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805 Truck Crash In National City Kills 1

By
The Fearless Advocate Team
0
Commercial flat bed truck traveling through road.

A severe truck crash on the 805 Freeway in National City left one person dead and another with life-threatening injuries on Saturday, April 29.

The collision happened on Interstate 805 near the 43rd Street off-ramp, according to California Highway Patrol. The accident occurred at 9:08 A.M. when a small work truck carrying two men was traveling southbound on the I-805. It collided with a larger commercial flatbed truck which was carrying a Caterpillar bulldozer tractor. The large truck did not come to a stop according to one video news service.

Commercial flat bed truck traveling through road.

The crash caused the smaller truck to go off the freeway into the right shoulder and collided with a freeway light pole, which was knocked down as a result. The smaller work truck rolled down the embankment to the 43rd street on-ramp, and both men were subsequently ejected. One man was declared dead at the scene, the other was rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. The San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office was contacted and brought to the scene at roughly 9:30 AM.

“This is a horrific crash, all the individuals involved in this were doing their jobs and now the worst has happened,” said Brett Schreiber, a Partner at Singleton Schreiber. “Several families must now cope not only with loss, but with a serious change in their family dynamic.”

This injury comes on the heels of several work vehicle collisions occurring all over San Diego Freeways. Between the 8 Freeway, 805 Freeway, 5 Freeway and 15 Freeway, dozens of deadly incidents have been reported.

To contact the National City work truck injury attorneys at Singleton Schreiber, please call 619-367-7768 or email info@singletonschreiber.com. 

National City Work Truck Traffic Collision

In National City, and all of San Diego, work truck accidents are unfortunately all too common. This one, reported on by the Times of San Diego, is one of many in the last few months. These crashes can have devastating consequences for those involved, including serious and catastrophic injuries and even fatalities.

One of the main causes of work truck accidents in San Diego is distracted driving. Many drivers of work trucks are required to multitask while behind the wheel, which can include using their phones, navigating to new job sites, or even eating while driving. There are several types of work trucks, including small pickup trucks, heavy duty pickup trucks, large flatbed trucks, big rigs (i.e. 18-wheelers), delivery trucks and many more. These distractions can lead to decreased focus and reaction times, making it more likely for accidents to occur.

The average standard pickup truck weighs between 4,000 and 7,000 pounds. A heavier duty truck, such as a Ford F350, can weigh up to 12,000 pounds. A flatbed truck can weigh up to 48,000 pounds. And, a Caterpillar bulldozer weighs an extra 17,000 to 25,000 pounds. Odds are, the larger flatbed truck with the bulldozer tractor weighed around 70,000 pounds when the National City truck collision occurred.

Another major cause of work truck accidents in San Diego is driver fatigue. Many drivers of work trucks are required to work long hours or drive long distances, which can lead to exhaustion and decreased alertness. This can make it more difficult for drivers to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Additionally, work truck accidents can be caused by inadequate vehicle maintenance or faulty equipment. It is important for companies that operate work trucks to ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained and equipped with functional safety features, such as working brakes and tires. Failure to do so can put both the driver and other motorists at risk.

In San Diego and the surrounding areas, it is important for all motorists on the road to exercise caution when driving near work trucks. This includes maintaining a safe following distance, being aware of blind spots, and avoiding distracted driving. By working together, we can all help prevent work truck accidents in San Diego and make our roads safer for everyone. However, even the most cautious drivers can suffer severe injuries or even a wrongful death if the work truck driver is distracted, under the influence or just driving dangerously.

“We don’t know the details, but we do know two hard-working people who were likely breadwinners for their families are either deceased or injured so badly they may never work again,” attorney Brett Schreiber said. “The survivors and loved ones are likely eligible for compensation, and will absolutely need it because the medical bills alone will be astronomical.”

To contact the San Diego work truck injury lawyers at Singleton Schreiber, please call 619-367-7768 or email info@singletonschreiber.com. 

