Second Fatal Semi-Truck Crash on 5 Freeway In Last Two Days Rattles San Diego

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Semi-trailer depicted at scene of incident

For the second consecutive day, there was a fatal semi-truck crash on the 5 Freeway in San Diego County.

One person was killed when an SUV crashed into a big rig that was stationary, according to media outlets such as NBC San Diego. The driver of the tractor-trailer was pulled over when a white Infinity QX4, driving by a 54-year-old man, plowed into it shortly before noon. The man in the Infinity died as the result of his injuries according to California Highway Patrol (CHP). The accident happened near the Aliso Creek Rest Area in North San Diego County.

Currently, officers are not sure why the collision happened, but they do believe alcohol and drugs are not suspected to have played a part.

“It’s horrific, the truck crash deaths that occur so frequently in San Diego,” said Singleton Schreiber Managing Partner Gerald Singleton. “Our hearts go out to the survivors of the man who died.”

After the incident, CHP, Camp Pendleton Fire Department and Camp Pendleton Provost Marshall’s office responded. The fatal wreck caused two southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway to close for roughly three hours.

Yesterday, there was an Encinitas truck crash that killed someone on the 5 Freeway. Six other people were injured in that accident.

Singleton Schreiber truck accident attorneys can be reached at 619-367-7768 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

San Diego Big Rig Collisions

San Diego is the largest metropolitan area in California south of Los Angeles, and with heavy traffic between Orange County and the Mexico border, 18-wheeler trucks are frequently on the various freeways in the City and County of San Diego. In fact, the man who died in today’s crash was from Orange County, and was a resident of Westminster.

Throughout San Diego, 18-wheeler accidents occur frequently and are often deadly. The average big rig weighs 80,000 pounds. A semi-truck pulling an empty trailer still weighs 35,000 pounds. The typical care weights between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds, which is 10% to 30% smaller. The potential for disaster when these vehicles are traveling at high speeds is immense.

In 2020, there were almost 5,000 fatalities involving large trucks in the United States, and that’s with several months of COVID-19 lockdowns. California accounted for roughly 400 of those deaths in 2020. The state saw a spike in truck accident deaths, with numbers jumping up 10-15% from 2016 – 2020. Most researchers found that those killed in truck collisions in California were passengers and drivers in smaller cars, SUVs, pickups, and motorcycles. The individuals driving these large 18-wheelers are “protected” in the much larger trucks which also sit higher up off the ground. In 2020, only 10% of those killed in big rig accidents were the truck occupants, the other 90% were driving or were passengers in the other vehicles.

San Diego Truck Accidents

While other parts of the state get more press on truck crashes, this deadly week demonstrates just how dangerous the freeways, highways and roadways are in San Diego. El Cajon, San Marcos, Chula Vista, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Del Mar and La Mesa have all seen their unfortunate share of deaths caused by truck crashes.

When these accidents occur, the fallout is often widespread. The survivors of the deceased will often face severe emotional and psychological trauma. But, the financial impact is great as well. The average funeral costs upwards of $20,000. Medical bills can be extreme as well, and survivors are often shocked when they see itemized bills from hospitals as well as ambulance companies. These costs add up quickly, and so the need for someone to help, and help right away, is dire.

At Singleton Schreiber, the firm’s truck accident attorneys work with people everyday who’ve been severely injured in a big rig crash or who lost a loved one in a truck crash.

Having an attorney who can help often provides relief and comfort to surviving families.

“San Diego has a serious truck accident problem, and our firm is focused on helping anyone in need,” Mr. Singleton added.

For those who have been injured in San Diego truck accidents on the 5 Freeway, or any other freeway, can contact Singleton Schreiber at 619-367-7768 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

Encinitas freeway “big rig” accident injures six, killing one

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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The 5 freeway near Encinitas Blvd was the site of a terrible crash involving a big rig that led to serious injuries and a fatality.

