Pe afai e solomuli se taavale taukomo e 80,000 pauna i totonu o le togafiti mauga tele o Itumalo o Manūʻa, e leai se nofoaga mo sesē. Se taimi lava e te teʻe ai i auala matatafafa o Taʻū po o e ave i luga o mauga tele i Ofu. Le taimi lena, ua sui ai lou olaga faavavau i se taavale faaliliu lelei le mau. Afai o oe pe se isi e te alofa ai ua maia i se tuilauto 18-wheeler i Itumalo o Manūʻa, e te manaomia a sili atu nai lo le susuga o loia—e te manaomia le au faasoa e iloa i tulafono a le malo mo taavale faaliliu ma faaitiitiga o tulafono fanua.
I le Ofisa o Attorney911, ua matou totoe 25 tausaga tauvaga mo aiga ua faaleleia i le gaoioi le auaunaga a taavale faaliliu. O Ralfa Manginello, le Sui Faalepule, ua tumau i le fefe mo kamupani taavale mai le 1998. Ua faatulagaina o ia i le fakatonu fakafalseta—e aofia ai jarisdikisona e sui ai teritori o Amerika—ma ua mauaina ai faaiuga e silia i le miliona taala mo tagata mativa faalemataga. O loia fesoasoani, Lupe Peña, e tauina mai se mea faigatā i lou puipuiga: ua totoe tausaga o ia e galue mo kamupani inisua i luma o lona auai i totonu o matou ofisa. O le taimi nei e faʻaaogaina ai e ia lena mea e iloa ai i totonu e tau faasoa i latou, ma aofia ai e manaia Itumalo o Manūʻa i se manuia tau saʻo lava i totonu o le fefe a kamupani.
Molimau Faaleaga Faapitoa o Taavale Faaliliu i Itumalo o Manūʻa
E ese le Itumalo o Manūʻa i le Tutotonu o Iunaite Setete. O le itu i le sautesae o Amerika Sāmoa, e aofia ai motu o Taʻū, Ofu, ma Olosega, ua i ai le matou nuu i molimau faaleaga faapitoa o taavale faaliliu e le iloa e loia a le malā. O le togafiti mauga volkeno, e faatasi ai ma le malaga tele mai le faitoʻotoga o Pago Pago, e faia ai tulaga saʻo mo tuilauto faalemataga.
Pe afai e sau ifo taavale i matala mauga i Faleasao po o e taavale i auala liliu e fesootai ai nuu i luga o nei motu mamao, e mafauefue ai faaletonu faaletaavale ma ola oti. O le ea tau eseese faapasoasea e faaleaga ai taavale ma meafaigatā e vave nai lo tulaga o le savili. Ma ona o le faʻaloloa o Itumalo o Manūʻa i omea vaʻaia, faaletonu o mea e taui i totonu o taavale e mafa ai auala taua i itūʻau—faia ai tuilauto lua ma faaleleiga o le faʻauli tali o faalavelave faafuaseʻi e salaina ai ola.
Matou te iloa kamupani taavale e gaoioi i Itumalo o Manūʻa e tatau ona tau le Tulafono a le Leoleo Maluaga o Taavale Taukomo a le Malo (FMCSA) i lalo o 49 CFR, i totonu foi o teritori o Amerika. O nei tulafono—Mea 390 i le 399—e pulea ai mea uma mai kvalifeka o autu i le faaleleia o taavale. Pe afai e tipi pito kamupani e faʻaumiumi tupe i auala mamao, ua latou taliave le tulafono a le malo ma fale faʻaulu i lou aiga i le tulaga.
Tuilauto 18-Wheeler Tūtaua i Itumalo o Manūʻa
Faaletonu o Fai ma Taavale Sau i Mattala Mauga
O le togafiti mauga o Itumalo o Manūʻa na faia ai ni tulaga telegese e taavale sau i totonu o le Pasifika. Pe afai e sau ifo autu taavale i matala mauga i nūu matatafafa, e vevesi fai ma mafa. I lalo o 49 CFR § 393.40, e tatau i taavale taukomo e tumau fai faaletonu. Ae matou te vaʻaia kamupani e faʻaaogā faaleleia e faʻaumiumi tupe, aotele ai i tuilauto faalemataga.
