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Fresno Highway 41 Multi-Car Crash

Two of three lanes on the northbound Highway 41 in Fresno, CA were blocked off due to a multi-car crash on Wednesday May 10, 2023. 

According to the California Highway Patrol, at least four vehicles were involved in the car crash near the center divider of Shaw Avenue at about 10:15 AM. Drivers were forced to merge to the left lane as two lanes were blocked by the crash. One of the vehicles involved in the crash was a Tesla. Another of the vehicles involved was seen smoking due to the collision. The traffic was backed up to McKinley Avenue as of 10:45 AM Wednesday morning. Little to no details were immediately available regarding any potential injuries. 

"wreck ahead" traffic notice as a result of highway crash

The Fresno Bee provided details and a photo of the scene of incident, in which emergency responders and authorities can be seen helping the victims on the righthand side two lanes. Multiple cones and CHP vehicles are also depicted helping deter traffic to a singular lane. The flow of traffic can easily be seen affected by the incident with all available lanes impacted and filled to the brim with confined vehicles. 

“The incident that occurred on Fresno’s Highway 41 affected the lives of the crash victims and those at the scene of the collision in a traumatic manner,” said Brett Schreiber partner at Singleton Schreiber. “My thoughts are with the victims that are faced with serious out-of-pocket financial burdens, potential injuries, and emotional distress due to the crash.”

Fresno Tesla and car accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber can be reached at 559-702-0846 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

Fresno Highway 41 Multi-Car Crash

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that it may have been caused by a combination of factors, including speeding, reckless driving, and poor weather conditions.

The crash resulted in the closure of both northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 41 for several hours, causing severe traffic backups and delays. The California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies responded to the scene to investigate the crash, gather evidence, and assist with traffic control.

Unfortunately, multi-car crashes like this one are not uncommon on busy highways like Highway 41. These types of accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities, as well as significant property damage and financial losses. While the cause of this crash is still unknown, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the need to exercise caution in adverse weather conditions.

To reduce the risk of multi-car crashes and other accidents on highways, drivers should follow a few key safety tips. 

These safety tips include: 

  • Obeying Posted Speed Limits
  • Maintaining a Safe Distance from Other Vehicles
  • Avoiding Distractions While Driving
  • Ensuring that their Vehicles are Properly Maintained and in Good Working Condition

Multi-car crashes are unfortunately common causes of traffic delays on highways and major roads. These types of accidents can result in significant property damage, injuries, and even fatalities, leading to lengthy closures and backups.

There are several factors that can contribute to multi-car crashes and resulting traffic delays. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distracting activities while driving is more likely to cause accidents, particularly in heavy traffic.
  • Reckless driving: Speeding, changing lanes abruptly, and failing to signal can all lead to multi-car crashes, particularly when other drivers are forced to take evasive action.
  • Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can all reduce visibility and make it more difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, leading to multi-car crashes.
  • Driver fatigue: Drivers who are tired or drowsy are more likely to make mistakes and cause accidents, particularly on long trips or during overnight hours.
  • Vehicle malfunctions: Brake failure, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and collide with other cars, leading to multi-car crashes.

“Multi-car crashes or any other type of accidents are devastating and stressful,” said Mr. Schreiber. “Anyone involved in an incident, such as the one that occurred in Fresno’s Highway 41, should seek medical attention and legal advice as soon as possible by qualified personal injury attorneys that can help you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries or unfortunate losses.”

Anyone injured in a Tesla or car accident should contact Singleton Schreiber at 559-702-0846 or via email at info@singletonschreiber.com

Sanger Farmworker Dies At Pitman Family Farms

Farmworkers tending to fields

Jesus Salazar, a 66-year-old man, died at Pitman Family Farms in Sanger, CA. Salazar likely died from drowning. 

Sanger Fire Chief Greg Tarascou said crews arrived and found the farmworker had fallen in a holding tank on the farm where he worked. There was no further information on specific cause, whether he died from trauma or whether he had a medical episode.

Farmworkers tending to fields

According to the Fresno Bee, Mr. Salazar was pronounced dead at the scene before 6:00 AM on Sunday, May 7, 2023. There is a pending autopsy, but details may take weeks or months to verify what exactly happened. 

Safety at farms throughout Fresno is a serious matter. Fresno County produced more than $8 billion in agricultural production in 2021, but that came at a cost. The National Ag Safety Database (NASD) reported more than 5,000 incidents of farm worker injuries over a five-year period. Of those, 85% were male, 134 resulted in death, and 319 resulted in hospitalizations.