Fresno Hit-And-Run Collision Leaves Pedestrian Dead

By
The Fearless Advocate Team
0
Medic bending over car accident victim

In a chilling chain of events, a pedestrian in Fresno was struck and killed on April 28 in a hit-and-run collision just before 1:00 PM on Hammond and Mariposa avenues. A White truck struck a woman who was in her 50’s and was walking on the road, according to Fresno Police Sgt. Diana Trueba Vega. 

The woman initially survived the incident, but after being taken to Community Regional Medical Center, she unfortunately passed away. According to Sgt. Trueba Vega, witnesses saw the collision and followed the suspected vehicle to the parking lot of a Rite Aid that is located at Blackstone and Olive avenues. Witnesses then called police, and officers made contact with those witnesses at 1:03 pm.

Medic bending over car accident victim

One person was detained, however Trueba Vega said it is not confirmed if that was indeed the suspect’s vehicle. This investigation continues to unfold. Law enforcement closed the intersection of Hammond and Mariposa after the deadly Fresno hit-and-run and police were continuing to talk to additional witnesses. There was no report on whether or not drugs or alcohol were factors in this collision.

The Fresno Bee is the only media outlet to currently carry this story, although this death comes on the heels of a number of vehicle-related deaths in just the last few weeks in Fresno. There have been several reports of truck accident deaths, car accident deaths and now this hit-and-run death in Fresno, leaving many residents concerned about their overall safety whenever they leave their home.

“Fresno California should not be home to this many fatal car accidents,” said attorney Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber. “This woman was simply walking on the street, she wasn’t even in a vehicle. Something has to change, and the perpetrator must be held accountable.”

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

Fresno Hit-And-Run At Hammond and Mariposa Avenues

The residents of Fresno are no strangers to hit-and-run collisions. 

In yet another hit-and-run just at 9:03 PM on Thursday, a crash occurred in the area of Cedar and Tulare avenues. In this instance, the pedestrian suffered a broken leg. The suspect drove away, but was followed by witnesses and later arrested nearby at Cedar and Balch on the charge of felony hit and run.

In fact, less than two days after these two hit-and-run incidents, one of which killed a woman in central Fresno, there was another seriously dangerous hit-and-run that sent yet another woman to Community Regional Medical Center. This one happened at 1 AM on Sunday at Thesta Street and Normal Avenue, according to ABC. Police are searching for the driver who sped off.

The Fresno community is still reeling from a fatal hit-and-run that occurred one year ago, on May 15, 2022, when a woman’s body was dragged for eight miles in a hit and run that shocked and startled residents.

Hit and run crashes are deadly, in Fresno and throughout California. In the central region of the state, there are several instances of drunken and/or distracted drivers who crash into other vehicles and/or individuals. 

In just a quick news search, it’s apparent that it’s a weekly occurrence for a Fresno hit-and-run collision to grab headlines, sometimes due to a death, other times due to other grizzly details. Often, the victims are simply walking in their neighborhoods, minding their own business. Several times in April of 2023, Fresno Police Officers went on the hunt for drivers who slammed into a vehicle or a person, only to drive off either unaware of what they’d done or trying to escape responsibility. 

And, in so many of these cases, Community Regional Medical Center is where so many of the victims get taken, and the medical staff are often bombarded with injured people who had done absolutely nothing wrong.

“Walking around Fresno should not be a dangerous activity,” said attorney Gerald Singleton, a Fresno hit-and-run injury attorney. “Residents deserve safety when going about their normal activities, and any driver who harms or, god-forbid, kills someone should be held accountable. Those impacted by these crashes absolutely have legal rights which they should stand up for with a qualified lawyer at their side.”

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

Fresno Crash Leaves Work Truck Driver Dead

By
Jessica Torres
0
work truck collision, impact from crash

A man died after the van he was driving collided into the back of a parked work truck, Fresno law enforcement report.

