American Samoa Car & Truck Accident Attorneys | 18-Wheelers, Commercial Vehicles, Rideshare & All Motor Vehicle Crashes | Former Insurance Defense — We Know Their Playbook | Multi-Million-Dollar Results | Attorney911 — The Firm Insurers Fear | Federal Court | 25+ Years | Se Habla Español | No Fee Unless We Win | 1-888-ATTY-911

Tufuga o Fenoga Faafuaseʻi o le Olaga: Lau Taʻiala i Faʻalavelave Tau Taavale i Amerika Samoa

O le soifuaga i Amerika Samoa, faatasi ai ma ona laufanua matagofie ma afioaga vavalalata, e masani ona feoai i se saoasaoa faapitoa. Ae ui i lea, e tusa lava pe i lo tatou parataiso o le motu, e mafai ona tupu mea e leʻi mafaufauina. O se faalavelave tau taavale e mafai ona vave suia le olaga, ma tuua ai tagata afaina i manuʻa tuga, pili faafomai taugata tele, ma le faanoanoa tele o lagona. Tatou te malamalama i le loloto o aafiaga o nei mea tutupu, e le gata i tagata taitoatasi, ae faapea foi i aiga ma le uiga o lo tatou nuu Amerika Samoa.

O i matou i le Attorney911, o se igoa tau fefaʻatauaʻiga o le Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, ua sauni e fautua mo oe. O le taʻitaʻia e Ralph Manginello, ma le silia ma le 25 tausaga o le poto masani i le tau mo tagata afaina i faʻalavelave, matou te aumaia ai se tulaga o le tomai ma le malamalama faʻapitoa e matua seasea lava. Matou te iloa e le mafai ona faʻatautaia le maeʻa o se faʻalavelave, aemaise lava pe a e taulaʻi atu i le faʻamaloloina ma le lagolagoina o ou tagata pele. O la matou misiona o le aveesea lea o lena avega, e tuʻuina atu faʻatonuga manino ma le lagolago mautu mai lava ile taimi e te valaʻau ai i la matou laina faʻafuaseʻi, 1-888-ATTY-911. Matou te talitonu e le tatau ona feagai se tasi i Amerika Samoa ma le lavelaveina o se tagi faʻafuaseʻi tau taavale na o ia, aemaise lava pe afai o loʻo galulue malosi kamupani inisiua e faasaga i ou fiafiaga.

Attorney911: Lou Fautua Faʻatuatuaina i Amerika Samoa

Pe a e filifilia Attorney911, e te le o faʻafaigaluegaina naʻo se fomaʻi loia; o le a e maua se ‘au faʻapitoa e matua masani i le tulaga faʻatulafonoina ma faʻafitauli faʻapitoa o loʻo feagai ma tagata afaina i faʻalavelave tautaavale. O le 25 tausaga faʻaopoopo o le poto masani a Ralph Manginello e oʻo atu i faʻamasinoga feterale i Texas, e faʻaalia ai lo matou gafatia e taulimaina tulaga sili ona lavelave, mai faʻalavelave laiti o taavale iinei i Amerika Samoa i faʻalavelave tetele tau alamanuia. Sa avea la matou fomaʻi ma se tasi o nai fomaʻi na aafia i le faʻamasinoga o le faʻamaʻi o le BP, e faʻaalia ai lo matou sauni e feagai ma kamupani sili ona tetele. O lenei lava faʻamaoni mataʻutia e aumai i mataupu uma matou te taulimaina mo a matou tagata faʻatau i Amerika Samoa atoa ma tua atu.

O se avanoa taua matou te ofoina atu i a matou tagata faʻatau i Amerika Samoa e afua mai i le tulaga faʻapitoa o Lupe Peña, o se tasi o matou loia lagolago tomai. Na faʻaalu e Lupe ni nai tausaga e galue ai mo se fomaʻi puipuiga faʻaitumalo, ma maua ai le malamalama muamua i le faʻatatauina e kamupani inisiua tetele ma le aoga o tagi. Na ia aʻoaʻoina a latou taʻiala mo le faʻaitiitia o totogi, faʻamatalaga o fomaʻi a le IME (Fomaʻi Iloiloga Tutoʻatasi) o loʻo masani ona lagolagoina a latou fiafiaga, ma le fausiaina o puipuiga e faasaga i tagata tagi. I le taimi nei, na ia faʻaaogaina lena malamalama faʻapitoa e faʻamanuiaina ai a matou tagata faʻatau. O lona uiga matou te vaʻavaʻai i a latou taʻiala, malamalama i a latou auala faʻatatau, ma faʻamalosi e teteʻe i a latou taumafaiga e faʻatau maulalo lau tagi. E pei ona taʻu mai e tagata faʻatau e pei o Chad Harris ia i matou, “E TE LE o se faʻalavelave ia i latou ma E TE LE naʻo se tagata faʻatau…O outou o se AIGA ia i latou.” O lenei faʻaaloalo faʻapitoa, faʻatasi ai ma lo matou malosi tele faaletulafono, o lo matou tautinoga lea ia te oe i Amerika Samoa.

