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Kihei Man, 33, Killed in Speed-Related Motorcycle Crash

Kihei Man, 33, Killed in Speed-Related Motorcycle Crash

Kihei Man, 33, Killed in Speed-Related Motorcycle CrashA Kihei man was killed in late April when he ran into the back of a car while on his motorcycle in Kahului.

Maui police announced in a statement that Logan Ladwig, 33, was weaving between northbound lanes of Maui Veterans Highway at a high rate of speed just before 7:45 a.m. Thursday, April 25, when he struck the back of a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt while attempting to pass.

Ladwig was separated from his motorcycle in the collision. The cycle flew through the air and hit the surf rack of a silver Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck in another lane, while Ladwig landed in the road and died at the scene.

An investigation into whether drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash is still ongoing.

“My condolences are with the family and friends of Logan Ladwig,” said Paul Starita, a partner at Singleton Schreiber. “Losing a loved one in such a tragic and unexpected manner is devastating, especially someone who still had so much life to look forward to.”

Speed kills — Especially on Motorcycles

Ladwig’s death was Maui County’s fourth traffic fatality of 2024, according to a press release from Maui Police. Another Maui man is in critical condition after a separate collision in Makawao a few days after Ladwig’s crash.

Data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that more than 6,200 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents — one every 85 minutes — and that one-third of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes are speeding, a higher rate than any other type of motor vehicle. 

Neither the driver of the Chevrolet nor the driver of the Dodge were injured in the incident. Police investigators determined that airbags were not deployed in either of the vehicles.

“It’s fortunate that no one else was hurt in this collision,” Starita continued. “But the fact that the drivers of the other vehicles were not diagnosed with physical injuries at the scene does not mean that the crash had no impact on them.

“Depending on the circumstances, it can still be useful to consult an attorney after a car accident even if you haven’t suffered a serious injury. An attorney can help you determine whether there might be legal options for you to receive the appropriate compensation for property damage or emotional distress caused by an accident.”

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle crash, contact Singleton Schreiber by email at info@singletonschreiber.com.

Maui Man, 28, Critical After Motorcycle Collision

Maui motorcycle accident

MAUI, Hawaii — A Kula man is in critical condition after a Sunday evening collision that ejected him from his motorcycle.

Maui motorcycle accidentThe victim, 28, was riding his 2022 Yamaha MT-03 in Makawao shortly after 7:30 p.m. when he struck the side of an orange 2017 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck that was exiting a parking area onto Makawao Avenue near Ai Street.

The motorcyclist was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition after suffering life-threatening injuries. The truck driver was treated at the hospital for minor injuries but has been released.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the motorcyclist who is fighting for his life after this crash,” said Paul Starita, a partner with Singleton Schreiber.

Young men are disproportionately likely to have fatal motor vehicle accidents, especially when drugs or alcohol are involved.

Police are still investigating the circumstances leading up to the collision to determine whether speed, alcohol or drugs were involved.

Data from the National Safety Council indicates that motorcycles account for less than 1% of total vehicle miles traveled in the United States, but 15% of the traffic fatalities. In all, more than 6,200 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If drugs or alcohol were involved, an otherwise avoidable accident would become much more likely. Reaction times can be negatively impacted with a blood alcohol content as low as 0.02%, well below the legal limit for intoxication. And men under the age of 30 are over 50% more likely to get in a fatal accident while under the influence than their female counterparts.

“It doesn’t do much good to simply speculate on whether any of the parties involved in a crash was impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time,” Starita said. “That’s why a thorough investigation that gets to the bottom of the circumstances around this crash is so important.”

“Victims of motor vehicle accidents and their families may want to consider contacting a personal injury attorney,” he continued. “While we can’t bring back deceased victims or heal injuries, attorneys are there to help you understand what legal recourse you have and potentially lessen the financial burden that you have to bear after an incident like this.”

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact Singleton Schreiber by email at info@singletonschreiber.com.

