Commercial Bus Flips on I-20 in Warren County, Mississippi & Kills Seven, 37 Others Injured

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Saturday morning, a commercial bus traveling from Atlanta, GA to Dallas, TX overturned on I-20, according to Mississippi Highway Patrol. The crash caused the death of seven people and dozens more were injured.

The bus was traveling westward near Bovina in Warren County, Mississippi when it left the highway and flipped over. Autobuses Regiomontanos operated the bus, and there were no other vehicles involved in the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board said on social media platform X that tire failure caused the crash.

According to the transit company, Autobuses Regiomontanos, they have 20 years of experience providing cross-border trips, and the website promotes the business as a “modern fleet of buses that receive daily maintenance”.

According to a news release, six of the bus passengers were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, and another died later at a hospital.

A mother has identified her 8-year-old boy, Kain Gutierrez, and 16-year-old girl, Perla Gutierrez, as two of the deceased. The other five victims who died have been identified as:

Miguel Arriaga, 61
Victor A. Garcia, 32
Moises A. Garcia, 31
Elia Guzman, 63
Angelica Palomino, 16

Thirty-seven other passengers were taken to hospitals in Vicksburg and Jackson to be treated for injuries they sustained in the collision.

Authorities will continue to investigate the accident.

Who Can Be Held Accountable For This Accident?

As stated above, the National Transportation Safety Board has said that the bus crashed due to tire failure.

With that information, there are a few parties who may be held accountable for the tire malfunction, and ultimately the crash. These parties may include:

The Bus Company (Autobuses Regiomontanos): As the operator of the bus, the company is responsible for making sure that the vehicle is properly maintained, if they failed to perform adequate maintenance checks or ignored critical signs of tire wear and tear, they may be held liable for causing the accident.
Tire Manufacturer: If the tire that failed was somehow defective or had a design flaw, the tire manufacturer could be held responsible for producing a faulty product that led to the crash.
Maintenance Contractors: If the bus company outsourced maintenance work to a third-party contractor they could be held liable if they failed to properly inspect or maintain the tires.
Bus Driver: If the driver was negligent in their duties like failing to notice a problem with the tires before the trip, the driver could also be held accountable, however, in many cases, liability may fall on the company that employs the driver.
Government Agencies or Roadway Authorities: in some cases, the design or condition of the roadway could contribute to causing accidents. If road conditions were poor they could have exacerbated the tire failure or if signage or warnings were inadequate, a government entity could potentially share liability.
Tire Distributors: If the tire was sold or installed by a third-party distributor who knew or should have known about potential defects, they might also bear some responsibility.

“This tragic accident has devastated the lives of many, including the families who lost loved ones or whose loved ones were injured,” says attorney Gerald Singleton, “The loss of life, especially that of a young child and a teenager, is heart-wrenching. As authorities continue their thorough investigation, it’s essential that we hold those responsible accountable, not only to seek justice but to help the grieving families find some measure of closure during this incredibly difficult time.”

If you were injured in a bus crash or lost a loved one in the crash, contact the personal injury lawyers at Singleton Schreiber to learn how they may help you. Call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com, they have attorneys licensed in Mississippi and Georgia, two of the states involved in this accident.

Singleton Schreiber has handled virtually identical cases and are experienced in these types of catastrophic accidents. They have numerous Spanish-speaking attorneys, paralegals, and case assistants available to ensure clear and thorough communication.

Everhart Hotel Apartments Fire in Downtown Grass Valley Leaves Two Residents Hospitalized and 13 Others Displaced

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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Everhart Hotel Apartments Fire in Downtown Grass Valley

Table of Contents - Jump Ahead:

A fire at the Everhart Hotel Apartments in downtown Grass Valley left two residents hospitalized and 13 others displaced. During the response, two firefighters were also injured.

The fire broke out at around 1:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, August 27th on the corner of Church and Main. The 100-year-old, four-story building is a former hotel that was converted into affordable apartments for some of Grass Valley’s most vulnerable residents. The narrow hallways of the aged building made it difficult for residents to evacuate and increased the threat posed by smoke inhalation.

While the initial cause of the blaze has yet to be determined, the initial investigation focused on the building’s elevator.

Residential Fires are Unfortunately Common

Residential fires like this incident are a leading cause of fire-related injury, death, and monetary losses in the United States. In 2022 alone, over 10,000 people were injured in home fires that caused nearly $11 billion in losses to residents.

Injuries from residential fires can involve severe burns, smoke inhalation, and fall injuries such as broken bones, lacerations, ligament damage, and head injuries sustained during evacuation. Even in cases where residents escape without injury, victims often incur significant expenses while they are forced to find alternative housing.

Residents of Everhart Hotel Apartments Have Legal Options

While county leaders were on the scene to provide resources, 13 residents of the Everhart Hotel Apartments have been displaced from their homes and have no idea if or when they will be able to return.

However, those displaced may have options beyond help from the community.