The San Diego Union Tribune reported that six people were injured and one person died when a big rig and multiple cars collided on the southbound 5. The crash occurred around 10:45 AM and early reports show an 18-wheeler and three other vehicles were involved.

The victims were taken to Rady Children’s Hospital according to reports, others were taken to a trauma hospital in La Jolla. The collision was so severe that all southbound lanes were shut for roughly an hour. There is still heavy congestion resulting from the crash.

SigAlert.com reported traffic moving slower than 10 mph for a six-mile stretch of the freeway.

Singleton Schreiber, San Diego’s premier truck accident and car accident law firms, has seen a wealth of these types of incidents over the last few years.

Encinitas Truck Accident Attorneys

Encinitas, and all of San Diego, are covered in a maze of highways and freeways that can be treacherous. The 5, 8, 805, 15, 163, and 76 are just some of the highways that have seen dozens of deaths over the years as a result of truck accidents. The 5 freeway has seen more than 180 deaths, and it’s ranked as the 11^th most dangerous highway in the entire United States according to Teletrac.

While some have called for greater San Diego road safety laws, California in general faces various problems. The roads and highways in San Diego are crumbling, and things as simple as potholes can lead to disaster. California’s roads and freeways ranks as some of the worst in the nation, and heavily populated areas such as San Diego are a hotbed for all kinds of problems. Encinitas truck accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber are focused on helping people understand exactly what happened in any accident, who is at fault, why the accident occurred, and whether the roads themselves played a part in the collision.

After a wrongful death truck crash, overwhelming issues will occur for the family of the deceased:

Medical bills
Psychological trauma
Property damage
Funeral costs

These are just some of the issues.

Big rig accidents, also known as semi-truck accidents, can cause devastating consequences on the road. These large commercial vehicles weigh up to 80,000 pounds and require a significant amount of space to stop. This makes them susceptible to causing severe damage and injury in the event of an accident.

Several factors can contribute to big rig accidents, including driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, and poor vehicle maintenance. Additionally, inclement weather conditions and road hazards can make operating these vehicles more challenging.

When a big rig accident occurs, the aftermath can be catastrophic. Victims may suffer from severe injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, these accidents may result in fatalities.

San Diego Car Accidents

San Diego has averaged roughly 20,000 car collisions per year over the last 5 years or so. Of those, 27% have resulted in a serious injury or fatality. That means every year, more than 5,600 people suffer some time of injury in a car accident. These include:

Broken bones
Whiplash
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Internal injuries
PTSD
Wrongful death
And much more

These injuries are sometimes “mild” but even those injuries are dangerous. There are many stories of people who thought their car accident injuries were “no big deal” only to be rushed to the hospital hours or even days later from brain trauma or internal bleeding. Anyone involved in a car accident must go to a hospital immediately to seek help.

Jerry Singleton, Managing Partner of Singleton Schreiber, has seen these accidents harm families in more ways than one.

“Today, six people are seriously hurt and one has died, and who knows how bad those injuries are,” Mr. Singleton said. “It’s moments like this when our firm thinks about how little the truck industry and even car manufacturers truly care about our safety.”

In lawsuits such as these, finding a quality law firm can be difficult. Having attorneys who understand the nature of traffic collisions, who have experience throughout San Diego City and County, and who have a successful track record is absolutely necessary. In many instances, people will fail to realize they even have a legal claim if they’ve been injured and are then burdened by hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt and hospital bills as a result.

If you or anyone who know has been injured in an Encinitas car crash or truck crash, please contact Singleton Schreiber at 619-367-7768 or email info@singletonschreiber.com.

Motorcyclist Severely Injured in Early Morning Accident

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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Motorcyclist Severely Injured in Early Morning Accident

Table of Contents - Jump Ahead:

A motorcyclist is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries following a crash this morning in the area of 47th St. and Central Ave. at approximately 5:00 a.m. Officers arriving on the scene reported seeing the crashed motorcycle; first responders took the injured motorcyclist to the hospital. The rider suffered life threatening injuries; Albuquerque Police Department’s Traffic Unit is currently looking into the causes of the crash.