In 2019, it was reported that 100 agricultural laborers per day cannot return to work because of an injury they sustained while working. 

In the City of Sanger, which is located in Fresno County, there have been many other instances of farm worker deaths resulting from negligence on the part of the farm and its management. In 2021, an 82-year-old man died after a farm accident while working in an almond orchard. He was crushed by a tractor.

“Jesus Salazar was one of the countless individuals who died so the rest of us could eat,” said attorney Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber. “Farm workers are constantly in a battle over worker safety, and this is one more tragic example of just how important that fight is.”

Anyone seeking a farm worker injury attorney should contact Singleton Schreiber at 559-702-0846 or email at info@singletonschreiber.com

Sanger Farmer Worker Drowning Death

Throughout Fresno County, CA, farm workers face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country. Every year, numerous farm workers suffer from serious injuries, illnesses, and even death as a result of their work in the fields. These deaths not only affect the families and loved ones of the workers, but also raise concerns about the safety and welfare of these vulnerable and often marginalized members of society.

Many factors contribute to the high rate of farm worker deaths in Fresno County. These workers are often exposed to extreme heat, toxic pesticides and chemicals, and dangerous machinery, all of which can lead to serious health issues or even death. Additionally, many farm workers lack access to adequate healthcare and safety training, making them particularly vulnerable to workplace hazards.

Another notable incident that drew attention to the dangers faced by Fresno farm workers occurred in 2018. On August 15th of that year, two farm workers were killed and several others were injured after they were struck by a truck while working in a vineyard in Fresno County. The workers were part of a group that had been picking grapes when a truck driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into them. 

Following the incident, local organizations and advocacy groups pushed for stronger regulations to improve safety for farm workers. Some of the proposed changes include mandating safety training for all farm workers, increasing the penalties for companies that violate safety regulations, and implementing stricter rules around the use of heavy machinery in the fields.

However, many challenges remain in addressing the issue of farm worker deaths in Fresno County. The agricultural industry is a vital part of the local economy, and many growers resist efforts to impose stricter regulations, arguing that they would increase costs and harm their ability to compete.  

Those injured in farming “accidents” may have rights they aren’t aware of, such as the right to compensation. This man likely has a spouse, children and potentially grandchildren who may have depended on him to meet their basic needs. 

“This man’s family is likely in a great deal of pain,” Mr. Singleton added. “They deserve an advocate who will help them navigate the next steps in the legal process. Outside of a criminal investigation, there will be potential for civil litigation and those individuals will likely be eligible for some form of compensation.”

Anyone injured in a farm accident should contact a Sanger farm injury lawyer at Singleton Schreiber by calling 559-702-0846 or email at info@singletonschreiber.com.

San Diego Valley Center Rollover Crash Injures Three

Crashed car featured with broken windshield

In San Diego’s Valley Center neighborhood, a rollover crash leaves a driver and his passenger with serious life-threatening injuries on Thursday night May 4th, 2023.  

The crash occurred on Valley Center Road just before 9 PM east of Thundernut Lane according to the California Highway Patrol. A 28-year-old San Diego man was headed west on Valley Center Road in a Subaru BRZ when the vehicle swerved out of the lane and into a rock mound, according to CHP officer Hunter Gerber. The Subaru flipped upon impact and a Mercedes S500 headed east on Valley Center ultimately hit the Subaru. The Subaru driver was taken to an Escondido hospital along with his 27-year-old passenger, both suffering substantial injuries. The Mercedes driver was taken to a Temecula hospital having only sustained moderate injuries. The cause of the crash has not yet been reported but neither drugs nor alcohol seem to be factors according to authorities.  

Crashed car featured with broken windshield

“Collisions are distressing for everyone involved, the lives of those injured in this incident are now changed forever,” said Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber. “My thoughts are with the families of the victims, and I hope for a rapid recovery for all injuries sustained in the unfortunate crash.” 

To contact Singleton Schreiber’s San Diego car accident attorneys, contact the firm at 619-367-7768 or via email at info@singletonschreiber.com. 

