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Car Involved In A Collision Topples Gas Pump, Trapping A Customer Underneath

Car Involved In A Collision Topples Gas Pump, Trapping A Customer Underneath

Car Involved In A Collision Topples Gas Pump, Trapping A Customer UnderneathTuesday, April 23rd, a vehicle lost control and veered off of the road into a Mobile gas station lot, where it crashed into a gas pump and toppled it onto a man who was pumping gas, trapping him underneath. According to Lieutenant Josh Langdon of the Escondido police, the incident occurred shortly after 10 am Tuesday. Two other individuals were injured in the incident as well. 

The accident occurred when two vehicles collided on the road near the intersection of East Valley Parkway and North Rose Street in Escondido. The impact of the collision sent one of the vehicles, what appears in video footage to be an SUV, hurtling into the gas station lot. 

When fire crews got to the scene the man trapped under the pump was awake, although Lt. Langdon said he did not know the full extent of his injuries. Fire crews took the man to the hospital after freeing him. 

Langdon also reported that fire crews had to pry open the driver’s door of the SUV that slammed into the pump. The driver was taken to the hospital as well. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the initial crash was also injured and taken to the hospital. 

What Tends To Cause Car Accidents?

Car accidents occur every day and can be caused by a myriad of factors that can contribute to their unpredictability and danger. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include: 

  • Distracted driving – using phones, eating, changing the radio, adjusting navigation systems, or even talking to other passengers 
  • Speeding – exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for current road conditions
  • Drunken or drugged driving – operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication
  • Reckless driving – engaging in aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and disregarding traffic signals
  • Inclement weather conditions – rain, snow, ice, or fog can reduce traction and visibility on the road
  • Poor road conditions – uneven surfaces, potholes, and lack of signage 
  • Mechanical failure – brakes, steering, or other essential elements of the car may abruptly stop working 

“Car accidents can cause serious damage and injury, as we saw in Tuesday’s accident,” says attorney Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber, “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family as they navigate life after this close call. While not all car accidents can be prevented, there are safety measures we can take to prevent being the cause of a car accident. If you or a loved one have been a victim of a car accident, you may have legal recourse and may want to contact a personal injury attorney.”

Steps Victims Of Car Accidents Should Take After The Accident

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, either by being directly involved in it or by being a bystander affected by it, you may have several legal options available to pursue to gain compensation for your injuries and other losses. Some steps you can take after the accident include:

  • Seek medical attention 
  • Document the accident if possible and safe to do so
  • Contact your insurance company
  • Consult with an attorney to explore your legal options
  • Negotiate with insurance companies for a settlement
  • File a lawsuit 

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and suffered a personal injury, call Singleton Schreiber today at (619) 771-3473 or by email at info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about your options from a car accident attorney in San Diego.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Lakeside, Rider Identified as Alabama Man

Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Lakeside

Fatal Motorcycle Accident in LakesideLast Tuesday, April 16th, a fatal crash occurred between a motorcycle and a truck in Lakeside, California. The motorcyclist unfortunately died, and was publicly identified on Friday as Jeremy Michael Ponton, 34.

The crash took place shortly after 8 pm, when Ponton was riding his 2005 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R south down Winter Gardens Boulevard in Lakeside. Ponton was driving at a high rate of speed, according to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Medical Examiner. 

As Ponton was driving down Winter Gardens Boulevard, a 2013 Ford F-150 backed out of a driveway directly into Ponton’s path. The collision resulted in both the motorcycle and pickup catching fire, according to the CHP spokesperson, Officer Jared Grieshaber. 

Paramedics transported Ponton to UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest, where he succumbed to his injuries. 

According to Officer Grieshaber, the Ford F-150 driver and a passenger in his truck were unharmed in the accident.

Factors That Contribute To The Severity Of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be deadly, especially when they involve another vehicle, such as a car or a truck due to the stark difference in size and weight. There are several factors that contribute to the severity of motorcycle accidents, including:

  • Speed: if either the driver or rider are traveling at excessive speeds, it increases the likelihood of a fatal crash. 
  • Distracted Driving: both drivers and riders can contribute to accidents by being distracted by their phone, the radio, or other passengers
  • Driving Under The Influence: operating any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs one’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time thus increasing the chances of a serious accident

Legal Avenues Available To Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones In Motorcycle Accidents 

If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may have grounds for compensation. Depending on the insurance coverage of the motorcyclist, family members may be able to obtain compensation from the rider’s insurance policy. 

Additionally, family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Even if it seems that the fault of the accident may be shared between two or more parties involved, they may be eligible for compensation under California law. California operates under a pure comparative fault system. This means that each party involved in an accident can recover damages that are proportionate to their degree of fault in the accident, regardless of how much they are at fault. So, even if a party is found to be 99% at fault, they are still eligible to recover 1% of the total damages. 

“As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact the wrongful loss of a loved one can have on families,” says attorney Gerald Singleton, of Singleton Schreiber, “Motorcycle accidents often result in fatalities. While nothing can take away the pain of losing a loved one, it is important that families of victims like Ponton know they may be eligible to file a claim for compensation to help them cover costs associated with the loss of their loved one.