Westbound Central is closed between 47th St. and 50th St. while police investigate.

KEY FACTS ON MOTORCYCLE FATALITIES

While motorcycles are only 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States and travel only 0.6% of all vehicle miles traveled, motorcycle accidents nevertheless account for 14% of all traffic fatalities — a total of 5,579 motorcyclists killed. This is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since 1975.

In addition, motorcycle accidents are responsible for 18% of all occupant fatalities and 4% of all occupant injuries (statistics are for 2020 and are the latest data available).

Between 2019 and 2020, fatalities for motorcycle riders and their passengers increased 11%, while the rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled increased by 23%. Per vehicle miles traveled in 2020, motorcyclist fatalities occurred nearly 28 times more often than passenger car occupant fatalities in traffic accidents. The fatality rate for motorcyclists in 2020 was nearly 43 times the fatality rate for light truck occupants. And the injury rate for motorcyclists was four times higher than the injury rate for passenger car occupants.

In the past 10 years, death rates from motorcycle accidents have increased 27%.

Although in 2020, motorcycle riders who were involved in fatal accidents had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than other drivers, this has not been typical of motorcycle accident trends to date. The majority of fatalities in motorcycle accidents occurred:

When wearing helmets ( 58% );
In good weather ( 78% );
In daylight conditions ( 57% );
On urban roads ( 61% );
In crashes involving two vehicles ( 52% );
On non-interstate roads ( 92% ); and
At locations that were not intersections ( 65% ).

Of great interest to many is the fact that 73% of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents were not alcohol impaired.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MOTORCYCLISTS

In 2011, motorcyclists ages 55 and older accounted for 23% of motorcyclists killed in accidents. This number increased to 27% in 2020. Fatalities among motorcyclists aged 55 and older increased by 37% over the 10-year period from 2011 to 2020. The average age of motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents in 2011 was 42 years old; In 2020, the average age was 43 years old.

When looking at the ages of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents and the time of day that the crashes occurred, statistics reveal that in 2011, motorcyclists aged 50 to 54 had the highest rate of traffic fatalities on weekends, and motorcyclists aged 25 to 29 suffered the greatest number of fatalities on weekdays. But by 2020, motorcyclists aged 25 to 29 had the highest rate of fatalities both during weekends and weekdays.

STATISTICS ON ACCIDENT DETAILS

in 2020, 55% of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents collided with moving motor vehicles.

In fatal crashes involving two vehicles , 76% of the motorcycles were struck in the front; only 7% were hit from behind.

Fatal collisions with motorcycles more often involve collisions with fixed objects than other types of vehicles; For example, 25% of motorcycles in fatal crashes hit stationary objects, compared with 18% for passenger vehicles, 14% for light trucks, and 5% for large trucks.

In 2020, fatal crashes that involved a motorcycle and another type of vehicle totaled 2,741. The other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking other vehicles in 42% of these crashes. Accidents where both vehicles were proceeding in a straight direction accounted for 21% of fatalities.

JUSTICE FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Pending the outcome of the investigation of this morning’s motorcycle crash in Albuquerque, the motorcyclist and their family members may seek damages for pain and suffering and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this incident.

“Motorcyclists are at greater risk for traffic fatalities and serious injury when driving on our streets,” said Brian Colón, Managing Partner of Singleton Schreiber’s New Mexico offices. “This type of accident impacts not just the motorcyclist but also their family. The injured motorcyclist is likely to lose time and income from lost work and will almost certainly incur significant and burdensome medical bills. Those who suffer severe injuries that occurred due to the negligence of others should contact a personal injury attorney immediately to help them through this complicated and difficult process.”

New Mexico’s premier personal injury law firm Singleton Schreiber is available to answer questions and assist you in your motorcycle accident claims. For any legal questions on this accident or any other New Mexico personal injury or wrongful death case, call Singleton Schreiber at (505) 591-4111 or email info@singletonschreiber.com.

