UC Davis Students in Fatal Accident

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San Diego’s premier personal injury law firm Singleton Schreiber is providing analysis on the tragic accident that took place on March 29, 2023. For any legal questions on this accident or any other San Diego personal injury or wrongful death case, call Singleton Schreiber at 619-367-7768 or email info@singletonschreiber.com.

On March 29th, 2023, tragedy struck the University of California, Davis community when three students lost their lives in a car crash on Highway 99. The students, whose identities have not yet been released, were traveling southbound on the highway when their car was hit by a semi-truck.

The accident occurred at around 4:30 p.m. near the town of Galt, which is located about 20 miles south of Sacramento. According to eyewitnesses, the car carrying the students was attempting to merge onto the highway when it collided with the semi-truck. The force of the impact caused the car to spin out of control and collide with another vehicle before coming to a stop on the side of the road.

Emergency responders arrived on the scene within minutes of the accident, but unfortunately, there was nothing they could do to save the three students. They were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck and the occupants of the other vehicle involved in the crash were all taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. News of the accident has sent shockwaves through the UC Davis community, which is still reeling from the loss of two students who died in a car crash in 2021.

“This is a tragic car accident,” stated Gerald Singleton, managing partner at Singleton Schreiber. “There are parents who won’t have children returning home tonight because of this horrific wreck.”

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but authorities have indicated that speed may have been a factor. The section of Highway 99 where the accident occurred is known for its heavy traffic, and merging onto the highway can be a difficult maneuver. Eyewitnesses have reported seeing the car carrying the students traveling at a high rate of speed before the crash.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers of driving, especially on busy highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 36,000 traffic fatalities in the United States in 2022, with many of these accidents occurring on highways. Speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are all major contributors to highway accidents.

As the investigation into the accident continues, the UC Davis community is rallying around the families and friends of the students who died. A vigil was held on campus the day after the accident, with hundreds of students, faculty, and staff in attendance. The university has also set up a memorial fund to help the families with expenses related to the tragedy.

Singleton Schreiber is a trial law firm with several offices throughout California. With a long track record of success, the firm has obtained more than $2 billion on behalf of clients. Currently, the firm has experience representing San Diego residents whose lives were ruined in similar situations, and their San Diego legal team is one of the best in the nation. To learn more, call Singleton Schreiber at 619-367-7768 or info@singletonschreiber.com.

City Heights House Fire Analyzed by Singleton Schreiber

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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City Heights House Fire Analyzed by Singleton Schreiber

San Diego’s premier fire litigation law firm Singleton Schreiber is providing expert analysis into the fire that broke out in City Heights on Tuesday afternoon. For any legal questions on this or any other San Diego house fire, call Singleton Schreiber at 619-367-7768 or info@singletonschreiber.com.

On Tuesday, March 28, a fire tore through a house in City Heights according to fire officials. The blaze was reported at roughly 2:30 PM on 45th Street just north of Orange Avenue.

It’s not clear if the building was up to code, however according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Ty Shimoguchi, four or five people were inside the house. It is reported that a total of six people suffered smoke inhalation.

The fire had already torn through the kitchen and living room by the time first responders arrived, and it took 20 minutes or so to get the blaze under control. Two of the people who suffered smoke inhalation were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, others were treated at the scene. There is no current report on the cause of the fire.

This is the second fire in City Heights this month. The first occurred on March 6 on 36th Street at 2:00 AM. This pre-dawn fire in a different abandoned house caused $160,000 worth of damage according to authorities.

“Any house fire is a tragedy. Landlords have certain obligations to keep tenants safe. This fire is under investigation, but the home may not have been up to code. This fire should serve as a reminder to all landlords to make sure rentals are safe.”

Attorneys at Singleton Schreiber are looking to help residents of San Diego communities affected by the lack of regulations followed by landlords or vacant residencies.

House and structure fires are deadly in San Diego and nationwide. There are an average of 358,500 homes that catch fire every year according to the National Fire Prevention Association. These fires resulted in more than 2,500 deaths in the United States over the last five years due to house fires alone, with roughly $7 billion in property damage.