Matou te galulue i le faiga o totogifuapau – o lona uiga e leai se taimi e totogi muamua ai e a matou tagata faʻatau ni totogi faaletulafono. Matou te totogia uma tupe faaalu o mataupu, ma o le a matou totogiina pe afai e matou te manumalo i lau mataupu. O lenei folafolaga “leai se totogi seʻi vagana ua matou manumalo” e mautinoa ai e mafai e tagata uma i Amerika Samoa ona maua le amiotonu, e tusa lava po o fia a latou tupe. Matou te talitonu i le tuʻuina atu o faʻaiʻuga moni, ae le o folafolaga. O a matou faʻamaumauga, e aofia ai le tele o miliona o tala i faʻasalaga mo tagata faʻatau o loʻo mafatia i manuʻa tuga o le faiʻai ma le pipiiina, e faʻamamafa ai lo matou gafatia e tau mo le taui sili ona maualuga e te tatau ai. Pe a e manaʻomia se fesoasoani faaletulafono vave pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa, ia manatua le 1-888-ATTY-911 – o lou laina lea mo le amiotonu.

Malamalama i le Tulaga o Faʻalavelave Tau Taavale i Amerika Samoa

O Amerika Samoa, e ui ina filemu, ae e le o puipuia mai mea moni o faʻalavelave tau taavale. O auala, pe o auala tetele i le gataifale poʻo auala laʻitiiti o nuʻu, e mafai ona aafia i lamatiaga eseese. E ui atonu e eseese faʻamaumauga faʻapitonuʻu faʻapitoa mo faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa, matou te iloa o Texas atoa, o numera e faʻaolaola: 251,977 tagata na manunuʻa i faʻalavelave tau taavale i le 2024, ma le tasi faʻalavelave na lipotia i sekone uma e 57. O lenei faʻamataʻu faifaipea e faʻamaonia ai le taua o le iloa o ou aia tatau ma le i ai o se fautua malosi i ou tafatafa pe a tupu le le mafaufauina i Amerika Samoa.

O le Manginello Law Firm e taulimaina le tele o ituaiga o mataupu o faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa atoa ma Texas. O la matou auala e masani ona faʻatatau i tulaga faʻapitoa o mea taʻitasi, e faʻatatauina matou te suʻesuʻeina ma le totoʻa auiliiliga uma, tusa lava pe faʻalua. O iinei, matou te faʻamatalaina ituaiga o faʻalavelave matou te masani ona taulimaina, e tuʻuina atu ai se malamalamaaga i faʻafitauli faʻapitoa ma faiga faʻaletulafono e faʻatatau i mea taʻitasi.

Faʻalavelave o Taavale i Amerika Samoa

O faʻalavelave o taavale, o le mea e faanoanoa ai, o le ituaiga sili ona taatele o feteʻenaʻiga o taavale, e aafia ai le tele o olaga i Texas, e aofia ai iinei i Amerika Samoa. Na o le 2024 lava, na vaʻaia e Texas le 251,977 tagata na manunuʻa i feteʻenaʻiga o taavale. O lona uiga e tasi feteʻenaʻiga e mafai ona lipotia i sekone uma e 57 i lo tatou setete, ma i ni minute uma e lua ma le 5 sekone, e manunuʻa ai se tasi. O nei mea e le na o fuainumera; o tagata taʻitasi ia o latou olaga na vave ma masani ona suia e le mafai ona toe faʻaleleia. Mai feteʻenaʻiga laiti i auala o nuʻu i feteʻenaʻiga tuga i auala tetele o Amerika Samoa, o le aafiaga i tagata afaina e mafai ona amata mai i le whiplash ma manuʻa o aano vaivai i manuʻa tuga o le faiʻai, manuʻa o le sooga i le ua, ma e oʻo lava i le amputations.