SUV Crashes Into New Mexico Thrift Store, Leading One Individual Dead and 14 Others Injured

SUV Crashes Into New Mexico Thrift Store

On Tuesday, April 30th, around 10 am authorities responded to an SUV that crashed through the front wall of glass into a Las Cruces thrift store, called Savers. 

SUV Crashes Into New Mexico Thrift StoreAccording to police, the driver, a 69-year-old woman, was apparently attempting to park her vehicle when she pressed the accelerator rather than the brake pedal. Her name has not yet been released. 

The SUV crashed into the store near the self-checkout area and then proceeded to drive through the store to the backside of the building, police reported. 

First responders arrived and transported 10 of the 14  injured victims to hospitals for treatment. One individual, a 67-year-old woman, was critically injured in the crash and died. Police said that two of the injured victims were store employees, and the other 12 injured victims were customers. Those injured were roughly between the ages of 30 to 90 years old. 

A Savers employee, Elijah Sanchez told Las Cruces TV station KFOX 14/CBS 4 that he heard people screaming in pain. “It was pretty chaotic. I didn’t know what to think,” Sanchez said about the aftermath of the crash, “I just knew that the best thing to do was to try and go help the people who needed help.” 

Compensation For Personal Injury And Wrongful Death

Accidents like this one can have catastrophic effects on the victims and their families. Vehicles weigh significantly more than a human body and have the ability to inflict serious injury and in some cases even death. If you have been injured in an accident or tragically lost a loved one due to another’s negligence, you may have grounds for compensation.

Common injuries in an accident like this can include:

  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Catastrophic injuries 
  • Temporary or permanent disability
  • Wrongful death
  • And more

Victims may be able to pursue compensation for damages including:

  • Medical bills
  • Ongoing medical treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional turmoil
  • Funeral expenses
  • And more

“Unfortunately, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact accidents like this can have on those involved and their families. Our hearts go out to the family who lost their loved one, and to all those facing medical treatment and recovery,” says Brian Colón, managing partner at Singleton Schreiber, “in cases like this, it is important that the victims and their families know they may have legal recourse. To learn more about the options available, it is best to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.”

Seeking Legal Guidance

While not necessary, it may be helpful to seek out the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney after being injured or losing a loved one in an accident like the one that occurred in Las Cruces on Tuesday. 

A skilled personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque will be able to explain the laws and help you to better understand your options so that you can make informed decisions on what to do next. 

If you have been injured in a personal injury accident or tragically lost a loved one, contact Singleton Schreiber by email at info@singletonschreiber.com for more information.

BNSF Derailment on Interstate 40 Leads to Evacuation Orders

BNSF Derailment

Evacuation orders were issued and a 50-mile stretch of Interstate 40 was closed Friday after a BNSF train carrying hazardous materials derailed and caught fire near the Arizona-New Mexico state line.   

BNSF DerailmentAccording to the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office, the derailment occurred at approximately 12:41 p.m. and affected 35 railcars. Officials have stated that the train was carrying liquified petroleum gas, though other reports indicate that it may also have been carrying gasoline and non-odorous propane.  

As of Saturday afternoon, all lanes of Interstate 40 west of Gallup have been shut down, affecting traffic in both directions.  New Mexico State Police have stated that there is currently no projected end to the highway closure and is expected to remain closed indefinitely.   Additionally, evacuation orders have been issued for a two-mile radius surrounding the derailment.

During this time, it is critically important that hazards from the materials carried by the train are contained and that communication with the public is ongoing and transparent.   Derailments involving hazardous materials can have long-term implications on the health and safety of residents and visitors in the communities around them.

According to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the Federal Rail Administration is leading the investigation into the derailment and emergency services are on the scene to manage the situation.  

A team of investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board have been also dispatched to begin their own investigation into the incident.  

BNSF Has a History of Causing Fires

BNSF Railway operates one of the largest freight railroad networks in the United States.  Unfortunately, this incident is another in a long history of BNSF causing fires, derailments, and other incidents due to negligence. 