Valley Center Highway Rollover Crash 

A concerning increase in highway collisions have been seen in recent years within Valley Center, California. Several highways, including State Route 76 and Valley Center Road are located within Valley Center, which are heavily trafficked or used by commuters and tourists. The increase in traffic has unfortunately led to a rise in collisions, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Recent data from the California Highway Patrol details the number of collisions on Valley Center’s Highways has been steadily increasing. In 2019, there were 92 reported collisions, an increase from 2018’s 79 reported collisions.  

There are several factors contributing to this rise in highway collisions such as:  

  • Increased Traffic Volume – more people are moving to the Valley Center area as well as more tourists visiting local attractions.  
  • Narrow and Winding Roads – roads are challenging to navigate, especially for drivers who are unfamiliar with the area. 
  • Negligent Driving – distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and other reckless behaviors are significant contributors to the increase in collisions.  

Several initiatives have been implemented by the CHP to combat this rise in highway collisions within the Valley Center area. These initiatives include educational campaigns to raise awareness about safe driving practices, an increase in enforcement of traffic laws and patrols, and encouraging drivers to take responsibility for the safety of others as well as themselves. The CHP recommends this can be done by driving soberly and avoiding distracted driving.  

Drivers in the Valley Center area can take several steps to reduce the risk of collisions in addition to the efforts of law enforcement. These include staying alert and focused while driving, obeying posted speed limits, and avoiding driving under the influence. Additionally, drivers should ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and equipped with appropriate safety features. By working together to promote safe driving practices and reduce the risk of collisions, we can help ensure that the roads in Valley Center remain safe for all who use them. 

“The rise in highway collisions in the Valley Center area is a concerning trend that demands attention and action from both law enforcement and drivers,” said Mr. Singleton. “Serious life-threatening injuries impact the victims and his or her entire family, those injured may be eligible for compensation for their injuries, and they should pursue a knowledgeable attorney to represent them.” 

To contact Singleton Schreiber’s San Diego car accident attorneys, contact the firm at 619-367-7768 or via email at info@singletonschreiber.com. 

Sacramento Valley Hi Vehicle Crash Kills 1, Injures 6

Fire crew help crash victims escape

Tragedy struck the Sacramento Valley Hi/North Laguna neighborhood on Thursday, May 4, 2023 when an 18-year-old woman was killed and six others were taken to hospitals following a serious crash involving a stolen vehicle.

The sedan collided with a pickup truck around 4:30 PM near Franklin Blvd and Calvine Rd, according to authorities, and fire crews worked to free seven total patients from the two vehicles. According to Cosumnes Community Service District Fire Department’s social media, all seven were taken to hospitals where one woman was pronounced dead.

Fire crew help crash victims escape

The incident began when an Elk Grove police officer spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen traveling in heavy traffic on Franklin Blvd near Laguna Blvd. This was according to Elk Grove Police Department Spokeswoman Officer Cristina Gonzalez. Before the patrol car even initiated any type of pursuit, or activated its lights or siren, the stolen vehicle “took off” likely due to the driver seeing law enforcement. 

After the vehicle sped off, it ended up crashing in Sacramento Police Department jurisdiction and the 18-year-old woman involved suffered fatal injuries in the two-vehicle crash. Photos of the incident showed a terrifying scene of a completely totaled sedan having jumped the curb and seemingly landed near a wall after. 

“This collision is cataclysmic in nature,” said Singleton Schreiber partner Brett Schreiber. “The photos are awful, law enforcement was seemingly involved, an 18-year-old has lost her life and the lives of a half-dozen others are changed forever. We hope no further deaths or significant injures are reported.”

To contact Singleton Schreiber’s Sacramento car accident attorneys, contact the firm at (916) 248-8478 or via email at info@singletonschreiber.com

Sacramento Valley Hi Car Accident

Car accidents in Sacramento are steadily increasing. In 2020, there were 2,931 reported accidents, and in 2021 there were 3,842. That’s a roughly 30% increase in a short period of time.

Sacramento car accident wrongful deaths have also been on the rise. They started to shrink, dropping from 66 in 2017 to 40 in 2020. But in 2021, they jumped back up to 58, which is again a roughly 30% increase.

Even scarier, a number of the people killed in Elk Grove car accidents and Sacramento car accidents were pedestrians. In 2019, 13 of the people who died in car wrecks were pedestrians and that number jumped to 22 in 2021.

Car and truck accidents in Sacramento can have a number of root causes:

  • Distracted drivers
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Poorly maintained vehicles
  • Criminal pursuit
  • And many more

Sacramento alcohol-related accidents have also been on the rise of late. 

