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Sacramento Motorcyclist, Jose Louis Silva, Dies After Colliding with Vehicle in Midtown

Sacramento Motorcyclist, Jose Louis Silva, Dies After Colliding with Vehicle in Midtown

Sunday, August 25th, just before noon, a motorcyclist, identified as Jose Louis Silva, collided with a vehicle in Midtown, Sacramento. 

Police arrived at the scene of the incident, 24th Street and J Street, after receiving reports of a collision. When they arrived on the scene they found Silva, who had suffered life-threatening injuries. First responders transported him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

Officials have declared the crash was criminal in nature, however, there has been no arrest announced in connection with the collision. 

It is unclear if the driver of the vehicle was injured in the accident. 

In 2021 in the United States, motorcyclists made up 13.8% of all traffic deaths, while only 3.5% of all registered vehicles in the US are motorcycles. 

“This tragic incident highlights the extreme vulnerability of motorcyclists on our roads,” says Brett Schreiber, managing partner at Singleton Schreiber, “When a collision occurs between a motorcycle and a larger vehicle, the motorcyclist almost always suffers the most severe consequences. The lack of protection motorcycles provide riders, combined with the immense force of impact they experience when struck by a larger vehicle often leads to catastrophic injuries or even death, as seen in the heartbreaking loss of Jose Louis Silva. Our thoughts are with his family as they navigate life after the loss of their loved one.”

“It’s crucial that those responsible for such collisions be held accountable, and we are confident law enforcement will do everything they can to find and identify the responsible party.”

Common injuries experienced by motorcycle riders involved in collisions with vehicles include:

  • Head and brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Road rash
  • Internal injuries
  • Crush injuries
  • Limb amputations
  • Facial injuries
  • Death

Silva’s family may wish to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. Filing a wrongful death claim may allow them to recover compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses – costs associated with the end-of-life arrangements, including funeral, burial, or cremation services.
  • Lost financial support – compensation for the income and financial support that their loved one would have otherwise provided them had he lived.
  • Loss of companionship – compensation for the emotional pain they experience due to the loss of companionship, guidance, and support the family experiences due to their loved one’s untimely death.
  • Pain and suffering – compensation for the emotional distress and suffering the family experienced due to the loss of their loved one.
  • And more

If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, contact the Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers of Singleton Schreiber by calling (619) 771-3473 or sending an email at info@singletonschreiber.com. Reach out today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how they may be able to help you. 

Lodi Apartment Fire on South School Street Leaves One Hospitalized, and Several Others Displaced

Mobile Home Fire in Edison, CA Leaves Two Women Dead

Wednesday afternoon, just after 1 pm, the Lodi Fire Department responded to the report of a fire in an apartment building on South School Street, near Tamarack Drive. 

Lodi Apartment Fire on South School StreetAccording to officials, the fire began on a floor-level unit and spread to adjacent units. In the end, the fire had consumed two units and damaged a third. 

One person was burned on the face and neck, and the crew transported them to the hospital. Three children and four adults were displaced due to the fire, and the Red Cross was called to help them. 

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. 

What Commonly Causes Apartment Fires?

Apartment fires can be dangerous, as seen in Wednesday’s incident. In apartment complexes, there are many people concentrated in one area. Fires in apartment complexes can be sparked by a variety of factors, including:

  • Electrical Issues: overloaded outlets, malfunctioning appliances, or faulty wiring can spark fires.
  • Heating equipment: space heaters, radiators, and baseboard heaters can cause fires if flammable items are placed too close to them.
  • Cooking accidents: leaving cooking unattended, grease fires, and mishandling hot appliances can cause fires. 
  • Smoking materials: cigarettes, cigars, matches, and other smoking materials that are not properly extinguished can easily ignite nearby flammable items. 
  • Dryer lint buildup: if dryer vents or filters are not regularly cleaned they can cause fires as lint is highly flammable.
  • Arson: tenants or others can intentionally set fires to the building and cause significant damage. 

