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Jose Ruan Lopez Identified As Motorcyclist Who Died In Early Morning Collision With Box Truck in Otay Mesa

Jose Ruan Lopez Identified As Motorcyclist Who Died In Early Morning Collision

Just after 4:30 am on Monday, September 30, 2024 20-year-old Jose Ruan Lopez rear-ended a box truck while riding his Kawasaki Ninja on Enrico Fermi Drive in Otay Mesa. The box truck had stalled in the road way before Lopez came upon it. 

According to the California Highway Patrol, Lopez died at the scene. 

The Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents 

Motorcycle accidents are often serious, and can result in severe injury and even death. The reason for this is due to the overall lack of protection provided to riders. In a car, passengers have a metal framework that protects them, and seat belts to hold them in their seats, however, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable and have no metal frame or seatbelt to help protect them. 

Often, even at low speeds, motorcyclists will be thrown from their bike when they collide with another vehicle on the road. This can cause them to suffer extensive injuries, and oftentimes leads to their death. 

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include: 

  • Inattention – other drivers on the road may not see motorcyclists, which can lead to collisions, especially at intersections or when changing lanes. 
  • Speeding – traveling at excessive speeds reduces the time a driver has to react to changing road conditions, increasing the risk of being involved in an accident. 
  • Poor weather conditions – poor visibility can make it harder for vehicles to see motorcycles on the road, and creates less stable conditions for motorcyclists to drive in.
  • Mechanical failures – lack of proper maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake failures, engine issues, and more which can cause or contribute to the cause of an accident.
  • And more

Potentially Liable Parties for Motorcycle Accidents

There may be several potentially liable parties in motorcycle accidents, including:

  • Other drivers – if they were driving recklessly or negligently
  • Municipal entities – if unsafe road conditions or lack of signage contributed to the cause of the accident
  • Vehicle maintenance providers – if maintenance personnel or repair shop responsible for servicing the vehicle conducted negligent maintenance which may have contributed to the accident they may be held partially responsible

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, and who is determined to be at fault, the family of the deceased may choose to file a wrongful death claim to obtain compensation for losses such as funeral and burial costs, loss of income the deceased would have otherwise provided, emotional turmoil, and more. 

“Motorcycle accidents, like the one that led to the death of Jose Ruan Lopez, are stark reminders of the vulnerabilities motorcyclists face on the road each day and the inherent dangers that riders face, particularly unexpected obstacles like the stalled vehicle in Monday’s accident,” says attorney Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber, “Our thoughts are with Mr. Lopez’s family in this devastating time, and we are confident that local authorities will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.”

If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, contact the team of San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber to learn more about your options. Call today at (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started.

8-year-old Jeanelle Fredericks Dies After Being Hit by School Bus in Madison, Mississippi

8-year-old Jeanelle Fredericks Dies After Being Hit by School Bus in Madison, Mississippi

Wednesday, October 2nd, at nearly 4:20 pm an 8-year-old girl, identified as Jeanelle Fredericks, was hit by a school bus in Madison Mississippi, and later died from her injuries.

The accident occurred on Cobblestone Drive, just off Highway 51, near Rockwood Drive. News video footage shows officials removing the girl’s bike from under the back of the bus and children who got off the bus told reporters the girl was under the bus. 

Madison Police Department said that first responders arrived at the scene and began to provide medical assistance to the girl right away. They transported her by ambulance to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. 

Several residents of the neighborhood told reporters that this intersection is notorious and that it has caused issues in the past. They hope to see some changes made to increase safety in that area.

The Dangers and Causes of Bus Accidents 

Accidents like this one, where a pedestrian or bicyclist is hit by a large truck or bus, often yield deadly outcomes. This is because buses and trucks are much heavier than typical passenger vehicles, generating far greater force upon impact. Pedestrians and bicyclists, who have little to no protection, are extremely vulnerable to this high-impact force, which often leads to severe or fatal injuries, even at lower speeds.