Department of Transportation Employee Dead After Vehicle Was Struck by Negligent Driver

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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On March 30, 2023, tragedy struck the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) as one of their own, employee Gerald Woodard, lost his life in a car crash while performing traffic control duties. Woodard, who had worked for the department for over 20 years, was a beloved member of the NMDOT community and his loss has been felt deeply by his colleagues and friends.

Woodard was working on the I-25 southbound frontage road in Socorro County when the crash occurred. According to reports, a driver failed to slow down or move over for the traffic control zone and collided with Woodard’s vehicle. Woodard sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Woodard’s colleagues have described him as a dedicated and hardworking employee who always went above and beyond to ensure the safety of the public and his fellow workers. His supervisor, NMDOT District Engineer Timothy Parker, spoke highly of Woodard’s commitment to his job, stating, “He was a true professional who always put safety first. He took his job seriously and always made sure that the public was safe when they traveled through his work zones.”

CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), transportation incidents are the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the United States. In 2019, 1,066 workers were killed in transportation incidents, accounting for 40% of all workplace fatalities. The NMDOT has been working to address this issue by implementing safety measures and training programs for their employees. The department requires all employees who work on or near roadways to complete a training program that covers topics such as traffic control, personal protective equipment, and safe work practices. The department also encourages drivers to obey traffic laws and move over for emergency vehicles and work zones.

Woodard’s death has also brought attention to the importance of the Move Over Law in New Mexico. The law requires drivers to move over or slow down when passing emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and other service vehicles that are stopped on the side of the road. The law was expanded in 2019 to include all stationary vehicles, including NMDOT work vehicles and personnel. Violating the Move Over Law can result in fines and even imprisonment in certain cases. The “move over law” applies to all emergency vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances, as well as tow trucks and other roadside assistance vehicles. Violating the move over law can result in a traffic citation and fines. Additionally, failure to comply with the move over law can result in serious accidents and injuries to first responders and other roadside workers. Therefore, it is essential for drivers to be aware of the move over law and to take appropriate action when passing emergency or roadside vehicles. Woodard’s death is a sobering reminder of the dangers that transportation workers face and the importance of safety measures and training programs to prevent workplace fatalities.

The cause of the crash involving the NMDOT worker, as well as liability issues, are still being investigated. However, Brian Colón, an experienced New Mexico accident attorney, said it is imperative to have a thorough and independent investigation conducted by knowledgeable professionals.

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the investigation, the family members of Gerald Woodard may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this tragic incident.

“Every day, transportation workers put their lives in jeopardy to help protect drivers and passengers in New Mexico while building our infrastructure,” said Brian Colón, Managing Partner of Singleton Schreiber’s New Mexico offices. “This tragedy impacts his family, his friends, the entire NMDOT community as well as the larger population that depends upon the dedicated work of people like Mr. Woodard. Anyone who has lost a loved one due to the negligence of others should contact a wrongful death attorney immediately to help them through this complicated and heart wrenching process.”

New Mexico’s premier personal injury law firm Singleton Schreiber is providing analysis on the tragic accident that took place on March 30, 2023. For any legal questions on this accident or any other New Mexico personal injury or wrongful death case, call Singleton Schreiber at our Los Lunas office at (505) 807-0426 or email info@singletonschreiber.com.

UC Davis Students in Fatal Accident

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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San Diego’s premier personal injury law firm Singleton Schreiber is providing analysis on the tragic accident that took place on March 29, 2023. For any legal questions on this accident or any other San Diego personal injury or wrongful death case, call Singleton Schreiber at 619-367-7768 or email info@singletonschreiber.com.

On March 29th, 2023, tragedy struck the University of California, Davis community when three students lost their lives in a car crash on Highway 99. The students, whose identities have not yet been released, were traveling southbound on the highway when their car was hit by a semi-truck.

The accident occurred at around 4:30 p.m. near the town of Galt, which is located about 20 miles south of Sacramento. According to eyewitnesses, the car carrying the students was attempting to merge onto the highway when it collided with the semi-truck. The force of the impact caused the car to spin out of control and collide with another vehicle before coming to a stop on the side of the road.