According to Singleton Schreiber attorney Brian Colón, railroad companies like BNSF must be held accountable for prioritizing speed over safety.  “We’ve seen BNSF trains and railways cause devastation across the Western United States.  If negligence is found to be the cause, it is essential to hold the railroad company accountable for the derailment. This includes examining their safety protocols and maintenance records. At Singleton Schreiber, we have years of litigation experience and will be following this situation closely.”

“In fact,” Colón said, “we are currently in litigation against BNSF Railway. We filed suit in January as we believe they are responsible for causing the Tunnel 5 Fire last July.”

The National Transportation Safety Board seems to agree, finding that BNSF equipment was to blame for the Tunnel 5 fire in Washington.   The NTSB report indicated that carbon emissions and brake debris from a BNSF locomotive engine were the cause of that blaze that burned over 500 acres and displaced approximately 1,000 people.  

While this situation is evolving quickly, there is a critical need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the derailment in order to understand what went wrong and implement measures to prevent future incidents.  Attorney Brian Colón added, “This incident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures and stricter regulations for transporting hazardous materials to ensure such accidents are minimized in the future.”

Help for Those Affected

It is important for those in the affected areas to follow evacuation orders and safety instructions.  Since communication is crucial at this time, a hotline has been set up at 866-243-4784 for those impacted by the derailment.

However, in the days and weeks following this disaster, those who have been impacted may have questions and not know where to turn for answers.   

“These situations can be extremely difficult and, often, there is not a clear roadmap for where people can turn for answers,” Colón said.  “A law firm with experience handling these types of cases can be a vital source of information.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by the BNSF derailment, contact the fire litigation attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling 505-605-2076 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

Fatal Crash On I-5 Over The Weekend Leaves One Dead and Several Injured

Fatal Crash On I-5 Over The Weekend Leaves One Dead and Several Injured

Saturday night at least one person was killed in a crash on San Diego I-5 in downtown. According to California Highway Patrol (CHP), the fatal collision occurred just after 10 pm in the southbound lanes near the Imperial Avenue exit in the East Village neighborhood of downtown. 

Fatal Crash On I-5 Over The Weekend Leaves One Dead and Several InjuredCHP dispatchers said some 911 callers reported that the victim had been riding a motorcycle while others reported the victim was a pedestrian. Responders found the victim’s body in freeway lanes. 

The CHP incident log detailed that several vehicles were involved, though it is not clear if they were part of the initial collision or if it was a result of abrupt braking as the vehicles came upon the initial crash scene. 

Medics responded to the scene for several injured people, according to CHP logs, and all southbound lanes of I-5 were shut down overnight for about five hours, reopening around 3:30 am.

No other details have been made available at this time, authorities continue to investigate the matter.  

Increase In Fatal Accidents In The US Involving Motorcyclists and Pedestrians

According to data collected by the National Safety Council (NSC), it was found that in 2021, Saturdays witnessed the highest number of fatal car accidents in the United States. Out of the total 39,508 crashes recorded that year, 6,735 of those occurred on Saturdays, with the majority of those Saturday accidents taking place between 8:00 – 11:59 pm. 

Additional data from the NSC indicates that while motorcyclists make up only 3 percent of registered vehicles, they make up more than 16 percent of traffic fatalities. Moreover, in the past decade, there has been a 32 percent increase in motorcyclist deaths in traffic-related accidents. When looking geographically at where these fatal motorcycle accidents occur, California ranks second in the nation for fatal motorcycle accidents, with 634 deaths, following Florida, with 668 deaths. 

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2021 more than 7,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the US. California ranked ninth in the number of pedestrian accidents. 

Road Safety Tips

To keep everyone safe on the road, drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians alike must work together. “Our thoughts are with the family who lost their loved one in the tragic accident on Saturday,” says attorney Brett Schreiber of Singleton Schreiber, “motor vehicle accidents are on the rise, unfortunately. It’s important that victims of this accident and anyone involved in a similar accident know they may have legal recourse.” 

Drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians alike can work together to prevent accidents by:

  • Paying close attention to their surroundings
  • Avoiding distractions while driving or walking
  • Behaving predictably, using blinkers, and obeying traffic signals
  • Driving the speed limit
  • Walking only where permitted and using the sidewalk whenever it is available
  • Avoid driving or walking while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Keeping an eye out for each other and yielding the correct right of way

If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle or pedestrian accident, contact the San Diego, CA motorcycle crash lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by email at info@singletonschreiber.com.

Three Injured In Oakland Apartment Fire, One Suffering Critical Injury

On the morning of Wednesday, April 24th, firefighters put out an apartment fire in a building near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Way and 60th Street. Crews responded to the apartment building around 10:45 am with multiple units and were able to get the fire under control just before 11 am. 

Oakland Fire Department Battalion Chief James Bowron reported that when fire crews arrived, they saw a fire burning on the first floor of the apartment building. Smoke was pouring out, said Bowron, and three burn victims had already been pulled from the structure.

The three injured burn victims appeared to be construction workers who were working on renovating a vacant apartment on the first floor of the two-story, four-unit building where the fire took place. One victim suffered very critical injuries, according to Bowron, while another suffered minor injuries, and the third was in stable condition. 

Ambulances transported the victims with critical and minor injuries to local area hospitals for treatment.

The fire was a quick flash fire, initially high energy and heavy smoke which caused some windows in the apartment to break. The fire was contained before it extended to other parts of the building. Until power can be restored to the building, occupants from the three other units will be temporarily displaced. 

Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire, but they suspect some sort of chemical cleaning agent was being used in the apartment. However, they are still unsure if the cleaning agent was involved in initiating the fire. 

The Oakland Police Department was called to the scene to help with traffic control. 

What Causes Burns In Construction Accidents?

Construction accidents are dangerous and can be devastating for those involved, especially when burns are involved. Causes of burns in construction accidents can range from electrical accidents to chemical exposure, and more. While these accidents cannot always be prevented because they may be out of the employers’ control, it is important that both employers and construction workers alike take the proper precautions to prevent burn injuries. 

Victims of burns can suffer from:

  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of function in the affected areas/limbs
  • Infections
  • Physical pain
  • Permanent disability
  • Respiratory problems
  • Psychological impacts (like PTSD)

Causes of Construction Accidents

In order to work to prevent construction accidents, we must understand what causes them in the first place. Some common causes include: 

  • Lack of proper safety training 
  • Lack of proper job site education
  • Improper or inadequate maintenance of machinery and other equipment
  • Unsafe working conditions
  • Electrical accidents caused by factors like unsafe practices, or faulty electrical wiring
  • Accidents caused by or involving heavy machinery and other equipment
  • Lack of supervision
  • Miscommunication on the job site
  • Collapses and structural failures
  • Chemical exposure 
  • Falling objects
  • And more

These can lead to injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, burns, temporary or permanent disabilities, and more. 

While accidents happen, some things can be done to help prevent construction accidents, including:

  • Comprehensive safety training programs
  • Conducting regular safety checks and inspections
  • Task-specific training for things like operating machinery and handling hazardous materials

Legal Recourse After Sustaining Burn Injuries In A Construction Accident

Construction workers who’ve suffered burns in a construction accident have a few options for taking legal action. 

“As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating burn injuries can be,”  says attorney Brett Schreiber, of Singleton Schreiber, “It is important that the victims of Tuesday’s construction accident, and others who have experienced similar situations know that they may have legal recourse. Contact a personal injury attorney with experience handling construction accident claims to learn more about your options.” 

Depending on the nature of the accident and your employer, you may be able to file:

  • A worker’s compensation claim
  • A personal injury lawsuit
  • A third-party claim
  • A product liability claim

If you or a loved one have sustained a burn injury, or another injury when involved in a construction accident, contact the Sacramento, CA personal injury attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by email at info@singletonschreiber.com.

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