-year-old woman, a 15-year-old girl, and an 11-year-old boy. The 11-year-old boy, whose identity is undisclosed at this time, died on the scene.

After the collision occurred, the northbound lanes of I-15 were shut down for hours. California Highway Patrol does not believe that either alcohol or drugs contributed to the incident.

Driving In Inclement Weather Increases Chances Of Accidents

According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), nearly 1.2 million weather-related car crashes occur in the US every year, meaning they occur due to adverse weather conditions. Of these 1.2 million crashes, 46 percent occur during rainfall.

Rainfall can cause dangerous driving conditions as it reduces the driver’s visibility and vehicle performance (like tire friction), and increases traffic due to the need for reduced driving speed. When rainfall creates puddles on the roadways, cars are more likely to hydroplane, like in the accident over Easter weekend. Hydroplaning occurs when your car’s tires lose all contact with the road’s surface and begin to glide across the water.

Safety Tips For Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning can be a terrifying and dangerous experience. If you begin to hydroplane, some steps you can take include:

  • Removing your foot from the gas: keeping your foot on the gas will cause your wheels to spin faster and worsen the loss of traction you are experiencing.
  • Avoid braking: braking can cause your wheels to lock up and make it more difficult to regain control of the vehicle.
  • Do not attempt to steer or turn the wheel: attempting to turn or steer your car may cause you to spin out and lose control, instead try to keep a firm grip on the wheel and keep it straight. Once you regain traction you can slowly steer in your desired direction.

Driving in any sort of inclement weather presents unique challenges that require drivers to change their regular driving habits for the safety of themselves and others on the road. It is important to reduce driving speed, increase following distance, and stay vigilant of changing conditions and others on the road. “In my years of practice, I’ve witnessed the profound and devastating impact that car accidents can have on families,” says attorney Brett Schreiber of Singleton Schreiber. “When extreme weather conditions are present, making small changes to how you drive can significantly affect your safety and the safety of others on the road.  However, in the event that you are involved in a collision, an experienced attorney may be able to help.”

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, contact the San Diego car accident lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling (619) 648-2537 or by email at info@singletonschreiber.com.

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