Emergency responders arrived on the scene within minutes of the accident, but unfortunately, there was nothing they could do to save the three students. They were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck and the occupants of the other vehicle involved in the crash were all taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. News of the accident has sent shockwaves through the UC Davis community, which is still reeling from the loss of two students who died in a car crash in 2021.

“This is a tragic car accident,” stated Gerald Singleton, managing partner at Singleton Schreiber. “There are parents who won’t have children returning home tonight because of this horrific wreck.”

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but authorities have indicated that speed may have been a factor. The section of Highway 99 where the accident occurred is known for its heavy traffic, and merging onto the highway can be a difficult maneuver. Eyewitnesses have reported seeing the car carrying the students traveling at a high rate of speed before the crash.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers of driving, especially on busy highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 36,000 traffic fatalities in the United States in 2022, with many of these accidents occurring on highways. Speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are all major contributors to highway accidents.

As the investigation into the accident continues, the UC Davis community is rallying around the families and friends of the students who died. A vigil was held on campus the day after the accident, with hundreds of students, faculty, and staff in attendance. The university has also set up a memorial fund to help the families with expenses related to the tragedy.

Singleton Schreiber is a trial law firm with several offices throughout California. With a long track record of success, the firm has obtained more than $2 billion on behalf of clients. Currently, the firm has experience representing San Diego residents whose lives were ruined in similar situations, and their San Diego legal team is one of the best in the nation. To learn more, call Singleton Schreiber at 619-367-7768 or info@singletonschreiber.com.

City Heights House Fire Analyzed by Singleton Schreiber

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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City Heights House Fire Analyzed by Singleton Schreiber

San Diego’s premier fire litigation law firm Singleton Schreiber is providing expert analysis into the fire that broke out in City Heights on Tuesday afternoon. For any legal questions on this or any other San Diego house fire, call Singleton Schreiber at 619-367-7768 or info@singletonschreiber.com.

On Tuesday, March 28, a fire tore through a house in City Heights according to fire officials. The blaze was reported at roughly 2:30 PM on 45th Street just north of Orange Avenue.

It’s not clear if the building was up to code, however according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Ty Shimoguchi, four or five people were inside the house. It is reported that a total of six people suffered smoke inhalation.

The fire had already torn through the kitchen and living room by the time first responders arrived, and it took 20 minutes or so to get the blaze under control. Two of the people who suffered smoke inhalation were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, others were treated at the scene. There is no current report on the cause of the fire.

This is the second fire in City Heights this month. The first occurred on March 6 on 36th Street at 2:00 AM. This pre-dawn fire in a different abandoned house caused $160,000 worth of damage according to authorities.

“Any house fire is a tragedy. Landlords have certain obligations to keep tenants safe. This fire is under investigation, but the home may not have been up to code. This fire should serve as a reminder to all landlords to make sure rentals are safe.”

Attorneys at Singleton Schreiber are looking to help residents of San Diego communities affected by the lack of regulations followed by landlords or vacant residencies.

House and structure fires are deadly in San Diego and nationwide. There are an average of 358,500 homes that catch fire every year according to the National Fire Prevention Association. These fires resulted in more than 2,500 deaths in the United States over the last five years due to house fires alone, with roughly $7 billion in property damage.

The three main causes of these fires are cooking mishaps, heating equipment issues and electrical malfunction. Landlords and city officials are both required by the City and County of San Diego to properly and regularly inspect properties for potential fire hazards. This includes examining electrical issues such as exposed wires.

Singleton Schreiber is a trial law firm with several offices throughout California. With a long track record of success, the firm has obtained more than $2 billion on behalf of clients. Currently, the firm has experience representing San Diego residents whose lives were ruined in similar situations, and their San Diego legal team is one of the best in the nation. To learn more, call Singleton Schreiber at 619-367-7768 or info@singletonschreiber.com.