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Three People Injured In Santa Cruz Apartment Fire Caused by E-Bike Battery

Three People Injured In Santa Cruz Apartment Fire

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Three people were injured last week in an apartment fire caused by a malfunctioning electric bike battery.

Three People Injured In Santa Cruz Apartment FireFire crews were called to an apartment complex on Grant Street around 3:30 p.m. April 30 after reports that an e-bike had burst into flames in one of the buildings. The fire then spread to the structure, leading residents of all four of the building’s units to be evacuated.

Two residents were transported to the hospital with burn injuries and are in stable condition. A woman who lived in a neighboring building and tried to put out the fire with a garden hose suffered minor burn injuries and received medical treatment.

“Burns are complex injuries,” said Brett Schreiber, a partner at Singleton Schreiber and the leader of the firm’s personal injury practice. “Even when they appear mild, they can be hiding more serious injuries under the surface. That’s why they require specialized treatment, which can come with higher medical bills.”

“If you’ve been burned in a fire incident, it may be a good idea to meet with a personal injury attorney. An attorney will help you review what legal options you might have to cover the damages you or your loved ones have suffered.”

In addition to the injuries, fire crews estimated a total of $1 million in damages to the units in the building that burned, all of which were deemed to be currently unlivable due to water and smoke damage.

Electrical Fires: A Growing Concern

Residential fires caused by electrical malfunction have been on a steady rise in the U.S. Data compiled by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) shows that in the decade from 2012 to 2021, electrical malfunction fires rose by 11%, with more than 24,000 such fires in 2021.

And while those fires turn out deadly less often (17% fewer deaths), they injure more people and lead to significantly more financial damage. In fact, the annual total dollar loss spiked by 27% over that decade, even after adjusting for inflation. Electrical fires in U.S. residential buildings cause well over $1 billion in damage per year, and climbed as high as $1.3 billion in 2019 — in part due to a fire at a hotel construction site in New Orleans that caused over $26 million in damage and killed three people.

If you or a loved one has been burned in a residential fire, contact Singleton Schreiber by email at info@singletonschreiber.com.

Burn Victim Rescued From House Fire in Mira Mesa

Burn Victim Rescued From House Fire in Mira Mesa

MIRA MESA — A man is being treated for burn injuries after a house caught fire in the 10400 block of Greenford Drive Wednesday evening.

Burn Victim Rescued From House Fire in Mira MesaFirefighters responded shortly after 5:15 p.m., when the single-story home just north of Gold Coast Drive began to burn, and extinguished the fire by 6 p.m., San Diego Fire-Rescue officials said. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

The firefighters rescued a man in his 60s from inside the home. Paramedics took the man, who has not yet been identified, to a local hospital for burns of as-yet undisclosed severity.

“First and foremost, we are glad that the first responders on the scene were able to contain the fire quickly while also getting this man out safely to receive medical treatment,” said Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber.

“If you experience a fire at home, it may be in your best interest to consult an attorney,” Singleton said. “We’re here to help you explore legal options that could lessen the burden of your medical bills or get the appropriate payout from your insurance company for any damage incurred in the fire, so that you can focus on peace of mind for you and your family.”

House Fires Are Back on the Rise in the U.S.

Even with a nearly 50% reduction in annual fires reported since 1980, there is still a home fire every 88 seconds in the United States, according to research by the National Fire Protection Association.

A civilian suffers a non-fatal fire injury every 40 minutes, with house fires accounting for more than half of all fire-related injuries as of 2022.

And despite the long-term reduction since 1980, fire reports and deaths are on the rise in the U.S. after hitting a low point in the early 2010s.

Cooking is still by far the most common cause of residential fires — more than all other causes combined — but cooking-related fires have declined slightly in recent years, while fires related to electrical malfunctions are on the rise.

If you or a loved one is burned in a house fire, contact Singleton Schreiber by email at info@singletonschreiber.com.

San Jose Motorist Runs Red Light, Strikes and Kills Bicyclist in Major Intersection

San Jose Motorist Runs Red Light, Strikes and Kills Bicyclist

A San Jose driver in a pickup truck reportedly ran a red light on Tuesday morning when he hit a bicyclist who died on the scene.

San Jose Motorist Runs Red Light, Strikes and Kills BicyclistA man driving a red pickup truck was driving west on East Capitol Expressway when he ran a red light at the Senter Road intersection. When he ran the red light, he struck a bicyclist who was heading northbound on Senter Road. 

Police reported that the bicyclist was a man and that he died on the scene. They also reported that the truck driver attempted to flee the scene after hitting the bicyclist, and in doing so also hit another vehicle. The driver was caught and arrested. 

This crash was the seventeenth roadway-related crash in San Jose so far this year, and the third that involved the death of a bicyclist. 

No other details have been released yet, though the collision is under investigation. 

Increase in Bicyclist Deaths in Road Collisions in the US

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the number of preventable deaths in bicycle transportation incidents increased 37 percent between 2012 (900 deaths) to 2021 (1,230 deaths). Data collected shows that of the 1,230 bicyclist deaths that occurred in 2021, 853 died due to motor-vehicle-involved crashes. 

The increase in fatalities highlights the inherent risks cyclists face when navigating the roads. While bicyclists in California are not required by law to wear helmets, they are encouraged to do so. However, wearing a helmet will not prevent death in every situation. When involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, bicyclists are at a severe disadvantage due to the difference in size, weight, and overall protection. 

Drivers in vehicles are surrounded by a large, heavy metal frame, while bicyclists have little to no protection other than their clothing and a helmet. This can cause them to suffer serious, if not fatal injuries when struck by a motor vehicle. 

Common Causes of Collisions Involving Bicycles

Common causes of collisions involving bicycles often revolve around a lack of awareness and infrastructure tailored for cyclists. Primary causes may include:

  • Failure of motorists to yield to cyclists
  • Inadequate bike lanes
  • Poor visibility
  • Reckless driving
  • Disregarding traffic signals
  • And more

Safety Tips To Avoid Bicycle vs Motor Vehicle Collisions 

Both drivers and cyclists can take certain steps to help increase safety for cyclists on the roads and avoid fatal accidents. A few things that can be done to help keep cyclists safe include:

  • Wearing a helmet – helmets can help to protect cyclists’ heads and brain and reduce the severity of head trauma in the event of an accident
  • Wear reflective clothing – cyclist should wear reflective clothing to help increase their visibility so that drivers can see them
  • Obey traffic laws – both cyclists and drivers should adhere to traffic signals, signs, and lane markings 
  • Give space – drivers should give cyclists ample space when passing and maintain a safe distance to prevent collisions or accidents caused by sudden maneuvers
  • Be aware of and check blind spots – cyclists should avoid riding in the blind posts of vehicles and drivers should thoroughly check their blind spots before changing lanes or pulling out 

“Our hearts go out to the family who lost their loved one today in San Jose.” says attorney Brett Schreiber of Singleton Schreiber, “ As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen many times the devastating impact a collision with a vehicle can have on a cyclist and their families. It is important that the victim’s family, and others in a similar situation, know they may have legal recourse and they contact a personal injury lawyer to learn more about their options.”

If you have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, contact a Santa Rosa bike accident attorney at Singleton Schreiber by email at info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about your options. 

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.