The three main causes of these fires are cooking mishaps, heating equipment issues and electrical malfunction. Landlords and city officials are both required by the City and County of San Diego to properly and regularly inspect properties for potential fire hazards. This includes examining electrical issues such as exposed wires.

Singleton Schreiber is a trial law firm with several offices throughout California. With a long track record of success, the firm has obtained more than $2 billion on behalf of clients. Currently, the firm has experience representing San Diego residents whose lives were ruined in similar situations, and their San Diego legal team is one of the best in the nation. To learn more, call Singleton Schreiber at 619-367-7768 or info@singletonschreiber.com.

Singleton Schreiber Comments on Albuquerque Apartment Fire

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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Singleton Schreiber Comments on Albuquerque Apartment Fire

With 7 offices in New Mexico, including one in Albuquerque, Singleton Schreiber is the premier personal injury and fire litigation law firm in the state. To contact us, please call us (505) 240-8565 or email info@singletonschreiber.com.

There was an apartment fire today in northeast Albuquerque. According to fire rescue personnel, one person was killed.

News outlets such as KOB4 reported that Albuquerque Fire Rescue crews responded to the fire just before 7:00 AM. The complex was near Wyoming and Copper, just along Utah Street. There were also reports of someone trapped inside. That person was later found to have died.

“This is a tragedy. These types of events cost lives, and create fear and terror in neighborhoods,” said Singleton Schreiber New Mexico Managing Partner Brian Colón, “while apartments can be rebuilt, families who lose loved ones can never be made whole.”

The Albuquerque apartment fire at the multi-story complex sent heavy smoke throughout the neighborhood. Firefighters directly attacked the fire to bring it under control, but it was too late by that point to save the person’s life. Thankfully, no firefighters were injured. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Albuquerque, New Mexico has seen a variety of deadly apartment fires throughout the city over the years. With a population of just under one million, there are 22 fire stations which cover 189 square miles. In 2021, there were 900 structure fires reported, up from 793 in 2020.

Apartment fires are a significant concern for the residents of Albuquerque, New Mexico. In recent years, the city has seen a rise in the number of these types of fires, causing property damage and even loss of life. Understanding the causes and taking necessary precautions is crucial to preventing these devastating incidents.

One of the primary causes of apartment fires is electrical failures. Faulty electrical systems in older apartment buildings can be a major problem due to aging wires, outdated breaker panels, and overloading electrical outlets. In many cases, the owners of apartment buildings fail to properly inspect the property, and building inspectors from the city are often too overwhelmed to do routine checkups.

Another significant cause of apartment fires in Albuquerque is smoking. Cigarettes, lighters, and matches can all cause fires when not properly extinguished. Landlords can help prevent smoking-related fires by banning smoking inside apartment buildings and enforcing the rule strictly.

Cooking is another prominent cause of fires inside apartment complexes, and unattended cooking has been known to start small fires that spread quickly. If grease or oil is involved, a fire can get hot quickly and burn out of control.

Space heaters and portable heaters are another common fire starter, especially during the winter months. They can quickly overheat and cause electrical fires. It’s crucial to ensure that space heaters are placed in areas with adequate ventilation and never left unattended.

Singleton Schreiber works with thousands of people throughout New Mexico, helping them with fire litigation. While a majority of those people were impacted by the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fires & Floods, the firm’s attorneys also work with people who lost their homes, businesses, and even loved ones to structure fires. Structure fires can include houses, apartments, or places of business.

Brian Colón, the former New Mexico State Auditor, has more than 30 years of experience serving people, and he’s seen these types of fires cause massive problems for people.

“There are people now who will miss their loved one forever,” Mr. Colón said, “and unfortunately there are also people who will have to move during a time of deep economic insecurity and uncertainty.”

In September of last year, an apartment fire displaced 31 residents. Although firefighters work hard to put these fires out, the impact on residents often goes far beyond escaping the initial blaze. One of the biggest fights they can face is dealing with insurance companies trying to deny claims. This can cause a snowball effect, which makes it difficult to afford housing, a new vehicle and even food .