If you have tragically lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about your options from our motorcycle accident attorney in San Diego, California

Interstate 25 Fatal Crash Near Broadway Boulevard in Southeast Albuquerque

Interstate 25 Fatal Crash Near Broadway Boulevard in Southeast Albuquerque

Southbound lanes of Interstate 25 and a New Mexico Rail Runner Express Train were closed Thursday afternoon after a fatal crash near Broadway Boulevard. 

Interstate 25 Fatal Crash Near Broadway Boulevard in Southeast AlbuquerqueThe crash occurred around 4 p.m. April 18th and traffic lanes remained closed until just after 7:00 p.m. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash, stating that while the Interstate was reopened, the train would remain shut down until debris is cleared. 

According to BSCO, the crash involved a fatality and several injuries, though details on the number of people hurt and the extent of their injuries are unclear at this time.   

Unsafe Driving Practices on the Rise Across the Nation

While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, it is possible that speed or inattention may have been a factor.  According to the NHTSA, speed that is unsafe for traffic or road conditions is a significant factor in fatal crashes.  In 2022, 29 percent of those killed in traffic crashes were involved in a speeding-related crash.  

Similarly, nearly 8 percent of road deaths in the U.S. occur in distraction-affected crashes. 

According to attorney Brian Colón, there are a number of behaviors that can lead to fatal traffic crashes. 

“While the exact cause of this crash is still under investigation, it still serves as a grim, yet stark reminder of risks associated with negligent driving practices. Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are preventable behaviors that can lead to tragic outcomes,” Colón stated.   “It’s crucial for drivers to understand their responsibility on the road and for law enforcement to rigorously enforce traffic safety laws. We owe it to our community to strive for safer roads, ensuring such needless loss of life does not occur.”

Drivers can take road safety into their own hands by following posted traffic safety signs and signals and avoiding dangerous behaviors like speeding, drinking and driving, or engaging in distracting activities.  

Unfortunately, in this case, those tragic outcomes are a reality for an unknown number of motorists and their families.

“For those affected by this tragedy and those like it, the effects are real and devastating. As difficult as it can be at a time like this, it may be in the best interests of anyone who has lost a loved or been injured in a traffic crash to speak with an experienced attorney,” Colón went on to say.  

If you or a loved one have been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Albuquerque, contact Singleton Schreiber today by phone or email, info@singletonschreiber.com.

Interstate 40 Semi-Truck Crash Near Moriarty, NM

Interstate 40 Semi-Truck Crash Near Moriarty, NM

Interstate 40 Semi-Truck Crash Near Moriarty, NMOn Wednesday, April 17th, a collision between a semi-truck and a recreational vehicle left one person dead and another in critical condition. The crash occurred in an Eastbound lane of Interstate 40 and ignited a grass fire in the area. The Moriarity Fire Department responded to the blaze at approximately 10:30 a.m. after RV burst into flames. 

Officials closed I-40 to Eastbound traffic and the public was encouraged to avoid the area. 

Currently, no other details about the crash or the identity of those involved have been released.

Trucking Crashes on the Rise Across the U.S.

This tragic incident is another in a startling trend across the United States.  While traffic deaths have declined from a 10 year high in 2021, the NHTSA reports indicate that fatalities in crashes involving large trucks actually increased in 2022.  That year, nearly 6,000 people were killed in trucking collisions.  

Unfortunately, in these incidents, occupants of smaller passenger vehicles and non-motorists are most likely to be killed.  In fact, more than 80 percent of people killed in collisions involving large trucks are someone other than the occupant of the truck.  In fact, over half of truck occupant deaths occur in single-vehicle collisions, such as overturns or jackknife incidents.    

According to attorney Brian Colón, the risk to other motorists is pronounced in these types of incidents.  “Trucking crashes disproportionately affect occupants of passenger vehicles. The size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger cars often leads to tragic outcomes, where those in smaller vehicles bear the brunt of the impact and suffer the most severe consequences.”

“Of course,” Colón added, “every traffic death is tragic and often preventable, especially in cases where negligence is a factor.”

The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), yet companies and drivers often skirt safety regulations.  Although it is unclear if that was the case here, common FMCSA violations include exceeding drive time limits, not taking required breaks, hiring unqualified drivers, inadequate vehicle maintenance, among others.   

Interstate 40 Crash Victims

While the identities of crash victims have not yet been released, their families are likely already dealing with the devastating aftermath.   

“The days following the loss of a loved one in a car crash are often disorienting and painful for families, marked by a sense of shock and an overwhelming grief,” attorney Brian Colón also added.  “As difficult as this time, speaking with an experienced attorney can help ease the burden that comes with it and help families find a path forward.”

If you or a loved one have been involved in a tragic highway traffic accident, contact Singleton Schreiber today by phone or email, info@singletonschreiber.com. A semi-truck accident lawyer in Albuquerque is ready to help you.

Fatal Shuttle Bus Accident At Honolulu Cruise Terminal Leaves One Dead, Several Injured

Hawaii shuttle bus accident

Friday, April 12, a shuttle bus accident occurred at a Honolulu cruise terminal, leaving one person dead and several others injured.