Common causes of accidents involving buses colliding with bicyclists and pedestrians include:

  • Driver inattention – bus drivers can become distracted by their surroundings, passengers, or electronic devices, leading them to overlook pedestrians or bicyclists.
  • Blind spots – buses have larger blind spots than smaller vehicles, making it difficult for drivers to see nearby pedestrians or bicyclists. If a person is in the buses’ blind spot, the driver may not realize they are until it’s too late to avoid a collision. 
  • Failure to yield – accidents often occur when bus drivers fail to yield the right of way to bicyclists and pedestrians. 
  • Speeding or reckless driving – Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact, making collisions more likely to be fatal. Even if the bus is not speeding, its sheer size and weight result in significant impact force when a collision occurs. 
  • And more

“The incident that led to the death of 8-year-old Jeanelle Fredericks is devastating,” says Letitia Johnson, attorney at the personal injury firm Singleton Schreiber, “It’s a sobering reminder of how crucial it is that school districts and local governments prioritize enhanced safety measures, proper training, and education for their drivers and students alike.” 

Potentially Liable Parties and Legal Course of Action Available to Surviving Family Members 

When a victim dies after being struck by a bus, there may be a few different potentially liable parties who can be held responsible for their wrongful death. Potentially liable parties may include:

  • The bus driver – if they acted negligently by driving distracted, speeding, or failing to yield to the right of way
  • The school district or city – if the school district or city failed to provide adequate training for the bus driver, or they failed to enforce safety protocols 
  • Local government – if the accident occurred due to poorly designed roads, inadequate signage, or lack of traffic control measures 

If you have tragically lost a loved one in a collision with a bus, contact the personal injury lawyers of Singleton Schreiber and learn more about your options by calling (619) 771-3473 or emailing info@singletonschreiber.com today. 

Motorcyclist, Karl Trayvilla, Killed in Oceanside Crash Involving A Second Motorcycle and Vehicle

Motorcyclist, Karl Trayvilla, Killed in Oceanside Crash

Just before 2 pm on Saturday, September 28, 2024, 30-year-old Karl Trayvilla was riding his motorcycle northbound on South Coast Highway when he struck another northbound motorcycle. This collision caused Trayvilla to fall off his bike and onto the road where he was hit by a southbound car. Oceanside police said paramedics took him to Tri-City Medical Center. He was pronounced dead upon arrival. 

The Dangers and Impacts of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are highly common on California roadways and nationally fatal accident rates have been increasing. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022 motorcyclists killed made up 15 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States. 

What typically causes motorcycle accidents to occur?

  • Distracted driving – if either the motorcyclists or drivers in cars are distracted by their phones, in-car technology, or other things, they may fail to see their surroundings and cause a collision
  • Speeding – if either the motorcyclist or driver is speeding they greatly reduce their reaction time to potential sudden changes on the road and increase the chance of a severe accident
  • Driving under the influence – if either the motorcyclist or driver drives while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their judgment may be significantly impaired and their reaction times may be reduced, which can increase the likelihood of being involved in a serious accident
  • Road hazards – uneven pavement, potholes, debris on the road, and more pose a serious risk for motorcycles and can cause them to lose control 
  • And more

Who can be held liable for causing motorcycle accidents? There can be several potentially liable parties when a motorcycle accident occurs. Potentially liable parties may include: 

  • Other drivers – if they were acting negligently and thus caused the accident
  • Motorcyclist – if they were acting recklessly or negligently and their actions caused the accident
  • Government entities – if the accident occurred due to dangerous road conditions, a government entity may be held responsible
  • Vehicle or motorcycle manufacturers – if a defect in either vehicle caused or contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable

“Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents often result in severe or fatal injuries,” says Gerald Singleton, attorney at Singleton Schreiber, “The death of Karl Trayvilla is heartbreaking and we send our sincerest condolences to his family. Surviving family members who lose loved ones in motorcycle accidents should know they may have legal options.” 

Legal Options For Family Members

Family members who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident may have legal recourse, depending on the circumstances of the accident, and may choose to file a wrongful death claim to obtain compensation for things such as funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and more, 

If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, contact the Singleton Schreiber office today to get started. Call (619) 771-3473 or email  info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about your options.