“While officials are still investigating the cause of the fire, it is important to remember that apartment fires can happen quickly and spread rapidly, putting many lives at risk,” says Gerald Singleton, attorney of Singleton Schreiber, “Whether this fire was caused by an electrical issue, a cooking accident, or another cause, tenants and property owners must be vigilant about fire safety and take the proper steps to protect themselves and avoid starting fires.”

“Our thoughts are with the victims as they recover from this devastating incident.”

Victims may be eligible to file claims for compensation to cover damages such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Emotional turmoil
  • Temporary housing costs
  • Lost wages
  • And more

If you’ve been the victim of an apartment fire, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today by calling (619) 771-3473 or emailing info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about your options. 

Kunia Collision on H-1 Freeway in Honolulu Seriously Injured 50-Year-Old Man, Sends Him to Hospital

Kunia Collision on H-1 Freeway

An early morning collision on the H-1 freeway in Honolulu occurred just before 5:30 am on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. 

Kunia Collision on H-1 FreewayThe accident involved two vehicles and occurred just before the Kunia off-ramp, according to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services (EMS). 

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they treated two patients, a 40-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man. The man was in serious condition and given advanced life support before being transported to the hospital. The woman suffered minor injuries and declined to be taken to the hospital. 

Hawaii has about 10,000 serious car accidents per year, according to the state’s Department of Transportation (HDOT).

Data from HDOT reveals that there are between 120-150 vehicle collision-related fatalities each year. The main cause of serious and fatal accidents is speeding. Speeding can greatly reduce the time a driver has to react to changing conditions on the road. Whether they abruptly come upon halted traffic, the car in front of them suddenly brakes hard, or a hazard or pedestrian is on the road, speeding decreases the time they have to notice the change and stop safely in time to avoid a collision. 

Other factors that can contribute to serious accidents include:

  • Distracted driving – when drivers divert their attention from the road by engaging in behaviors like texting, talking on the phone or to vehicle passengers, eating, or adjusting the radio or in-car technology, they increase their likelihood of being involved in an accident. 
  • Impaired driving – driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol greatly reduces drivers’ reflexes, reaction time, and impairs their ability to make safe and rational decisions, leading to an increased probability of being involved in or causing an accident. 
  • Adverse weather conditions – driving in inclement weather conditions such as heavy rainfall or fog can decrease visibility and increase the likelihood of drivers losing control of their vehicles and being involved in a collision. It is important for drivers to adjust their speed according to weather conditions.
  • Poor road conditions – debris in the road, potholes, and lack of proper signage can cause confusion and foster unsafe road conditions that may lead to collisions. 

Legal Options for Those Involved

“The victims of Wednesday’s crash may wish to take legal action, as is their right,” says Brett Schreiber, partner and attorney of Singleton Schreiber, “depending on the circumstances that led to the accident, they may have several options to obtain compensation for the damages they suffered in the accident.”

The victims involved in the accident may be able to pursue claims such as:

  • Personal injury claims – if a driver was responsible for causing the accident that resulted in property damage, injuries, and more. 
  • Product liability claims – if the manufacturer of one of the vehicles was responsible for a malfunction that caused the collision that injured the driver(s).
  • And more

The type of claim that victims may be able to pursue depends on the circumstances of the crash and what or who officials determine to be the cause. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn how they may be able to help you. Call (808) 582-8062 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today. 

Multi-Vehicle Rollover Crash on 2nd Street Off Ramp in Albuquerque Leaves One Dead

Multi-Vehicle Rollover Crash on 2nd Street Off Ramp in Albuquerque Leaves One Dead

Tuesday afternoon a fatal rollover crash occurred in Albuquerque on the 2nd street off-ramp of Paseo del Norte.  

Multi-Vehicle Rollover Crash on 2nd Street Off Ramp in Albuquerque Leaves One DeadAccording to officials, there were five vehicles involved in the crash, and at least one person died.

The circumstances that led to the crash are not known, and authorities will continue to investigate the cause. 