O nei tuilauto masani ua taliave le 49 CFR § 396.3, e manaomia ai sui faailoga ma faaleleia faaputuputu. Pe afai o se kamupani taavale e lafoafo ai se taavale 80,000 pauna i lalo o mattala mauga e leai ni faaleleia o faaletonu, ua latou taavili ola. O Lupe Peña e iloa sā moʻi le aotelega o kamupani inisua i nei faamaumauga faaleleia—ona ua te silafia oʻo le iloilo i latou mo le puipuiga. O le taimi nei ua ia iloa le nofoaga e saili ai mo faamaumauga e lagolago i latou e faaleleia.
Tuilauto Liliu i Auala Liliu
O matala liliu ma sui faatulagaina i totonu o Itumalo o Manūʻa e faia ai le tulaga maualuga mo liliu, faapitoa pe afai e sui omea i totonu o le malaga. I lalo o 49 CFR § 393.100-136, e tatau omea ona faamau puipoi e aoa ai le siʻosiʻomaga o le saosaoa o taavale. Pe afai e sui omea susu po o puipui lelei le mau i matala liliu i Ofu po Olosega, ua sui ai le ogatoto lotoa vave.
E masani aotele ai tuilauto liliu i le saosaoa tele mo tulaga—talave le 49 CFR § 392.6—ona faʻasaunoa ai ai faatulagaga e manaomia ai saosaoa tele. Afai o se kamupani taavale na faʻaaliali ai se autu e fai faatumuina faatatau i totonu o auala faigatā o Itumalo o Manūʻa, o le autu ma le kamupani uma lava e fatutau faatasi i faʻaiuga faaleleia.
Tuilauto Underride i Fala
E tupu tuilauto underride pe afai e savali taavale maualuloto i lalo o taavale faaliliu, masani e tipi luga o le nofoaga pase. O nei o le faaleleia i auala mamao i Itumalo o Manūʻa felei le vaaia e faaleagaina e faaulega o le tauaese ma le tau. Ae iai le 49 CFR § 393.86 e manaomia ai faamau tulaai i tua, tele taavale e leai ni puipuiga faaleleia i itū.
O nei tuilauto masani e tupu i fala o nūu po o pe afai e fai liliu taavale i auala lei faatulagaga mo taavale taukomo tele. O molia o le faalemataga: tipi tua, mafatia o le ulu, ma le oti vave. O aiga i Itumalo o Manūʻa o latou te osofi ai se alofa i tuilauto underride e tatau ona maua loia e iloa i tulafono malu faaleleia o le malo o le a faaleleia ai lona faalavelave.
Tete o Omea ma Omea Faaleleia
Ona o le faʻaloloa o Itumalo o Manūʻa i vauvaina mo omea taua, o auala mai le faitoʻotoga i nūu e vaʻaia ai le malaga taukomo e gaui atu ai i mea taua mai falegaosi i omea mafatia. Pe afai e talave le 49 CFR Part 397 (Tulafono o Omea Faaleleia), e mafatia ai tete le ekosistema faanatura o le motu ma faaleleia tagata e pule latalata.
O omea lelei le mau e tete i le Highway 001 po o auala nūu e faia ai molimau vave mo isi autu ma tagata savavali. O le kamupani taavale, ona o omea, ma le kamupani uta uma lava lea e mafatua faatasi i lalo o 49 CFR § 393.100 mo le le tumau o fai omea tuai.
Tagata uma o loʻo fatutau ia te oe le Utu Faaleleia
E ese tuilauto taavale i tuilauto taavale sili ona mafatua tagata tele e mafatua. I Itumalo o Manūʻa, matou te suʻe ai manaoga i totonu o faasoa:
Le Autu Taavale: O le gaoioi le auaunaga e aofia ai saosaoa tele, le ave i totonu o le auaunaga, po o le gaoioi i totonu o le faaumuumu. I lalo o 49 CFR § 392.3, e le mafai ona autu e gaoioi pe afai o faaumuumu, se faaleleia masani i matala mamao i nūu mamao o Itumalo o Manūʻa.
Le Kamupani Taavale: I lalo o le faiaoga o respondeat superior, e fatutau tagata faigaluega i gaoioi le auaunaga o fanua. Faatasi ai, kamupani taavale masani e talave tulafono faatotonu e ala i le auai faaleleia (49 CFR Part 391 manaomia faamaumauga kvalifeka o autu), faaleleia faaleleia, po o le faaleleia faaleleia (49 CFR Part 396).
Le Ona o Omea ma le Kamupani Uta: I le ekonome faʻavae i le faitoʻotoga o Itumalo o Manūʻa, kamupani vauvaina ma stevedores masani e i ai fatutau mo omea lei faamau puipui. Pe afai e sui omea i mattala mamao ma faia liliu, matou te fatutau ai i latou i lalo o tulafono faamau o le malo.