San Leandro Apartment Fire Causes Death of One, Theodis Patterson, and Displaces Twelve Others

San Leandro Apartment Fire Causes Death of One

Around 3:20 pm on Sunday, September 29, a two-alarm fire broke out in an apartment complex in the 14600 block of Washington Avenue in San Leandro, CA, causing the death of 78-year-old Theodis Patterson. 

According to officials, two other residents of the apartment were able to escape the blaze, but unfortunately, the family dog also died in the fire. 

When firefighters arrived on the scene, the apartment was engulfed. A total of four apartments in the complex were damaged by the flames, causing 12 residents to be displaced. The Red Cross is assisting the affected residents. 

Officials are investigating what sparked this fatal fire. 

The Dangers Associated with Apartment Fires

Apartment fires affect nearly 90,000 apartments each year in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Apartment fires can be extremely dangerous for several reasons, including:

  • Older Buildings: apartment buildings that were built decades ago may not meet modern fire safety standards which may increase the likelihood of fires igniting. Things like faulty wiring, outdated appliances, and lack of proper maintenance can contribute to making the building more prone to fires.
  • High-Density Living: the close proximity of apartment units can cause the fire to spread quickly across neighboring units. This can affect multiple units and families and cause significant property damage to the complex. 
  • Limited Escape Routes: In multi-story complexes, it can be more difficult for residents on upper floors to escape due to blocked pathways or insufficient fire exits. 

Apartment fires not only have the potential to cause extensive property damage and displace many people, but they can also cause serious injuries, and even death, as seen in Sunday’s incident. 

“The loss of life in Sunday’s tragic apartment fire is a somber reminder of the dangers residents face in high-density living situations,” says Gerald Singleton, attorney of Singleton Schreiber, “Our thoughts are with Mr. Patterson’s family as they navigate this emotionally challenging time. We’re confident that San Leandro officials will work quickly to identify the cause of the fire.”

Legal Recourse Available to Fire Victims and Their Families

When an apartment fire causes victims to die, their families may be able to file a wrongful death claim to obtain compensation for damages such as funeral and burial costs, loss of support, emotional suffering, and more. 

In order to file a wrongful death claim, it will need to be determined who is liable. Potentially liable parties may include: 

  • Property Owners or landlords – if they failed to maintain fire safety measures
  • Property management companies – if they failed to maintain the property and take proper safety precautions 
  • Contractors or maintenance workers – if they conducted faulty or inadequate repairs that caused a fire hazard
  • Manufacturers – if a defective appliance or electrical system caused the fire

If you’ve tragically lost a loved one in an apartment fire, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about how we may be able to help. Call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today. 

16-Year-Old Jonathan Ramos Severely Injured on E-bike in San Marcos Hit and Run Accident

Jonathan Ramos Severely Injured in San Marcos Hit and Run Accident

Around 9 pm on Thursday, September 19th 16-year-old Jonathan Ramos was riding his e-bike in San Marcos on Mission Road, near Knoll Road, when he was hit by a white pickup truck traveling 80 mph on a city street. The driver of the truck did not stop to render aid and fled the scene before emergency personnel arrived. 

The following Monday, the alleged driver, only identified as a 23-year-old man, surrendered himself to police. Investigators say he did so under the advice of his lawyer and he has since been booked at the Vista jail on suspicion of hit-and-run causing injury and reckless driving resulting in serious injury. 

When paramedics arrived on the scene of the collision, Ramos was lying unconscious and covered in blood on the ground with his bike, shoes, and the contents of his backpack strewn across the road. 

The 16-year-old suffered multiple broken bones, internal bleeding, and damaged organs (his liver, spleen, and lungs, specifically.) He was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery right away. 

Afterward, Ramos had a tube helping him breathe and another pumping fluid out of his lungs. He was in a coma for some time but has since woken up– although according to his mother, the painkillers he’s on have left her usually happy and kind son confused and aggressive. According to his doctors, he is showing good signs of recovery, though he will need to undergo additional surgeries and rehabilitative therapy to fully recover. 