Hawaii shuttle bus accidentAccording to police and Carnival Cruise Line, the cruise port bus was dropping off passengers near a pier when the accident occurred. A bystander noticed the bus was moving forward and informed the driver. The driver then jumped into the driver’s seat in an attempt to stop the bus. However, the driver pressed the gas pedal rather than the brakes.

As the bus charged forward, it struck 11 people and several concrete barriers before hitting a wall and stopping. According to police, five of the eleven people who were struck were transported to hospitals for treatment, while the other six refused treatment.

The one woman who died from the injuries she sustained in the accident was attending the cruise to celebrate her wedding anniversary with her husband. The pair is from Illinois. Her husband is among those who were injured, and he is expected to recover. He was taken to the emergency room along with several other members of their family who were accompanying them on the cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line said nine of those injured in the accident were guests from the Carnival Miracle ship that was docked there. The ship set out from Long Beach, CA, and was midway through a 15-day sailing trip when this accident occurred.

The Honolulu Police Department stated that police will continue to investigate the cause of this accident to determine if drugs or alcohol were contributing factors to causing the accident.

The Impact Of Personal Injuries

Personal injuries, like those seen in the accident above, can occur almost anywhere at any time. Personal injuries often result in physical injuries and property damage, but in some cases, they may even lead to death, as was the case for one woman in the story above.

“Our hearts go out to the family whose celebration of love turned into the sudden loss of their loved one,” says lawyer Paul Starita, of Singleton Schreiber, “In accidents such as the one that occurred Friday in Honolulu, it may be best for victims or their families to acquire the assistance of a skilled personal injury attorney to help them mitigate the financial impact the accident has on them moving forward. While no amount of money can bring their loved one back, or reverse their injury, it is important that they, and others like them, know they may have legal recourse that can help lessen the financial burden they bear.”

The impact of personal injuries on victims and their families may include:

  • Emotional toll – the trauma of the accident, the ongoing pain and recovery, or the loss of a loved one can lead to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, among others.
  • Financial burden – medical bills coupled with lost wages due to the inability to work during recovery or a long-term disability, or funeral costs and the loss of financial support the deceased provided their family.
  • Long-term consequences – long-term or permanent disabilities may cause the injured to need ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, or assistive devices. Their injury may also impact their ability to pursue their career or hobbies they once enjoyed.

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

Denver Fire Damages Three Homes and Six Structures

Denver home fire

Late morning on Saturday, April 13th, Denver Fire Department firefighters were made aware of two structures on fire on West 39th Avenue and Clay Street around 11:45 am.

Denver home fireOnce the initial firefighters arrived and assessed the scene they called for more firefighters and were able to get the fire under control. In total, 75 firefighters were on the scene helping to control the fire.

According to the Denver Fire Department, nine buildings total were involved – three homes and six detached garages.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire. One firefighter was evaluated for smoke inhalation but was able to quickly return to work.

Local news reports shared that one family was displaced from their home, while the other two homes sustained damage only to the outside of the structures.

A fire department spokesperson reported neighbors said they heard a loud explosion just before the fire started. The department is investigating the fire to determine the cause.

What Legal Options Do Victims Of Fires Have?

The aftermath of experiencing a residential fire can be devastating both emotionally and financially. Residential fires can cause extensive damage, cause you to lose some or most of your belongings, and may leave you with injuries, depending on the circumstances.

Victims of residential fires may have legal recourse, depending on the cause of the fire. After the fire, victims tend to file a claim with their insurance. Unfortunately, insurance claims are not always a smooth process.

Insurance companies’ main priority is to protect their bottom line, and this means they may offer victims lowball settlements, flat-out deny policy holder’s claims, or unreasonably delay processing or payment.

In other cases, the fire the victim experienced may be due to the negligence of another person or entity.

In either case, it is likely in the victim’s best interest to hire a lawyer with experience handling insurance claims and property damage claims.

“What the family in Denver has gone through is devastating,” says Kevin Hannon, an attorney at Singleton Schreiber, “our hearts go out to the family affected by this incident. I’ve seen firsthand how the aftermath of a fire like this can impact victims. It’s important that law enforcement determine the cause so that the family can get the justice they deserve.”

Safety Tips To Help Prevent Fires and Minimize Damages

Victims of fires potentially have a lot to lose, including their belongings, their home, pets, and even their own lives. In the aftermath of such tragedies, the importance of incorporating fire prevention methods fire prevention methods is highlighted. Some things that can be done to help prevent fires include:

  • Installing and maintaining smoke alarms throughout your home
  • Develop and practice a fire escape plan with your family
  • Exercise caution with cooking appliances and heat sources
  • Properly store flammable materials
  • Regularly inspect electrical wiring and outlets for signs of wear or damage
  • Ensure any and all electrical work is done by a licensed professional
  • Monitor power lines and promptly report any signs of damage, wear, or sparking
  • Request for your electric company to conduct regular inspections and maintenance for electrical infrastructure

Incorporating these tips can help mitigate the risk of fires and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

If you have experienced a residential fire, contact Singleton Schreiber today by calling (866) 331-9303 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

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