Fale Faaleleia: O tagata faaleleia faatolu o na faia faaleleia lelei le lei o faaletonu po o taufaaga e mafatua i le gaoioi le auaunaga. O le totoe faasoa o Ralfa Manginello i totoega mafatua faafetau tagata—e aofia ai lana galue i le BP Texas City explosion o na oti ai tagata 15—o lona iloa le aotelega le fatutau i totonu o faaupuga kamupani.
Faia Taavale ma le Kamupani Fale: O faaletonu fai, taufaaga faatete, po o faaletonu faasau e mafatua ai talaboga o meafaigatā tau oloa. Matou te faasaoina ai mea faaletonu mo suesue faaleleia ma saili faamaumauga toilafoga i totonu o faamaumauga NHTSA.
Tautala Faaleleleia: Kamupani faatulagaga malaga i Itumalo o Manūʻa o na faaleleia ai e filifili kamupani o le faaleleia lelei le lelei faaleleia e mafatua i tuilauto o latou na faia.
Le Faaleleiina o Faamaumauga i Itū 48: Aoga e Tatau ona Gaoioi Vave Aiga o Itumalo o Manūʻa
E evaporate faamaumauga i tuilauto taavale e vave nai lo lou manatu o. O faamaumauga pusa uliuli mai le Engine Control Module (ECM) e mafai ona faailoga i totonu o 30 aso. O Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) o na faamautaina ai tulafono o Itū Taimi i lalo o 49 CFR Part 395 e mafai ona faaleoleo mo ono vai. O faamaumauga kamela e masani e tipi faaletonu i le vaiaso tasi.
Pe afai o se kamupani taavale e iloa ai se tuilauto i Itumalo o Manūʻa, ua latou aiaina vave au faasoa—i nisi taimi i luma o le au o le falemaʻi. O latou loia ma suesuega e amata mai i le faia o se puipuiga pe o oe oo lava i le tali falema.
O lena aoaoga matou te lafo ai ai lipoti spoliation i totonu o itū 24 au le taimi o le faatulagaina. O nei faasilasilaga tulafono e faʻalagolago ai le kamupani taavale e tatau ona faaleoleo:
- Faamaumauga ELD o na faapeina ai pe afai o le autu ua sili i le 7 itū itū taʻavale po o le 14 itū itū galue
- Faamaumauga Kvalifeka o Autu o na faamautaina ai pe afai o le autu e maua ai se CDJ mavae ma tusiaga faalesoifua i lalo o 49 CFR § 391.41
- Faamaumauga faaleleia o na faapeina ai faaletonu po o taufaaga faatele
- Faamaumauga faatulagaga o na faapeina ai pe afai o le kamupani ua faʻaaliali ai le autu e talave le tulafono HOS
- Faamaumauga telefoni o na faapeina ai le ave i totonu o le auaunaga i lalo o 49 CFR § 392.82
E leai se faalavega faaleleia, o nei faamaumauga e leai. I Itumalo o Manūʻa, felei le faaleleia fanua e mafai ona faaleleia suesuega, o le faasaoina vave o le aoga silisili. Valo i le 1-888-ATTY-911 i le taimi e mafai ai, ma matou te faamaonia ai e le mafai se kamupani taavale e faaleleia ai le faamau o le gō.
Molia Faalemataga ma Le Tupe e Tatau mo le Toe Faaleleia o lou Olaga
O le physics o se taavale 80,000 pauna na ta i se taavale pase i Itumalo o Manūʻa e faia ai molia faalemataga manaomia faaleleia faavavau:
Mafatia Oomatua (TBI): Mai concussion i le faaleleia o le oomatua o na aotele ai galuega faalemafaufau ma uo. O matou ofisa ua toe mauaina $1.5 miliona i le $9.8 miliona mo tagata TBI, iloa ai o le falemaʻi o le motu e mafai ona manaomia le faaleleia i Havayi po le Tutotonu mo le tali faaleleia.
Mafatia Tulava: Paraplegia ma quadriplegia e manaomia faaleleia fale, nofoa savavali, ma le caregiving 24/7. O tupe faaleleia faavavau masani ua sili i le $4.7 miliona i le $25.8 miliona—sili nai lo le faaleleia inisua mavae.
Toe Tipi: Mafiafia crush mai tuilauto underride po o override masani e manaomia tipi. Matou ua toe mauaina $1.9 miliona i le $8.6 miliona mo tagata toe tipi, faamaumauga ai prosthetics, faamāfaufau, ma le le maua tupe i le taimi o le faigaluega.