As the premier fire litigation firm in the United States, attorneys at Singleton Schreiber have already delivered more than $2 billion to their clients over the years. With a particular expertise in assisting New Mexico residents with fire problems, the firm and its attorneys stand ready to help anyone facing serious legal challenges.

Contact us today at (505) 240-8565 or email info@singletonschreiber.com.

Hatch New Mexico Semi Truck Crash Details | March 2, 2023

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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Several New Mexico news outlets reported on a horrific truck crash that took place on a state highway just southwest of Hatch, NM.

In a collision that killed three people, two semi-trucks collided on state Road 26 about 15 miles from Hatch. The truck crash led to road closures as New Mexico State Police investigated the incident. Members of law enforcement are pushing drivers onto alternate routes to avoid the crash site.

“New Mexico truck crashes are awful,” said Singleton Schreiber New Mexico Managing Partner Brian Colón. “Having represented families in tractor-trailer cases I have seen lives torn apart by these tragic incidents, and our hearts go out to the families of those who were killed and injured.”

A spokeswoman for the New Mexico Department of Transportation said it was a head-on crash of two 18-wheelers. The photos of the highway showed boxes and debris littered across the road.

Singleton Schreiber truck accident attorneys can be reached at (505) 270-2154 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

New Mexico Truck Crashes

New Mexico truck crash attorneys are noting that this incident comes just weeks after a multi-car accident which happened on Interstate 40 in Grants, NM. On February 17, New Mexico State Police reported a four-vehicle crash in which a Volvo semi-truck rear-ended a 2021 Freightliner CMV which then crossed into the median and struck an 2005 International DMV and a 2009 Cadillac.

As interstate commerce recovers from the various supply chain issues caused by Covid, more and more trucks and different types of trucks are filling interstate highways across New Mexico. Areas such as Hatch, Radium Springs, Las Cruces, Mesilla, Salem, Rincon, Garfield and Derry which normally do not see these types of big rig crashes. But, with Interstate 25, Interstate 10 covered in large trucks, these incidents will only become more common.

For people involved in semi-truck collisions, having a qualified New Mexico truck crash lawyer on their side is vitally important. These three people who were killed likely had families who are now left to pick up the pieces.

Deadly Nature of Large Commercial Trucks

Car crashes can be tragic, but due to the sheer size they are much less dangerous than 18-wheeler crashes. Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when a trailer is attached. They are difficult to drive, are easily knocked over by wind and they can take 20-40% more distance to stop than cars do. That’s about the length of two football fields. When a truck goes 55 MPH and is suddenly struck by another vehicle or is cut off, disaster is right around the corner.

Further complicating matters, many drivers are often run ragged trying to make their deadlines. There are hundreds of cases of drivers who’ve been sleep deprived or high on serious drugs. This leads to cases of distracted drivers crashing into other trucks, cars or whatever is on the road. An exhausted driver behind the wheel of a 40-ton truck surrounded by other trucks and cars is a dangerous situation no matter what time of day it is.

New Mexico has seen a high uptick in semi-truck crashes, with more than 1,400 occurring in the last few years. Semi-truck accidents in New Mexico are four times more likely to result in a fatality, like this devastating situation that took place in Hatch. One out of every 15 commercial truck crashes results in severe injuries to one or more drivers.

After a wrongful death crash, serious issues will occur for the family.

Medical bills
Psychological trauma
Property damage
Funeral costs

These are just some of the issues a family can face.

Brian S. Colon, the former New Mexico State Auditor, is helping truck accident victims from Hatch to Albuquerque deal with their loss and put their lives back together.

“People who have suffered a serious loss need help, they need comfort and they need support,” Mr. Colón said. “I want to be the attorney who offers help and assistance and makes this awful period in someone’s life a little bit easier so they can focus on the grieving process.”

Singleton Schreiber is a trial law firm with several offices throughout New Mexico. With a long track record of success, the firm has obtained more than $2 billion on behalf of clients. Currently, the firm represents hundreds of New Mexico residents whose lives were ruined in the Hermits Creek/Calf Canyon fires and floods, and their New Mexico legal team is one of the best in the nation. To learn more, call (505) 270-2154.