According to Gerald Singleton, a founding partner at Singleton Schreiber, those options depend upon the outcome of the investigation and each resident’s unique circumstances.

“While it’s impossible to know for certain without a full understanding of the facts, residents of the Everhart Hotel Apartments may have many different avenues to pursue compensation,” Singleton said.

If the fire was caused by a negligent landlord, property management company, or another tenant, those injured or displaced may have the option to file a personal injury claim. If the landlord failed to maintain the property in a safe condition for residents, the injured or displaced tenant may have a premises liability claim. If a defective or dangerous product caused the blaze, residents may have a product liability claim.

Of course, if a tenant has renter’s insurance coverage they should be able to file an insurance claim. However, insurance companies are notorious for denying, devaluing, and delaying payment for valid claims – leaving claimants without resources when they need them most.

“Especially in situations where a person is seriously injured or loses their home and belongings in a fire, it’s important to speak with an attorney with experience handling fire-related claims.” Singleton went on to say. “ We’ve helped thousands of people whose lives have been impacted by fire and understand how to connect people to the resources they need directly after and how to secure the compensation they need to move forward.”

Experienced Lawyers With No Out of Pocket Cost

If you or a loved one were hurt or displaced as a result of the Everhart Hotel Apartments fire, Singleton Schreiber can help. Call (619) 771-3473 for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar’s Head Deli Meats Claims the Lives of Nine and Counting, 57 People In Total Have Been Affected by the Bacteria

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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Update September 25, 2024: A 10th person has died in New York from the listeria outbreak linked to a Boar’s Head deli meat plant, federal health officials reported.

A listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats that began in May 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has now claimed the lives of nine individuals. In total, 57 people have been hospitalized due to the bacteria.

Boar’s Head recalled millions of pounds of meat, which includes about 70 products made of ham, beef, and poultry. The contaminated meats were manufactured at the Boar’s Head deli meats plant in Jarratt, Virginia. The company said in a statement on its website that the recall mostly affects products that are sliced at the deli counter.

According to health officials, the six most recent deaths have been one person from New Mexico, one person from Tennessee, one person from Florida, one person from New York, and two people from South Carolina.

This is the largest outbreak of listeriosis since the 2011 outbreak that led to the death of at least 13 people in eight different states. The 2011 outbreak was caused by contaminated cantaloupe.

The CDC is warning people not to eat the recalled deli meats, and consumers are being urged to check if they have any of the recalled Boar’s Head products in their refrigerators. According to CDC instructions, consumers should look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA inspection mark on the product’s labels. Some of the contaminated products may be on shelves until October 2024.

Listeria can survive even at refrigerated temperatures and can live on surfaces like foods, knives, and meat slicers. Once the bacteria is ingested, symptoms usually start to appear within one to four weeks, but in some cases, can take as long as 10 weeks to appear.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration, mild symptoms those infected with listeriosis may notice include fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. More severe symptoms those who are infected may notice include headache, confusion, stiff neck, convulsions, and loss of balance.

Legal Options Listeria Victims & Their Families May Have

“Consumers who contracted listeria and the families of those who died from it may have legal recourse and could consider contacting a personal injury attorney,” says Brian Colón, attorney and managing partner of Singleton Schreiber, “This outbreak and the loss of nine lives is devastating. It is crucial that those affected understand their rights and the legal options available to them so they may seek justice and hold those responsible accountable for this tragedy.”

The families of those who have died due to the listeria outbreak linked to the meats may be eligible to pursue legal claims. Some options available to victims and their families may include:

Wrongful death claims: the families whose loved ones passed due to contracting listeria from contaminated food may be able to file a wrongful death claim and obtain compensation for funeral and burial costs, medical bills the deceased acquired before they died, loss of financial support their loved one would have otherwise provided, emotional turmoil, and more.
Personal injury claims: those who have contracted listeria but were able to beat it may be able to file personal injury claims to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Class action lawsuits: if the many consumers affected so choose, they may come together and file a class action lawsuit, which would allow them to collectively pursue compensation for their injuries and losses while streamlining the legal process.

Who can be held responsible for the listeria contamination linked to the Boar’s Head deli meats?

Boar’s Head company itself
Suppliers and distributors
Retailers

If you have been affected by the listeria outbreak, the team at Singleton Schreiber is accepting cases today. Contact them by calling (505) 605-2076 or emailing info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule your free consultation.

Tire Explosion in Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance Hangar for Delta Air Lines Causes the Death of Two Workers and Injures Another

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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Tire Explosion in Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance Hangar

A tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines maintenance facility in Atlanta near the airport led to the death of two workers and seriously injured another early Tuesday morning.

The explosion occurred in the Atlanta Technical Operations (TechOps) maintenance hangar near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport just after 5 am. Several Atlanta fire units and police responded to the incident.

The airport said that flights were not affected and Delta said that its maintenance operation was not impacted.