Hit and Run Accidents – A Growing Concern

Hit and run accidents have become increasingly frequent in San Marcos. These types of accidents can cause severe injuries and fatalities for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists who are involved. Several Factors that may contribute to these types of accidents include:

  • Avoidance – drivers may flee the scene of the accident in an effort to avoid the legal consequences they may face due to the accident. This may be especially true if they are driving while intoxicated, don’t have a valid license, or are uninsured. 
  • Fear – drivers who are intoxicated or have other reasons to fear being arrested may panic and choose to flee the scene before officials arrive. 
  • Distracted drivers – if a person is distracted while driving they may not even notice if they’ve struck a pedestrian or cyclist, which may cause them to fail to stop and render necessary aid. 

“Due to the nature of hit and run accidents, victims may not receive the necessary immediate medical assistance they need and it may cause a delay in calling for emergency services,” says attorney Brett Schreiber of Singleton Schreiber, “This delayed response time can increase the risk of life-threatening injuries, especially in situations where the victim cannot call for help themselves.”

Legal Options for Victims of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Victims of hit and run accidents may be able to file personal injury claims against the at-fault driver if they are able to find and identify them, as they have in the case of Jonathan Ramos. A personal injury claim may allow the victim to obtain compensation for damages including:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional turmoil
  • Mental anguish
  • And more

If you or a loved one have been a victim of a hit and run accident, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your options. Call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today. 

Multi-Vehicle Crash in Albuquerque I-40 Causes Death of 26-Year-Old Chamar Gallegos

Multi-Vehicle Crash in Albuquerque I-40 Causes Death of 26-Year-Old Chamar Gallegos

On Friday, September 20th, just before 5 pm, a multi-vehicle collision occurred near the Big-I (a freeway interchange) on Interstate 40 in Albuquerque, ultimately leading to the death of one woman, identified as 26-year-old Chamar Gallegos. 

According to New Mexico State Police (NMSP) officials, Gallegos was driving her Honda Civic east approaching the interchange to head north on Interstate 25 where traffic was backed up. Reports say the Civic did not slow down and rear-ended a GMC SUV, causing a chain-reaction crash with three other vehicles waiting in traffic. 

NMSP said that Gallegos was not wearing her seatbelt and died due to the injuries she suffered in the crash. No other injuries were reported in the crash. 

Officials will continue to investigate the collision for more information.

The Impact of Rear-End Collisions in New Mexico

Rear-end collisions in New Mexico are the most common type of collision to occur. Data collected by the New Mexico Department of Transportation for 2022 shows that over 33 percent of crashes that occurred in the state that year were rear-end collisions. Rear-end collisions also accounted for over 18 percent of fatal crashes, and 33 percent of injury crashes. 

Rear-end collisions can occur due to a variety of factors, including:

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Poor weather or road conditions
  • Tailgating or following too closely
  • Mechanical issues
  • Drowsy driving
  • And more

“Fatal rear-end collisions, especially those like the one involving Chamar Gallegos where drivers do not see stopped vehicles ahead or fail to react in time, can have a devastating impact,” says Brian Colón, New Mexico managing partner and lawyer of Singleton Schreiber, “not only on the victims involved but also their families. The impacts may include physical injury, financial strain, and emotional trauma. These types of accidents are a stark reminder of the need for heightened awareness and caution, especially on busy interchanges and freeways.” 

Legal Avenues Available to Rear-End Collision Victims and Their Families

Victims of rear-end collisions and their families may be entitled to pursue compensation for the damages they suffer in the accident. In cases where the victim(s) are injured, they may elect to pursue a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim may allow them to obtain compensation for damages they suffered due to the accident, such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages due to extended time off of work for recovery
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional suffering
  • And more

In cases where the victim unfortunately dies in the accident, their family may choose to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim may allow the family to obtain compensation for damages including:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of companionship
  • Future financial support
  • And more

Potentially liable parties for wrongful death claims may include:

  • The driver who caused the collision
  • The car manufacturer if the collision occurred due to a malfunction (such as brakes giving out)
  • The mechanic or repair shop, if improper maintenance or repairs contributed to the accident
  • Government entities, if poor road design, maintenance, or hazardous conditions played a role in the collision

If you have been injured in a rear-end collision in Albuquerque or unfortunately lost a loved one in a rear-end collision, you may be eligible to file a claim. Contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your options. Call them at (505) 605-2076 or email at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule your free consultation today. 

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