Oti Faatonu: Pe afai o le gaoioi le auaunaga a taavale e laʻei se alofa mai se aiga o Itumalo o Manūʻa, matou te fefe ai talaboga oti faatonu e aofia ai faʻauli o tali falemaʻi, tupe o le taimi o le faigaluega uma, le salaina o le fealofaʻani, ma le lagona o le māfatia. O faaleleia i faatulagaga tūtaua ua amata mai le $1.9 miliona i le $9.5 miliona.
E ese mai tuilauto taavale sili ona e mafai o autu e maua ai le faaleleia inisua o $30,000, kamupani taavale taukomo e tatau ona maua faaleleia fatutau mavae o $750,000 mo omea tūtaua, $1 miliona mo omea petroleum, ma $5 miliona mo omea faaleleia i lalo o tulafono a le malo. O nei faaleleia maualuloa maualuga o lona mafua ai le mafuaaga o lau aiga e mafai ona mauaina faaleleia atoa mo le mafatia faalemataga—ae pe afai lava o loʻo iai se loia e iloa le aotelega e maua ai nei faaleleia.
Aoga e Filifili Aiga o Itumalo o Manūʻa i le Attorney911
Toe Faaleleia i le Fakatonu: O Ralfa Manginello ua faatulagaina i le U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, ma iloa i le jarisdikisona fakafalseta i totoega taavale teritori. O lenei mea e aoga ai ona tele faafesoasoani faaleleia ma le tulafono faaleleia e i ai i totonu o totoega taavale i teritori o Amerika.
Manuia o le Loia Puipuiga Inisua: O Lupe Peña totoe tausaga i totonu o le inisuea. E iloa o ia le lologa Colossus e faʻaaogā ai adjusters e faaitiiti talaboga. E iloa o ia faamaumauga faia o na faʻaoʻo ai adjusters e le faʻaaogā talaboga i luga o “moliga o tua” po o “gaoioi i le faaleleia.” Pei ona fai e Glenda Walker, “Na latou tau moʻu e maua ai tinei tatau lea ou te manaʻo ai.” O lena le esega o le iloaina i totonu.
Faaiuga E Silia I Le Miliona: E le matou te talia ofo vave, maualalo. Ua matou toe mauaina $5 miliona mo se tagata mafatia omatua na ta i se ʻatoʻoto loga, $3.8 miliona mo se tagata tuilauto na mafatia tipi ona o faaleleia falemaʻi, ma $2.5 miliona mo tagata tuilauto taavale. I le taimi nei, matou te tauvaga ai se talaboga $10 miliona i totoega o le University of Houston mo le hazing o na faaleleia ai le soifua maloloina o le kidney—faamautaina ai matou te tumau e tau mo latou o loʻo iai le pule.
Faia oe e Pei o le Aiga: Pei ona fai e Chad Harris, “E le oi se manu ou te nonofo ai ma e le oi se tagata faigaluega naʻo… O oe o le AIGA i totonu o latou.” I Itumalo o Manūʻa, fea o le Faʻa Sāmoa—o le aualiga faasoa Sāmoa—e faamamafa ai le aiga ma le nuu, matou te iloa ai o le puipuiga tulafono e tatau ona faaleleia, e le o le faʻaufuaina. Pe afai o le Donald Wilcox na sau i matou i luma o le isi ofisa e le talia lona mataupu, matou na talia ma tuʻuina atu le mea o na faafiafia ai o ia e pei o se “siaki handsome.” E le matou te le toe talia mataupu faigatā.
Auaunaga Gagana Sipeini: Ae iai Amerika Sāmoa i ai lona aganuʻu gagana, ua matou te tauvaga ai mo tagata Sipeini i totonu o teritori o Amerika. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Tafatolu Fee—Leai se Faalavelave ia te oe: Matou te galue i tafatolu. E te totogi 33.33% i luma o le fakatonu po o 40% pe afai o se fakatonu e manaomia. E le te totogi tupe muamua. Afai e le matou manuia, e le oi ni tupe o loʻo e le toe i ai. O lena e faataga ai aiga o Itumalo o Manūʻa e maua ai le puipuiga tulafono tele i soʻo se tulaga o tupe o le taimi nei.