*Video courtesy KOB4

Malibu Brush Fire

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Joe Marchelewski

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A Malibu brush fire broke out this weekend on the 19000 block of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The blaze was reported as 50% contained and the conditions were improving. However, this was an odd fire as California had been subjected to torrential rains for several weeks, saturating the ground with rain water from San Diego to the Oregon border.

The fire was about one eighth of an acre according to fire officials. Even though it was small, there were road closures as a result of this latest Malibu fire. Residents were relieved that there were no structures ablaze, but the northbound lanes on Latino Canyon Road near Route 1/PCH were shut down for some time due to safety concerns and firefighting efforts.

PCH Closed Due to Malibu Brush Fire

PCH was briefly closed in both directions on the 21st near Tuna Canyon Rd, but was reopened shortly thereafter.

Malibu has seen some of the most severe wildfires in the nation, including the Woolsey Fire which destroyed more than 1,600 structures and burned roughly 100,000 acres. A significant evacuation had to occur as well, with more than 295,000 people forced to flee the area. Litigation began very quickly resulting both from the cause of the fire as well as the subsequent insurance issues.

Insurance bad faith lawyers and fire litigation attorneys filed thousands of lawsuits against insurance carriers, Southern California Edison and even the Santa Susana Field Laboratory. In that fire, SoCal Edison reported an outage in the Big Rock 16 KV station outside Chatsworth which is just south of Simi Valley (Ventura County). The brush fire was initially reported in that exact location and within 20 minutes Ventura County firefighters were on the scene battling the blaze.

Billions of Dollars in Damage

However, the severity of the fire quickly escalated as winds made the problem far worse. Dry, windy conditions existed throughout the state of California, and the fire exploded. Before it was all over, 3 people were killed and billions of dollars in damage were done to Malibu and the surrounding region.

On that same day, the Camp Fire in Northern California destroyed most of the town of Paradise, CA and cost the lives of 85 people. It was one of the deadliest days on record for wildfires in the state of California and the nation. Fire litigation lawyers, such as those at Singleton Schreiber, were hard at work representing people who lost their homes, lost their property, lost their businesses and lost loved ones due to SoCal Edison’s negligence. Furthermore, the insurance bad faith attorneys represented people whose claims were delayed and denied by billion and trillion dollar insurance corporations.

The Woolsey Fire led to $6 billion in property damage. The Camp Fire Damage was estimated at $16.5 billion. All told, California homeowners have suffered more than $100 billion in property damage due to negligence by various utilities, including SoCal Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).

“Fires are a brutal reality due to climate change,” said Gerald Singleton, managing partner at Singleton Schreiber. “However, when utilities such as PG&E and SoCal Edison allow their aging equipment to start fires, it makes life impossible for residents and firefighting incredibly dangerous for first responders.”

First Noteworthy California Fire of 2023

The brush fire in Malibu was the first noticeable one in Southern California in 2023, but with the rains come increased brush and growth, meaning fire season could be far more active this year. Los Angeles County, Riverside County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, San Bernardino County, Orange County and San Diego County will all need to be aware of the potential fire hazards to residents, businesses and property.

For anyone seeking a qualified fire attorney with significant experience, Singleton Schreiber’s team of fire lawyers is second to none.

Hiring a lawyer when in such a predicament can seem expensive, but it will be well worth it if it means getting compensation for the property you have lost. Most insurance agencies have ways to twist and bend the rules so as not to pay claims; your attorney will come in handy to make sure that you get paid the full value of what your belongings were worth. In California, Singleton Schreiber is your trusted property damage attorneys. We are experts in taking care of you when it comes to wildfire claims. Call them today at (619) 771-3473.

A Guide to Help You Through a Personal Injury Claim

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The Fearless Advocate Team

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A Guide to Help You Through a Personal Injury Claim

Table of Contents - Jump Ahead:

Getting injured in an accident is a painful, time-consuming, and costly experience. Whether you have been in a car crash or a slip-and-fall accident, there are certain steps that you should take to expedite your recovery and get the money you need for your medical care from the insurance company.

What To Do At The Scene

Having an accident can be very upsetting. It is hard to keep your emotions together, and you might even go into shock. However, if you do certain things at the scene of the accident, you will have an easier time receiving compensation.