Car and truck accidents linked to alcohol surged in 2021. There were 424 cases of DUI-related car crashes in 2021, up again roughly 30% from 2020. These statistics are terrifying. People in most large and mid-size cities are driving more post-covid. This is because many have become accustomed to social distancing as a safer, healthier way to travel. That coupled with the rise of homelessness in California which can make public transportation an uncomfortable experience, more people are on the roads. Freeways are clogged, roadways are packed and obviously this is having a major impact on the very health and safety of people in Sacramento.

In 2021, there were 18 alcohol-related car accidents in Sacramento, up from 11 in 2020. Overall, there is an uptick in accidents, fatalities, pedestrian deaths, DUI-related accidents and deaths over the last few years. 

There are also specific roads which are very dangerous. In Sacramento, there is a one-mile stretch of Florin Road from 24th Street to Munson Way that is noted as extremely dangerous. That one section saw 192 car accidents in just a nine-year period. 

“The people of Elk Grove and Sacramento deserve safe roads, whether they are driving, riding a bicycle or walking,” said Sacramento car accident lawyer Brett Schreiber. “The idea that someone can be injured or worse while enjoying the night air or bringing their child to little league practice is awful. In this car and truck crash in Sacramento Valley Hi, those injured may be eligible for compensation for their injuries, and they should pursue a sophisticated attorney to represent them.”

To contact Singleton Schreiber’s Elk Grove truck accident attorneys, contact the firm at (916) 248-8478 or via email at info@singletonschreiber.com.

South L.A. Structure Fire Leaves 1 Man Killed

Elevated fire crew extinguishing fire

A building caught fire in South Los Angeles leaving one-man dead early Sunday morning, April 30th

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene, 101 firefighters took 26 minutes to “access, confine, and fully extinguish” the fire within a 3-story building located on South Broadway containing two floors of apartments over a commercial space. Firefighters discovered an unconscious male adult at around 6 AM while fighting the blaze, the man died at the scene. 

Elevated fire fighting crew extinguishing fire on crane

Photos provided by KTLA 5 showcase the front of the charred building that can be seen from the main street. The commercial space appears to be heavily damaged and uninhabitable with fire crews still at the scene investigating the cause of the deadly incident. The identity of the man has not yet been released, as well as information reporting if any other individuals were injured during the fire.  The 8600 block of South Broadway is close to the 110 Harbor Freeway.

“Fires are traumatizing to everyone involved,” said Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber. “One too many lives have been taken in structural fires in Los Angeles, and in such a tight-knit neighborhood like this, the loss will impact everyone in the area.”

Singleton Schreiber’s Los Angeles fire accident attorneys can be reached at 213-816-0307 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

South Los Angeles Apartment Fires

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s website, the department responds to about 1,368 emergency incidents every day. These emergencies come in all forms, but the most common is fires in residential and business spaces. In this situation, the structure was mixed-use, with apartments on the top two floors and businesses on the ground floor. That means potential causes of the fires could range from a blaze started in a home by a malfunctioning heater to a fire started by a restaurant.

Fires affect the county in the following ways: 

  • Fire Prone Structures Exist in L.A. – Many structures, homes, and overall buildings within Los Angeles County are fire prone as they were built before requirements were set in place to protect them. Any new structure built now must abide by codes put into place to ensure they are constructed with fire-retardant materials.
  • Fire and Wildfire Destruction – Many communities and counties are ruined by fires taking place all around the nation. These fires leave destruction in their wake making it very hard for areas to recover. When structures experience fires, it can leave many individuals displaced, homeless, and/or severely impacted. 

Apartment fires are a significant concern in Los Angeles due to the high population density and the prevalence of older buildings that may not have modern fire prevention features. These fires can have devastating consequences, including property damage, injury, and loss of life.

Electrical malfunctions are a potential cause of apartment fires. Faulty wiring or overloaded outlets can spark and cause a fire to break out. In older buildings, faulty or outdated electrical systems may be more prone to these types of malfunctions.

The fire department will conduct an investigation into this blaze in South Los Angeles, but little is known of the landlord or the surrounding business which may be responsible will curb their behavior.

As Los Angeles continues to age, both in terms of structures and population, fires like this will grow more deadly. Properly caring for older buildings and older people requires landlords, businesses and the County to offer real solutions.

Structure fires in and around businesses can impact the economy, but this fire took a life and the cause must be acted upon as soon as possible.