Iloa faaleleia o le Tulafono i Amerika Sāmoa
O Amerika Sāmoa e mulimuli tulafono faaleleia faapena ma isi setete o Iunaite Setete, ae iai faaitiitiga faapitoa o teritori. Masani, o le itū 2 tausaga mai le aso o le mafatia e te filed ai se talaboga faaleleia—ao talatalanoa i tulafono faaleleia teritori vave e puipui ai lou aia. O le jarisdikisona e faʻaaoga ai tulaga faaleleia mafatua, o lona mafua ai le toe mauaina o lau faaleleia e faaitiitia ai lou pasene o le fatu, matou o le le faalavelaveina e le tulafono faaleleia faatasi ma faamatalaga o le nofoaga ma le forum.
Ona o le faigatā o le jarisdikisona teritori ma faafesoasoani faaleleia ma le tulafono faaleleia, o le aoga silisili o le loia e iai le totoega i le fakatonu. O le totoe faatulagaina o Ralfa Manginello i le fakatonu e maua ai le iloaina o le jarisdikisona manaomia e taavale i mataupu e aofia ai taavale taukomo i teritori o Amerika.
Fesili Masani mo Tuilauto 18-Wheeler i Itumalo o Manūʻa
E faapefea ona tulafono a le malo mo taavale e aoga i Itumalo o Manūʻa?
O se teritori o Amerika, o Amerika Sāmoa e tutu i lalo o tulafono FMCSA mo taavale taukomo e au i le faʻasoa a le itu. Faatasi ai, o le Mālōʻanga Sili o Amerika Sāmoa e faʻatatau ai tulafono malu faaleleia o le malo e pei o faamaumauga o galuega faaleleia i mataupu faaleleia.
O le a mai pe afai o le kamupani taavale e fai e leo i latou e le i lalo o le tulafono o Amerika?
Tele kamupani taavale e gaoioi i lalo o le jarisdikisona fakafalseta pe afai e vauvaina omea i ai pe i Amerika Sāmoa. E taavale kamupani faanua foi e tatau ona tumau faaleleia malu. Matou te suʻe ai manaoga mo manaoga uma o toe mauaina, e aofia ai faafesoasoani faaleleia ma le tulafono faaleleia.
E faapefea ona e puipui ai au pe afai o oe e faatulaga i Tekesase?
Matou te leoleo ai mataupu tuilauto taavale faalemataga i totonu o Iunaite Setete ma ona teritori. O Ralfa Manginello ua faatulagaina i le fakatonu ma e mafai ona faatasi ma loia faanua i Itumalo o Manūʻa pe afai e manaomia, faamaonia ai e maua ai ia te oe le iloaina faanua ma le resosi o se ofisa tauvaga tele. O matou avanoa 24/7 i lalo o 1-888-ATTY-911 o lona mafua ai e le oi se faaleleia mamao mo le puipuiga tulafono vave.
O le a pe afai e le mafai ou te totogi falemaʻi pe afai o le mataupu e tumau?
Matou te fesoasoani ai e fesoasoani ia te oe ma falemaʻi o te talia le faiga i lalo o se Tusi Puipuiga, faaleleia totogi o le taimi o lau mataupu e faaleleia. Pei ona faasoa mai Kiimarii Yup, “Ou te leiloa mea uma… o laʻu taavale o le lavaofaʻatatau, ma ona o le Loia Manginello ma le sui o le mataupu Leonor, i le tausaga talu ai ou te mauaina mea tele i totonu.”
O lea le umi o lau mataupu?
O mataupu tuilauto faigatā e aofia ai tagata fatutau tele masani e togai 18-36 masina, ae matou te galue ai e faaleleia mataupu faaleleia e le o le faaleleia o le tau. O mataupu faigofie e mafai ona faaleleia i 6-12 masina. Matou te faalatulagai ai manaoga tūtaua pei o le mafai ona alu i le fakatonu, o lena e faigofie ai ofo faaleleia.
O le a pe afai o le kamupani inisua e ofo mai se faaleleia vave?
E le tatau ona talia le ofo muamua. O kamupani inisua e iloa o aiga i Itumalo o Manūʻa felei bill falemaʻi ma le le maua tupe e mafai ona talia ofo vave, maualalo. O le ofo muamua e oi se vaega o le mea o loʻo tau lau mataupu. Tugia mai matou e saili lou faaleleia atoa—e aofia ai manaomia falemaʻi o le lumanaʻi—i luma o le taimi e saini ai oe lau aia.
Valo Nei—i Luma o le Faaleleiina o Faamaumauga
O le kamupani taavale ua valo ai lava latou loia. Ua latou amata mai i le faaitiiti o le mea o loʻo o loʻo i ai lau aiga. O le a le mea o loʻo e fai e puipui ia te oe?