Before the fatal collision the man, Meshach Cornish, 36 was driving north bound on Marks Avenue approaching Ashlan Avenue at about 10:45 AM, according to police. Cones were placed around a 30-foot work truck that was parked on Marks blocking the right lane. The van ultimately hit the rear end of the parked truck. The driver of the van was taken to Community Regional Medical Center where he died a short time after arriving.

work truck collision, impact from crash

No further details have been provided to the public discussing the cause of the crash or if any other individuals were injured. Images of the scene of the incident, provided by the Fresno Bee, show the front of the van severely railed underneath the rear of the work truck. An array of stray vehicle parts can be seen on the road along with authorities at the scene.

“The fatal incident that took place in Fresno is a devastating circumstance that leaves many lives upturned,” says Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber. “Crashes such as this one leave families, communities and overall cities affected for a long time, my thoughts are with the family of the driver.”

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

Fresno Parked Work Truck Crashes on the Rise

An array of parked vehicle crashes in Fresno have taken an unfortunate rise within the city. Multiple reports show these collisions were the result of speeding drivers, distracted drivers hit and runs, stolen car chases, rain slick roads as well as intoxicated driving as few of the known factors.

  • Speeding Drivers – Drivers not operating their vehicles at the speed limit required by law often lead to dangerous crashes, especially when they lose control of their vehicle. These types of incidents often lead the driver into swerving motions, total loss of control, or unprecedented actions that lead their vessel to crash into parked/stationary objects. Most of the time these objects are light poles or parked cars.
  • Hit and Runs – Hit and runs have the unfortunate occurrence of happening often. In which many owners of vehicles wake up the next morning to discover that their vehicle was hit in the middle of the night with no information on the whereabouts of the driver that struck their car. Parked car collisions have the messy inconvenience of there being no witnesses at the time of the crash other than the driver that fled the scene of the crime and lead to long investigations or insurance claims.
  • Stolen Car Crashes – Stolen car crashes become dangerous when police are tailing the driver of the stolen vehicle and the driver loses control. Many reports of incidents detail drivers losing control of a vehicle midst running from the police and crashing into parked vehicles along the side of the road.
  • Rain Slick Roads – Weather becomes a hefty inconvenience when drivers take on slippery, icy, or overall wet roads leading to detrimental crashes. Often on rain slick roads water becomes trapped under the tires by water pressure with a thin film of liquid reducing control and friction, causing vehicles to hydroplane. When this event occurs, cars have but no choice but to lose control of their steering abilities and have been known to hit other vehicles, parked vehicles, or stationary objects.
  • Intoxicated Driving – Driving under the influence, whether it be alcohol, or any other substance is always dangerous and never worth the consequences of killing, injuring, or destroying the life of another or yourself. Intoxicated driving leaves the driver with extremely subpar reflexes, instincts, and motor skills that severely affect the outcomes of one’s driving. Intoxicated drivers are known to hit parked vehicles as they become stuck at the scene of the crime due to their intoxication and inability to flee.

Fresno parked car and truck crashes leave many lives affected and cause a great risk to the safety of the overall community. According to City-Data, the website has a study involving fatal car crashes and road statistics for 2020 that details 93 reports of vehicles involved in fatal accidents in that year alone. Peak hours in which parked car incidents are known to occur are between the hours of 12 AM – 5 AM.

“The people of the city of Fresno deserve to work, live their daily lives, and go to sleep at night without the fear of waking up to their vehicles having been hit,” said Mr. Singleton. “When the investigation into this Fresno truck crash is completed, there may be civil litigation to follow. One or even both of these drivers could have a legal claim, in which case themselves or surviving family members could receive compensation.”

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

San Francisco, Ingleside Home Fire Kills One

By
The Fearless Advocate Team
0
Fire fighters standing by large fire

At 7:15 A.M. this morning in the Ingleside area of San Francisco, there was a home fire at 226 Byxbee Street that led to the death of one individual.