“Fires throughout California are preventable, however those impacted by fires face substantial injuries, damages, out-of-pocket expenses, and or devastating losses such as the unfortunate loss of this person’s life,” said Mr. Singleton. “My hope is that anyone impacted seeks legal help in order to hold those responsible accountable for their negligent actions.”

Los Angeles based fire accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber can be reached at 213-816-0307 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

Lincoln Park Motorcycle Crash Seriously Injures Rider

Crashed motorcycle scattered on side of road

A 31-year-old motorcyclist was taken to the hospital suffering from major injuries after crashing into a truck in the Lincoln Park area of San Diego on April 29th in the middle of the night.

The male rider was driving a black 2009 Harley Davidson and was heading south on Euclid Avenue just after 8 PM, according to the San Diego Police Department. A 70-year-old man is the known driver of a black 2005 Dodge Ram truck that collided with the motorcyclist after making a left-hand turn in the dedicated left-turn lane for southbound traffic. The man ultimately got in the motorcycle’s path according to SDPD. The rider of the motorcycle slid about 40-feet after dropping the motorcycle and hit the right side of the truck’s panels. 

Crashed motorcycle scattered on side of road

Officer Robert Heims of the San Diego Police Department said the rider of the Harley had to “lay down the bike” as he saw the collision with the truck coming. For motorcycle riders, this is a common tactic to avoid even more serious injury; however, the rider was still hurt even with evasive action.

The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with a collapsed lung as well as left femur and pelvic fractures. The names of the rider or driver of the truck have not yet been released to the public. The San Diego Traffic Collision is still investigating the unfortunate incident. 

“This terrible incident is one of many that have taken place in San Diego that have harmed motorcyclists within the city,” said Gerald Singleton at Singleton Schreiber. “My thoughts are with the family of the victim, and I hope for their speedy recovery.” 

Singleton Schreiber motorcycle accident attorneys can be reached at 619-367-7768 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

Lincoln Park Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents within San Diego have been on a significant rise leading to various injuries, which can be extremely severe due to the riders being exposed, as well as other factors. According to data provided by the Office of Traffic and Safety in 2020 about 353 victims in San Diego were killed or injured in motorcycle accidents in that year alone. The leading causes of motorcycle accidents are due to the following reasons:

  • Reckless Driving – Reckless driving can take many forms whether it be reckless or aggressive methods on the road, the ultimate consequence is colliding with another driver.  Motorcyclists are more prone to being drawn into these negligent scenarios since drivers do not see them when acting recklessly and are not aware of their surroundings. As a result, motorcyclists are seriously injured or killed out on the roads every day.
  • Excessive Speeding – Drivers not driving the legal speed limit required by law are always prone to lose control of their vehicles and cause severe harm to other drivers. Specific factors that have been known to injure motorcyclists are sharp left-turns at extensive speeds or hitting debris, which can make you wipe out or crash easily.
  • Intoxicated Driving – Intoxicated driving is unfortunately the leading cause of many traffic collisions out on the road. This type of driving almost always leads to fatal or severe injuries. Drunk driving or driving under the influence of substances is never recommended, it causes severe impairments to one’s actions, instincts, and awareness. Motorcyclists are often on the receiving end of these collisions due to them being harder to visually see or anticipate. 

The lives of motorcyclists in San Diego are put in jeopardy when the public is not made aware of leading causes and/or reasons as to why motorcycle accidents occur. The following are severe injuries that they commonly face if involved in a crash: 

  • Head or facial injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Lacerations or road rash
  • Whiplash 
  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ damage

A major reason that these riders face intensive injuries is because they are almost always completely exposed while operating their motorcycles. The only protection they have when hit by a vehicle is a helmet on their head, but even then, some helmets are faulty and do not serve their complete purpose. Faulty helmets are due to manufacturers not abiding by safety regulations set in place to protect the rider. Manufacturers cut corners or use poor materials that in turn cause a defect in manufacturing or design. 

“Motorcyclists such as the one injured in this tragic accident deserve to operate and drive on San Diego roads without the fear of being involved in a deadly crash,” said Mr. Singleton. “With the list of injuries he suffered, his medical bills will be extensive. He’s likely due compensation and it seems from details so far that he was not at fault for this crash. He or his family should seek legal counsel as soon as he’s able.”

To contact San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers at Singleton Schreiber please call 619-367-7768 or email info@singletonschreiber.com.