According to Delta, the explosion occurred while maintenance was disassembling the wheels at a wheel and brake shop. The parts were not attached to a plane at the time of the explosion.

Delta reported they have been working with authorities and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened an official investigation. The cause of the explosion has yet to be released.

Legal Options Available to Victims and their Families

In the aftermath of such a catastrophic event, the families of the deceased workers and the injured survivor may have several legal avenues to explore:

Worker’s Compensation Claims: the injured worker and the families of the deceased may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation provides financial support for medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits for families who have lost a loved one in a workplace accident.
Wrongful Death Claims: the families of the workers who died in the explosion may want to consider filing wrongful death claims against Delta Air Lines, TechOps, or any other potentially liable parties. These claims can allow the families to seek compensation beyond what workers’ compensation may provide, including for the emotional pain and suffering they endured, the loss of companionship, and future lost income.
Product Liability Claims: If the tire of any other component involved in causing the explosion was defective, the victims and their families may be able to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer. The goal of this type of claim is to hole the manufacturers accountable for releasing faulty products that cause injuries or fatalities.
Third-Party Liability Claims: If another company or contractor was responsible for the maintenance procedures that led to the explosion, a third-party liability claim may be pursued. This claim would target parties other than the employer, seeking additional compensation for negligence that contributed to causing the incident.

“The devastating explosion that occurred Tuesday morning is a stark reminder of the importance of proper safety protocols,” says personal injury attorney Paul Starita of Singleton Schreiber, “In workplace environments, such as the Atlanta maintenance hangar, that deal with heavy machinery and hazardous materials, it is important to ensure that proper safety protocols are taught and enforced in an effort to avoid tragic situations such as this one.”

Many workplace incidents can be prevented with the implementation of proper safety protocols. Some safety tips that may help prevent tragedies include:

Regular equipment inspections
Thorough training and education
Proper use of personal protective equipment
Strict adherence to safety protocols
Emergency preparedness
And more

If you have been injured in a workplace accident or explosion, or have tragically lost a loved one in that situation, contact the personal injury lawyers of Singleton Schreiber at (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule your free consultation.

CHP says Wrong-Way Driver, Duncan McQuarrie, Collides with Tesla, Killing a 47 & 14-year-old on Highway 85 in San Jose

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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Monday afternoon a wrong-way driver caused a fatal collision on Highway 85 in San Jose, California.

Around 3:40 pm California Highway Patrol began receiving calls reporting a wrong-way driver on Highway 85. A Toyota Tacoma was heading south in the northbound lanes. Initial reports put the wrong-way driver near Saratoga Avenue.

The driver traveled in the wrong direction for more than 10 minutes, covering more than 7 miles, before colliding head-on with a Tesla Model Y near the Santa Teresa Boulevard exit around 3:51 pm. The occupants of the Tesla, a 47-year-old woman, and a 14-year-old boy, were killed in the collision. The pair has since been identified by the Santa Clara Coroner’s Office as Rebecca Joanne Olsen (mother) and Charles George Olsen (son).

CHP identified the wrong-way driver as Duncan McQuarrie, 39, of Orlando, Florida. He was injured in the collision and hospitalized with major injuries.

A check of McQuarrie’s name in his Florida County revealed he had several traffic infractions, including one misdemeanor for careless driving.

CHP stated that it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision.

The Fatal Impact of Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions, though far less frequent than other types of crashes, are disproportionately deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), head-on collisions are the most harmful type of crashes and account for more than 10 percent of all US traffic fatalities each year, and many wrong-way driving incidents end in head-on collisions.

According to preliminary data from the CHP, in 2021, there were 182 injury car crashes caused by wrong-way drivers—nearly double the 98 wrong-way collisions recorded in 2014.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim – Legal Recourse for the Family of the Deceased

The Olsen family may wish to file a wrongful death claim against Duncan McQuarrie, the Tacoma truck driver. Filing a wrongful death claim can allow them to seek compensation for the profound losses they are facing, including funeral expenses, lost income, emotional turmoil, loss of support, and more.

“The loss of the two victims in this crash is tragic, especially because it could have been prevented,” says Gerald Singleton, attorney of Singleton Schreiber, “Wrong-way driving is a serious hazard that often results in devastating consequences, as we see in this case. Families impacted by such incidents deserve justice and accountability for the unimaginable loss. While a successful wrongful death claim will not bring back their loved ones, it may help to ease the financial burdens they face after such a loss.”

If you have lost a loved one in a wrong-way collision, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber to learn more about how they may be able to help you. Call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today.

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

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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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.

Who Can Be Held Accountable For This Accident?

Residential Fires are Unfortunately Common

Residents of Everhart Hotel Apartments Have Legal Options

Experienced Lawyers With No Out of Pocket Cost

Legal Options Listeria Victims & Their Families May Have

Legal Options Available to Victims and their Families

The Fatal Impact of Head-On Collisions

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim – Legal Recourse for the Family of the Deceased

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