Afai ua mativa oe i se tuilauto 18-wheeler i Itumalo o Manūʻa, valo i le Attorney911 vave i le 1-888-ATTY-911. O le telefoni e saoloto. O le talanoaga e saoloto. Ma e le te totogi ni tupe i le matou te manuina lau mataupu.
Aua neʻi tuuina atu le kamupani taavale e faaleleia le faamau o le latou gaoioi le auaunaga. Aua neʻi saini lau aia mo se faaleleia vave o le le oti ai lou tali falemaʻi o le lumanaʻi. E te tatau ona maua se loia o te tau mo “tinei tatau lea te manaʻo ai,” pei ona fai e Glenda Walker. E te tatau ona maua se au o te faia oe e pei o le aiga.
Valo i le 888-ATTY-911 i le asō. Mai Taʻū i Ofu, mai faitoʻotoga i nūu mauga, matou te tauvaga mo aiga o Itumalo o Manūʻa. Tugia mai matou te faʻaaogā ai 25 tausaga o totoe, iloaina i totonu o kamupani inisua, ma se records o faaiuga e silia i le miliona mo oe.
Hablamos Español.
Talanoaga Saoloto.
Leai se Totogi Pe Afai E Le Matou Manuina.
1-888-288-9911
O lau tauvaga e amata nei. Matou te tali. Matou te tau. Matou te manuina.
ENGLISH
When an 80,000-pound commercial truck rolls through the narrow, mountainous terrain of Manu’a District, there is no margin for error. One moment, you are driving the coastal roads of Ta’ū or navigating the steep grades near Ofu Village. The next, a poorly maintained big rig has changed your life forever. If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Manu’a District, you need more than just legal representation—you need a battle-tested team that understands federal trucking regulations and territorial law nuances.
At Attorney911, we have spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by commercial trucking negligence. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been standing up to trucking companies since 1998. He is admitted to federal court—including jurisdictions that cover U.S. territories—and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts for catastrophic injury victims. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings something rare to your defense: he spent years working for insurance companies before joining our firm. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them, giving Manu’a District families an unfair advantage against corporate defendants.
The Unique Dangers of Trucking in Manu’a District
Manu’a District is not like the continental United States. As the easternmost district of American Samoa, comprising the islands of Ta’ū, Ofu, and Olosega, our community faces unique trucking hazards that mainland attorneys simply do not understand. The steep volcanic terrain, combined with heavy port traffic from Pago Pago Harbor connections, creates perfect conditions for catastrophic accidents.
When trucks descend the sharp grades toward Faleasao or navigate the winding roads connecting villages across these remote islands, brake failures become deadly. The humid tropical climate degrades tires and equipment faster than arid conditions. And because Manu’a District relies heavily on shipped goods, cargo securement failures can block vital roads for hours—creating secondary accidents and emergency response delays that cost lives.
We know that trucking companies operating in Manu’a District must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations under 49 CFR, even in U.S. territories. These regulations—Parts 390 through 399—govern everything from driver qualifications to vehicle maintenance. When carriers cut corners to save money on remote routes, they violate federal law and put your family at risk.
Common 18-Wheeler Accidents in Manu’a District
Brake Failure and Runaway Trucks on Steep Grades
The mountainous topography of Manu’a District creates some of the most dangerous downhill trucking conditions in the Pacific. When truck drivers descend from higher elevations toward coastal villages, overheated brake systems can fail catastrophically. Under 49 CFR § 393.40, commercial vehicles must maintain properly functioning brake systems. Yet we see carriers deferring maintenance to save costs, leading to tragic runaway truck incidents.
These accidents often violate 49 CFR § 396.3, which requires systematic inspection and maintenance. When a trucking company sends an 80,000-pound vehicle down steep grades without proper brake adjustment, they are gambling with lives. Lupe Peña knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate these maintenance records—because he used to review them for the defense. Now he knows where to look for the evidence they try to hide.
Rollover Accidents on Winding Roads
The sharp curves and switchbacks throughout Manu’a District create high risks for rollovers, particularly when cargo shifts during transit. Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, cargo must be secured to prevent movement that affects vehicle stability. When liquid cargo or improperly secured containers shift on curves near Ofu or Olosega, the center of gravity changes instantly.
Rollovers often result from speeding for conditions—violating 49 CFR § 392.6—which prohibits schedules that require excessive speeds. If a trucking company pressured a driver to make tight delivery windows across Manu’a District’s challenging roads, both the driver and company share liability for the devastating results.
Underride Collisions at Intersections
Underride accidents occur when smaller vehicles slide beneath truck trailers, often shearing off the passenger compartment. These are particularly deadly on Manu’a District’s narrower roads where visibility is limited by tropical vegetation and weather. While 49 CFR § 393.86 mandates rear impact guards, many trailers lack adequate side underride protection.