San Francisco Fire Department units were called to Byxbee St. near Brooks Park after reports of a structure fire popped up and firefighters discovered a two-story home was ablaze, according to Captain Jonathan Baxter. Some media outlets mistakenly reported that the fire was at 222 Byxbee Street. A total of 40 San Francisco firefighters responded to the scene to fight the home fire.

Fire fighters standing by large fire

The one-alarm fire was ultimately brought under control around 7:38 A.M. 

The person who ultimately died was initially rescued, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. However, shortly after being rescued, that person succumbed to their serious fire injuries. Neighbors said the person who died was an elderly man who lived alone and had difficulty moving around. A woman named Rose Zimmerman said her husband helped the elderly man whenever he could, doing tasks such as taking out garbage cans. Several other neighbors had to be evacuated due to the fire and smoke damage; a woman named Dorothy said she felt the impace of the smoke, and because she also has mobility trouble, she needed a blanket and help from the firefighters. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

“This Ingleside house fire on Byxbee Street must have been a terrifying experience for so many of the residents there,” said attorney Gerald Singleton, of Singleton Schreiber.

To contact the Ingleside home fire attorneys at Singleton Schreiber, call (415) 635-0533 or email info@singletonschreiber.com.

Byxbee Street, Ingleside Home Fire

According to the City of San Francisco, home fires are a serious problem. Overall, according to the San Francisco Fire Department website, nearly 4,000 Americans die each year in house fires and 2,000 more are severely injured. A seriously terrifying fact shows why home fires are so dangerous. In just 3.5 minutes, the heat from a house fire can reach 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. For anyone in that home when the temperature reaches such severe heights, escape is difficult.

And, as in this instance, when someone with a disability or someone older is at home, 1,100 degrees can turn deadly immediately. Many homes can be poorly made, using materials that catch fire easily. And in structures such as this two-story home, entry ways can be difficult to get to. That means a fire becomes extra deadly because escaping it is nearly impossible.

The danger of San Francisco home fires is obvious, because 80% of all civilian deaths from fire occur at home. A room that isn’t even on fire can reach 300 degrees, hot enough to melt plastic and kill people in those rooms. Again, this Ingleside house fire proves a deadly fact. Adults 65 years of age and older are twice as likely to die in a fire as the rest of the population.

Causes of San Francisco House Fires

Lots of factors contribute to San Francisco house fire deaths. Oddly enough, most deaths aren’t caused directly by the fire, but by the other problems fires create. Gasses and fumes are created by fires which cause people to become sleepy, weak and confused. Smoke can become so thick that a house will be completely dark within four minutes. In this wrongful fire death, the elderly man could have suffered any number of issues, from a faulty fire alarm installed by the landlord to smoke inhalation caused by dangerous building materials. 

House fires can be ignited by:

  • Faulty wiring
  • Poorly designed appliances
  • Negligently maintained properties
  • And many other reasons

House and home fires are a serious problem in San Francisco as the city ages and structures become more vulnerable. In February, one person died and two more were injured after an explosion knocked two San Francisco homes off their foundation. In January, 25 people were displaced by a San Francisco home fire. In 2021, it was reported that fires rose by 26% in San Francisco, with fires increasing 50% in the Mission, Castro/Upper Market, and SoMa areas. 

“Ingleside home fires are incredibly dangerous, and this elderly man found that out,” said Mr. Singleton, an Ingleside home fire attorney. “When the ensuing investigation discovers the cause of this fire, there will likely be civil litigation to follow. As our firm has seen time and again, there are several factors that cause home fires, many of which are outside the homeowners’ control. In those situations, those injured are eligible for compensation, as are the family members of those who lost their lives.”

Singleton Schreiber is a premier fire litigation firm, to contact them please call (415) 635-0533 or email them at info@singletonschreiber.com. 