Circumstances That Could Lead To A Multi-Vehicle Rollover Accident

Multi-vehicle rollover accidents can be caused by several different factors. Often, the cause is a combination of speed, poor driving behavior, and environmental conditions. A few possible circumstances may include:

  • Speed – vehicles traveling at high speeds, especially on curved off-ramps, are more likely to lose control, leading to a rollover. If one vehicle loses control, it’s possible it will collide with other vehicles in the area and create a chain reaction. 
  • Abrupt maneuvers – if a driver makes an abrupt maneuver, such as suddenly braking or swerving to avoid an object or another vehicle, it can cause the vehicle to roll over. In situations where there are many other drivers around, they may not have time to react and move, causing multiple additional collisions to occur. 
  • Distracted driving – indulging in distractions while behind the wheel can increase the likelihood of drivers being involved in an accident. Engaging in distractions such as texting, eating, or looking away from the road ahead can make drivers miss an important turn or misjudge a distance, causing a collision. 
  • Heavy traffic – congested conditions can easily escalate a single collision to a multi-vehicle one. During heavy traffic, drivers may have little space or time to maneuver, especially if the accident occurs on an off-ramp. 
  • Mechanical failures – mechanical issues, brake failure, tire blowouts, and more can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle causing a collision or a rollover to occur. 

“Rollover accidents and multi-vehicle accidents are both extremely dangerous on their own, but when both occur, the aftermath is likely to be devastating,” says Brian Colón, New Mexico managing partner and lawyer of Singleton Schreiber, “victims often suffer severe injuries, and in some cases, like this one, even death. 

“The financial toll on victims and their families can be overwhelming in the weeks and months that follow. These types of cases require thorough investigation to determine what happened and who is responsible.”

In the aftermath of a fatal multi-vehicle accident, those involved may wish to pursue legal action to obtain compensation for the damages they sustained in the accident. Depending on the specifics of the incident, those involved may be able to file the following types of claims.

Personal Injury Claims

Those who are injured in a collision may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver(s). This type of claim may provide compensation for:

  • Medical expenses acquired due to injuries from the accident
  • Lost wages due to time off of work recovering from injuries in the accident
  • Pain and suffering due to any physical pain, emotional distress, or lasting trauma caused by the accident 
  • Property damage for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other damaged belongings 
  • And more

Wrongful Death Claims

If the family of the deceased wishes, they may file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party or parties. This type of claim may provide compensation for:

  • Funeral expenses to cover end-of-life arrangements
  • Loss of companionship for the emotional impact family members may feel after losing their loved one
  • Loss of support for the financial assistance the deceased would have otherwise provided to their family
  • Medical expenses for any life-saving treatment the deceased received before dying

If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle accident, or tragically lost a loved one, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to schedule a free consultation. Call (505) 605-2076 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started. 

Multi-Vehicle Chain-Reaction Crash on I-80 in Natomas, CA Causes Fires, Leaving One Dead, Two Injured

Multi-Vehicle Chain-Reaction Crash

Monday afternoon, in Natomas, California, a chain reaction crash led to at least two vehicles catching fire, one death, and two injuries. 

Multi-Vehicle Chain-Reaction CrashAccording to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a pickup truck driver traveling westbound on I-80 near I-5 did not see stopped traffic ahead which caused them to slam into a Toyota Tacoma, setting off a chain reaction with three other vehicles. 

The driver of the Tacoma died at the scene after the first three vehicles were fully engulfed in flames. According to CHP officers, two others were injured and taken to the hospital, one with major injuries and the other with minor injuries.

Crews initially set out at 4:25 pm in response to reports of a multi-vehicle crash. Later, around 4:40 pm the Caltrans camera on I-80 in Natomas a large plume of smoke rising from the left lanes was visible. 

What Can Cause Accidents Like This? 