These accidents typically happen at village intersections or when trucks make wide turns on roads not designed for large commercial vehicles. The injuries are catastrophic: decapitation, severe head trauma, and immediate death. Families in Manu’a District who lose loved ones to underride crashes deserve attorneys who understand the federal safety standards that could have prevented their tragedy.
Cargo Spills and Hazardous Materials
Given that Manu’a District relies on maritime shipping for essential goods, the port-to-village trucking routes see heavy commercial traffic carrying everything from construction materials to potentially hazardous cargo. When 49 CFR Part 397 (Hazardous Materials regulations) is violated, spills can contaminate the delicate island ecosystem and cause serious injuries to nearby residents.
Improperly secured cargo that spills onto Highway 001 or village roads creates immediate hazards for other drivers and pedestrians. The trucking company, cargo owner, and loading company may all share liability under 49 CFR § 393.100 for failing to properly immobilize freight.
Every Party Who Could Owe You Compensation
Trucking accidents differ from standard car crashes because multiple parties can be held responsible. In Manu’a District, we investigate every link in the supply chain:
The Truck Driver: Direct negligence includes speeding, distracted driving, or operating under fatigue. Under 49 CFR § 392.3, drivers cannot operate while fatigued, a common problem on long hauls to remote Manu’a District villages.
The Trucking Company: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, trucking companies often commit direct violations through negligent hiring (49 CFR Part 391 requires proper driver qualification files), negligent training, or negligent maintenance (49 CFR Part 396).
The Cargo Owner and Loading Company: In Manu’a District’s port-dependent economy, shipping companies and stevedores often share blame for improperly secured loads. When cargo shifts on steep roads causing rollovers, we hold these parties accountable under federal securement standards.
Maintenance Contractors: Third-party mechanics who performed inadequate brake repairs or tire replacements may be liable for negligence. Ralph Manginello’s experience with complex multi-party litigation—including his work on the BP Texas City explosion that killed 15 workers—means we know how to trace liability through corporate webs.
Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers: Defective brake systems, tire blowouts, or steering failures can trigger product liability claims. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and research recall histories through NHTSA databases.
Freight Brokers: Companies arranging transportation to Manu’a District who negligently select carriers with poor safety records may be liable for the crashes they enable.
The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis: Why Manu’a District Families Must Act Fast
Evidence in trucking accidents disappears faster than you think. Black box data from the Engine Control Module (ECM) can be overwritten within 30 days. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that prove Hours of Service violations under 49 CFR Part 395 may only be retained for six months. Dashcam footage often deletes automatically after one week.
When a trucking company learns of an accident in Manu’a District, they immediately deploy rapid-response teams—sometimes before the ambulance arrives. Their lawyers and investigators begin building a defense while you are still receiving medical treatment.
That is why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices put the trucking company on notice that they must preserve:
- ELD logs showing whether the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit or 14-hour on-duty window
- Driver Qualification Files proving whether the driver held a valid CDL and medical certificate under 49 CFR § 391.41
- Maintenance records revealing deferred brake or tire repairs
- Dispatch records showing whether the company pressured the driver to violate HOS regulations
- Cell phone records proving distraction under 49 CFR § 392.82
Without immediate legal intervention, this evidence disappears forever. In Manu’a District, where geographic isolation can delay investigations, immediate preservation is even more critical. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 the moment you are able, and we will ensure the trucking company cannot destroy the proof of their negligence.
Catastrophic Injuries and What Rebuilding Your Life Costs
The physics of an 80,000-pound truck striking a passenger vehicle in Manu’a District creates catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From concussions to severe brain damage affecting cognitive function and personality. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, understanding that island healthcare may require transport to Hawaii or the mainland for specialized treatment.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Paraplegia and quadriplegia requiring home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24/7 care. Lifetime costs often exceed $4.7 million to $25.8 million—far more than minimum insurance coverage.
Amputations: Crush injuries from underride or override accidents often necessitate limb removal. We have secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation clients, accounting for prosthetics, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.
Wrongful Death: When trucking negligence takes a loved one from a Manu’a District family, we pursue wrongful death claims covering funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. Recent settlements in similar cases have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.
Unlike standard auto accidents where drivers might carry $30,000 in coverage, commercial trucking companies must carry minimum liability insurance of $750,000 for general freight, $1 million for petroleum products, and $5 million for hazardous materials under federal law. These higher policy limits mean your family can actually receive full compensation for catastrophic harm—but only if you have an attorney who knows how to access these policies.