Large House Fire Erupts Near Downtown Albuquerque

By
The Fearless Advocate Team
0
large fire being extinguished

Fire rescue teams in Albuquerque responded to a large residential fire near Gold and High Street in the downtown area just west of I-25.

According to the neighbors the house was abandoned, and the building was a two-story structure leading the second story to collapse around 6:30 AM during the blaze. About 45 personnel worked tirelessly to put out the flames of the abandoned home with over 16 Albuquerque Fire Rescue Units responding to the call. Within 34 minutes the crew managed to put out the flames. Defensive fire operations were used to try and take control of the house fire due to dangerous fire conditions as well as the situation spreading to the house next door. A video from KOAT 7 displays huge flames that can be seen from an aerial view of the scene coming from the house with fire crews actively attempting to put it out.

large fire being extinguished

The house was left destroyed and unsalvageable, but many other homes within the community were untouched due to the large fire crew that responded to the devastating call.  In another video shown by KOB 4 shows the home dressed in smoke and with its second floor completely missing, as the fire crew attempt to understand what exactly led to the fire.

“Many lives are impacted by Albuquerque residential fires. Fire crews work endlessly to protect the rest of the community,”said Brian Colón of Singleton Schreiber. “Abandoned house fires are not a surprising occurrence and have taken place more frequently throughout the last few years at the cost and safety of so many individuals.”

Singleton Schreiber fire accident attorneys can be reached at 505-605-2076 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

Drastic Rise of Albuquerque House Fires

Abandoned homes are usually at the forefront of many community’s minds as they tackle the risks that come with no one maintaining or looking after the forgotten home. Many incidents occur that put other homeowners at risk such as squatters taking over, faulty electrical wiring issues leading to fires, as well as trespassers entering the structure to name a few. When landlords or officials do become aware of the dangers of leaving homes within large residential areas unattended for so long, it’s almost always too late. The community takes a huge hit as their homes, safety of their families, and overall lives take a huge upheaval. 

Many disasters are found lurking within abandoned houses such as the following:

  • Insecure ceilings, walls, and floors: Basic structural components are left untreated depending on the age and condition of the building. The abandoned structure quickly succumbs to its environment and deteriorates at a rapid speed, leading to unstable elements.  
  • Construction hazards: Building materials, glass, Construction debris, trash and other assorted items can be found throughout the abandoned site if the building deteriorated, providing additional hazards. 
  • Exposed wiring and electrical fire damage: Serious hazards in abandoned buildings are exposed wiring as the risk of fire or electrical shock is significant. 
  • Crimes and drugs: Abandoned homes often become the residency to drug pens as no one is actively monitoring the residence for activity. Leaving communities to deal with unsafe activity and exposure around their loved ones.  
  • Homelessness and/or squatters: The longer the structure sits abandoned, the more prone it becomes to being inhabited by squatters and/or homeless individuals seeking refuge. Their seeking shelter amongst these structures is not often done without wreaking havoc within their wake. Homes are often left graffitied, unsalvageable, or damaged beyond repair if deterioration hadn’t got to it first. 

Dangerous New Mexico Structure Fires

According to reports the rise of abandoned homes throughout New Mexico has taken a significant increase over the last few years and was largely affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. Property managers, landlords, and officials let the properties decline and take little to interest in passing necessary inspections. With no one financially able to purchase or rent homes in the current market, the homes will continue to sit uninhabited. 

“New Mexicans deserve to feel safe within their homes and communities, and we are grateful to first responders and firefighters who serve us well,” Mr. Colón added. “My greatest sympathies go out to those affected by this tragic incident, and I hope those in charge of maintaining the structure are held responsible.”

Those who have been injured in New Mexico fire accidents, can contact Singleton Schreiber at 505-605-2076 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com. 