There are a few different factors that can contribute to causing accidents like the one that caused a multi-vehicle chain-reaction crash in Natomas on Monday. Causes may include:

  • Driver inattention – distracted driving can prevent drivers from seeing the stopped traffic up ahead. Distractions such as using a smartphone, eating, or adjusting the radio can take the driver’s focus off the road leading to accidents. 
  • Speeding – if a driver is speeding they may not have enough time to stop when they suddenly come upon stopped traffic or the car in front of them suddenly slows down. 
  • Sudden traffic stops – unexpected stopped traffic can be a bit more difficult to spot, especially if the driver comes upon it after a bend in the road. If they are traveling at high speeds, such as driving on the freeway, and not paying attention it can lead to serious collisions.
  • Traffic congestion – heavy traffic conditions can increase the likelihood and severity of chain-reaction crashes as many vehicles may be closely packed with little room to maneuver. 

Legal Options Available for Victims and Families

Victims and their families may be able to take legal action to obtain compensation for damages they suffered in this accident. 

“Accidents like this are not only extremely dangerous but can leave victims with serious injuries that require extensive treatment,” says Gerald Singleton, a personal injury attorney and Managing Partner at Singleton Schreiber, “Additionally, the family whose loved one died in this accident may be facing financial hardship due to funeral and burial costs, and the lost love, comfort, and financial support their loved one may have provided them.

“All parties involved may be eligible to file legal claims to help cover the expenses they are now facing in the aftermath of this tragic accident.”

Depending on the determination of who or what was the cause of this accident, victims and families may be able to file either personal injury claims or wrongful death claims. 

If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle accident or tragically lost a loved one in such an accident, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn how they may be able to help you. Call (916) 248-8478 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to set up your free consultation. 

Joshua Nichols Killed in Venice, Louisiana Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion

Joshua Nichols Killed in Venice, Louisiana Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion

On Saturday August 17th, a natural gas pipeline owned by Whitney Oil and Gas exploded near Venice, Louisiana killing 40-year-old Joshua Nichols.  

Joshua Nichols Killed in Venice, Louisiana Natural Gas Pipeline ExplosionNichols, a Lake Charles resident and father of three, was a contractor for Petroleum Co-Ordinators Inc and was operating a mud boat near the pipeline when the explosion occurred.  According to the Louisiana State Police and the U.S Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, two pipelines may have been the source of the blast and have been capped off pending investigation. 

The Cause of the Explosion is Yet to Be Determined

While the exact cause of the Witney Oil and Gas pipeline explosion is currently under investigation, pipelines fail for a number of reasons.  The most common of which include:

  • Corrosion
  • Severe weather
  • Excavation damage
  • Equipment failure
  • Incorrect or negligent operation
  • Material or weld failure
  • Defective materials or products
  • Code violations
  • Inadequate safety protocols and practices

In some cases, a combination of several factors may ultimately lead to the failure and explosion.  

Legal Considerations for The Family of The Decedent

Depending upon the circumstances and the results of the investigation, there may be several legal options available to the estate or family of Mr. Nichols.  The family may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits or claims under the Jones Act or Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).  If negligence contributed to the fatal explosion, Mr. Nichols’ surviving spouse or children may be entitled to a wrongful death lawsuit or a third-party liability claim.  

According to Singleton Schreiber attorney LaCrisha McAllister, these situations can be extremely complex. “Navigating the complexities of accident claims involving the oil and gas industry requires not only a deep understanding of state and federal laws but also a compassionate approach to supporting the surviving family.” 

“In a situation such as this, a father has been suddenly and tragically taken away,” McAllister went on to say. “It’s crucial to find an attorney with the experience and dedication to ensure that justice is served and that the family’s rights are fully protected.”

The attorneys at Singleton Schreiber understand how difficult the aftermath can be when a loved one is lost in a fatal incident.  They also understand how important the legal process can be in getting justice for the loss and providing compensation to help families move forward.  If you or a loved one have been affected by a tragic work-related incident, please, contact Singleton Schrieber to find out how they can help.  Call (619) 771-3473 or fill out a contact form here to learn more.  

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