Why Manu’a District Families Choose Attorney911
Federal Court Experience: Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and understands federal jurisdiction over territorial trucking cases. This matters because many commercial disputes in American Samoa involve federal maritime and admiralty law intersections with trucking liability.
Former Insurance Defense Advantage: Lupe Peña spent years inside the insurance industry. He knows the Colossus software adjusters use to minimize claims. He knows the training manuals telling adjusters to deny claims based on “pre-existing conditions” or “gaps in treatment.” As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That is the difference insider knowledge makes.
Multi-Million Dollar Results: We do not settle for quick, lowball offers. We have recovered $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log, $3.8 million for a car accident victim who suffered amputation due to medical complications, and $2.5 million for truck crash victims. Currently, we are litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing that caused kidney failure—demonstrating our willingness to take on powerful institutions.
Treating You Like Family: As Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” In Manu’a District, where fa’a Samoa—the Samoan way—emphasizes family and community, we understand that legal representation must be personal, not transactional. When Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case, we took it on and delivered what he called a “handsome check.” We do not turn away difficult cases.
Spanish Language Services: While American Samoa has its own linguistic traditions, we proudly serve Spanish-speaking victims throughout U.S. territories. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Contingency Fee—No Risk to You: We work on contingency. You pay 33.33% pre-trial or 40% if a trial is necessary. You never pay upfront costs. If we do not win, you owe us nothing. This allows Manu’a District families to access top-tier legal representation regardless of current financial circumstances.
Understanding Comparative Fault in American Samoa
American Samoa follows common law negligence principles similar to many U.S. states, but with unique territorial nuances. Generally, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit—though consult local territorial statutes immediately to protect your rights. The jurisdiction applies comparative negligence principles, meaning your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, provided you are not barred by contributory negligence standards depending on the specific facts and forum.
Given the complexity of territorial jurisdiction and federal maritime law intersections, having an attorney with federal court experience is essential. Ralph Manginello’s admission to federal court provides the jurisdictional knowledge necessary to navigate cases involving commercial trucking in U.S. territories.
Frequently Asked Questions for Manu’a District 18-Wheeler Accidents
How do federal trucking laws apply to Manu’a District?
As a U.S. territory, American Samoa is subject to FMCSA regulations for commercial vehicles engaged in interstate commerce. Additionally, the High Court of American Samoa recognizes federal safety standards as evidence of industry practice in negligence cases.
What if the trucking company says they are not subject to U.S. law?
Many trucking companies operate under federal jurisdiction when transporting goods to or from American Samoa ports. Even local operators must maintain safety standards. We investigate every potential avenue for recovery, including federal maritime connections and territorial law.
How can you represent me if you are based in Texas?
We handle serious trucking accident cases throughout the United States and its territories. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and can associate with local counsel in Manu’a District when necessary, ensuring you have both local knowledge and the resources of a major litigation firm. Our 24/7 availability through 1-888-ATTY-911 means distance is never a barrier to immediate legal support.
What if I cannot afford medical care while my case proceeds?
We help connect you with medical providers who will treat you under a Letter of Protection, deferring payment until your case settles. As Kiimarii Yup experienced, “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return.”
How long will my case take?
Complex trucking cases involving multiple defendants typically take 18-36 months, though we work to resolve cases efficiently without sacrificing value. Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. We prepare every case as if it were going to trial, which encourages better settlement offers.
What if the insurance company offers me a settlement immediately?
Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies know that families in Manu’a District facing medical bills and lost income may take quick, low settlements. The first offer is always a fraction of what your case is worth. Let us evaluate your full damages—including future medical needs—before you sign away your rights.
Call Now—Before Evidence Disappears
The trucking company has already called their lawyers. They are already working to minimize what they owe your family. What are you doing to protect yourself?
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Manu’a District, call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. The call is free. The consultation is free. And you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Do not let the trucking company destroy the evidence that proves their negligence. Do not sign away your rights for a quick settlement that will not cover your future medical care. You deserve an attorney who fights for “every dime you deserve,” as Glenda Walker said. You deserve a team that treats you like family.
Call 888-ATTY-911 today. From Ta’ū to Ofu, from the ports to the mountain villages, we fight for Manu’a District families. Let us put 25 years of experience, insider insurance knowledge, and a track record of multi-million dollar results to work for you.
Hablamos Español.
Free Consultation.
No Fee Unless We Win.
1-888-288-9911
Your fight starts now. We answer. We fight. We win.