Torrey Pines DUI Driver Kills Two

By
The Fearless Advocate Team
0
bent metal guardrail after DUI accident

Details about a horrific DUI crash near Torrey Pines State Beach finally emerged as two people were killed when 20-year-old Christopher Ray Schmittel allegedly drove his vehicle 120 mph while under the influence.

bent metal guardrail after DUI accident

Schmittel, of Moreno Valley stands accused of driving his 2020 Subaru WRX through a metal guardrail on Torrey Pines Road just before 11:00 PM on Wednesday, April 25, 2023. The Times of San Diego reported that two victims, Joshua Manzanares and Johnny Punzalan, both 19-years-old, were thrown from Schmittel’s vehicle and died at the scene.

According to prosecutors, Schmittel’s car reached triple digit speeds while driving under the influence of alcohol, Xanax, psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana. Aaron McCray, one of the surviving passengers, testified at a preliminary hearing that he and other men left the Riverside County city of Wildomar with Schmittel behind the wheel earlier that day. He also testified that he drove as fast as 110 mph on the Ortega Highway, a winding road in the hills. He repeatedly had to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid having to slow down on the highway’s curves. Once he reached the 5 Freeway headed toward San Diego, he drove at speeds of up to 140 mph.

Upon arriving at Torrey Pines State Beach, McCray testified that he saw Schmittel consume alcohol and psychedelic mushrooms. A blood draw was performed and found Schmittel’s blood-alcohol level around .08%, which is the legal driving limit in California for a 21-year-old. Schmittel however, was underage. McCray testified that Schmittel claimed he was good to drive, and when McCray woke up in the car post-accident, the two men who had been sitting next to him in the back seat (Manzanares and Punzalan) were no longer there.

“Two young men were cut down in their prime,” said Singleton Schreiber Managing Partner Gerald Singleton. “This is just an absolute tragedy, and we hope the parents, siblings, friends and family of these two young men find comfort.”

Singleton Schreiber’s San Diego DUI injury attorneys can be reached at 619-367-7768 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

Manzanares and Punzalan Killed In Torrey Pines DUI Crash

The facts of this case came out in a preliminary hearing where Schmittel was ordered to stand trial. Officer Dominic Amato of the San Diego Police Department, one of the officers who first responded to the awful scene of the crash, said that once the car struck the center median, it then rammed into the guardrail, dropped about 20-25 feet to the beach below, rolled over and landed at least 150 feet from the roadway.

The debris surrounding the destroyed Subaru included cans of alcohol. Schmittel’s attorney asked the judge to dismiss the murder charges, arguing a gross vehicular manslaughter charge would be more appropriate. Unfortunately for Schmittel, Judge Aaron Katz disagreed. Deputy District Attorney Hailey Williams pointed out that Schmittel had almost hit several other vehicles during the four-hour drive from Riverside to San Diego. Judge Katz ordered Schmittel to be charged with murder, pointing out his “sheer callousness” in how he drove his vehicle.

San Diego Wrongful Death Cases

San Diego Car Accidents happen regularly, but rarely are they this deadly, or involving such dangerous behavior. Schmittel not only drove under the influence, he drove under the influence of several different substances, and drove up to 140 mph. He now faces two counts of second-degree murder, even though he’s only 20 years old. Such charges carry decades in prison. A total of six witnesses were called during the hearing, but Aaron McCray’s statement stood out the most. He claimed that first responders had to cut the door off of the car to get him out because he was stuck inside. He said he needed 18 hours of surgery for a broken femur, hip, and ankle as well as for internal bleeding. He also claimed he was unable to stand for four months after the crash.

“These young men thought they were having a good time, and instead two lost their lives, one suffered serious personal injuries, and the other faces 30 years behind bars,” added Gerald Singleton. “It’s our hope that these families heal during the grieving process and find a DUI accident injury attorney who can help them sort through the legal process.”

Singleton Schreiber’s San Diego DUI injury attorneys can be reached at 619-367-7768 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.

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