In a car accident, you must pull over to the side of the road and check if there are any injuries. If anyone is hurt or there has been considerable damage to property, you must call the police and wait for them to arrive.

Get the names of any witnesses who may have seen the accident and take pictures if you can. When the police get there, simply tell them what happened. You should never admit guilt at the scene of an accident. Request a copy of the accident report, and when you get it, make sure all of its information is accurate and the times and dates are correct.

When an ambulance arrives at the scene, you should let the paramedics treat you and go to the hospital with them if they recommend it. Even if you feel fine after an accident, you should still go to see your doctor. There are some injuries that you might not feel right away.

If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident at a business, you should look around to find out what caused you to fall. If you fell over an object discarded in a walkway or slipped on a wet floor, the company’s insurance should pay for it.

Notify the manager right away, and they will fill out an accident report. They must also give you their insurance information. As with a car accident, get the names and numbers of any witnesses who may have seen the incident and take pictures of the accident scene if you can. Never refuse medical treatment. If you are injured in a person’s home, you should get the person’s homeowner’s insurance information.

Keep a Record of Your Treatments

According to Personal injury lawyers Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, you should keep a record of every medical bill you get and ask the doctor to write you a report about your progress. If you have to get physical therapy, ask your physical therapist to write you a report as well. You should also keep records of any alternative treatments you use, such as massage or flotation therapy.

Be sure to save a copy of every bill that you get, even if your health insurance has paid for it. Save the receipts from any medicine you take, whether prescription or non-prescription.

Some people suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder after a very bad accident, while others may suffer acute depression. If you need psychiatric treatment because of your accident, save a record of the bills from your sessions as well. You should get the mental health professional you see to write you a report. It never hurts to keep a diary of your daily life when you have experienced an accident.

You should not only record your thoughts and feelings about your injuries, but also any activities you cannot participate in due to your injuries.

Record Any Loss of Income

If you have your doctor’s appointment in the middle of the day, chances are you will have to miss some work. Ask the HR department of your company to write you a letter stating the number of hours that you have missed and the amount of income you have lost. If you were unable to participate in important work or company events, they should include that in the letter.

Accidents can leave you in too much pain to do housework or drive. If you could not do housework and needed help, you should save a copy of the bills for the housekeeper service. You should save Uber or Lyft receipts as well.

If you had to miss an important event because of your accident, save evidence of that. For example, if you bought plane tickets, you should make a copy of your credit card bill.

Contact Your Insurance Company

There are two different kinds of auto insurance rules in the United States: fault and no fault. In a fault state, the person who is responsible for the accident is also responsible for its bills. In a no-fault state, your insurance will pay for your accident no matter who caused the accident.

The state of Pennsylvania follows the no-fault rule. When you have a car accident, you will contact your insurance company and report the collision to them. They will have ten days to respond to your claim. When they respond, they will ask you to provide them with all the documentation you have of the accident and your bills. The sooner you send in your information, the sooner they will be able to investigate your case, which will be assigned to an insurance adjuster. They will then have 15 days to investigate your claim and decide whether or not they will compensate you for the accident.

If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident at a business, you should contact the business’s insurance company. They will investigate the claim and let you know whether or not it has been accepted or denied.

If your insurance claim is accepted, they will offer you a settlement amount. It is extremely important to contact a personal injury attorney before you accept any settlement offer.

Contact an Attorney

Whether an insurance company accepts your claim or not, you should contact an attorney and set up an appointment for a free consultation. If the insurance company has denied your claim, the lawyer can examine the facts of your case and tell you if they think you should sue. If an insurance company has made you an offer, a personal injury lawyer will be able to tell you if that offer is fair.

More often than not, the insurance company’s first offer will not be fair. Your attorney will contact the insurance company and negotiate with them on your behalf. They should be able to negotiate a fair settlement but if they can’t, they will be able to represent you if you file a lawsuit. You should bring all the documentation that you have collected when you visit your attorney. Be sure to hire a reputable attorney who can provide you with references.

It is never easy to get over the physical and psychological trauma that an accident can cause. However, if you document your case well and hire a very good personal injury attorney, you should get the money you need to move on with your life.