O mea masani tatou te vaʻaia i faʻalavelave o taavale e aofia ai le taʻavale faʻavalevalea, le saoasaoa tele, le le tuʻufaʻatasia, le alu i moli mumu, ma le mulimuli vavalalata tele—o amioga mataʻutia uma ia e mafai ona oʻo atu ai i taunuʻuga mataʻutia. Matou te malamalama o tulaga faʻapitoa o auala o Amerika Samoa ma amioga faʻauli e mafai foi ona iai se sao. O Ralph Manginello, ma le silia ma le 25 tausaga o le poto masani, sa i le pito i luma o le faʻauluuluga o le tele o tagata afaina i faʻalavelave o taavale. Matou te suʻesuʻeina ma le totoʻa le vaaiga, faʻaputuina faʻamaoniga mai taavale, auʻiliʻili lipoti a leoleo, ma faʻatalatalanoa molimau e faʻamautu atoatoa le sese.

O se faʻataʻitaʻiga mataʻina o lo matou tuʻufaʻatasiga i tagata afaina i faʻalavelave o taavale o se mataupu lea na malosi ai le manuʻa o le vae o le matou tagata faʻatau i se faʻalavelave o taavale. O le mea e faanoanoa ai, o faʻamaʻi pipisi i le taimi o togafitiga na oʻo atu ai i se vaega o le pipiiina. Na ofoina atu e le kamupani inisiua se vaega itiiti o le mea na manaʻomia, ae matou te tauivi malosi, ma malamalama i le aafiaga o le olaga atoa o se manuʻa faʻaleagaina faapena. Matou te faʻamauina ona manaʻoga faafomaʻi i le lumanaʻi, suiga o vaega ua vaeluaina, ma le matuā tiga ma le mafatia. O lenei mataupu na iu lava i le miliona, o se molimau i le tuʻufaʻatasiga o le matou fomaʻi i le faʻamautinoaina o le taui atoatoa ma le talafeagai. E pei ona faʻamaonia e Chad Harris, o se tagata faʻatau, “Na ave aʻu e Leonor i le fomaʻi i le aso lava totonu… e naʻo le 6 masina na ofoofogia,” e faʻamaonia ai la matou gaioiga vave ma faiga lelei. E faʻapea foʻi, o MONGO SLADE, o se isi tagata faʻatau faʻamalieina, na taʻua, “Na faʻamau aʻu i tua ma na vave lava ona galue le ‘au… Na ou maua foi se faʻasalaga manaia tele.” Afai o oe poʻo se tasi o ou tagata pele na aafia i se faʻalavelave o taavale i Amerika Samoa, o i matou o iinei e tuʻuina atu se tali faʻaletulafono faʻafuaseʻi e te manaʻomia. Valali mai vave lava i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga fua. E matou te le totogiina seʻi vagana ua matou manumalo i lau mataupu.

“Sa ou leiloa mea uma… sa faaleagaina atoa laʻu taavale ma ona o Loia Manginello ma laʻu tagata faigaluega o Leonor… 1 tausaga mulimuli ane ua tele mea ua ou maua i le toe faafoi mai faatasi ai ma se loli fou,” o le tala lea a Kiimarii Yup. O lenei molimau malosi ua faaalia atili ai lo matou gafatia e le gata i le mauaina o se taui mo manuʻa, ae faapea foi ona fesoasoani i tagata o tausia ia toe faaleleia mai mea leiloa uma ma toe fausia o latou olaga pe a uma se faalavelave tau taavale matautia i Amerika Samoa.

Fuga 18-uili & Faʻalavelave Tau Fua i Amerika Samoa

O le tele ma le mamafa o le 18-uili—e oʻo atu i le 80,000 pauna faʻatusatusa i le vaifua averesi o le 4,000 pauna—o lona uiga o faʻalavelave faʻatasi ma nei tagata tetele tau pisinisi e toetoe lava o taimi uma e tupu ai manuʻa tuga poʻo le maliu sese. E tupu soo ia faʻalavelave nai lo le mea e te manatu ai: i le 2024, na faʻamauina ai e Texas le 39,393 faʻalavelave tautaavale faʻapisinisi, e oʻo atu ai i le 608 maliu tau loli ma le 1,601 manuʻa tuga. O le mea e faanoanoa ai, o Texas e 11% o maliu tetele uma tau loli i le atunuʻu atoa, ma avea ai ma se vaega taua mo faʻamasinoga tau loli. E tusa lava pe i U.S. Samoa, faʻatasi ai ma ana tulaga faʻapitoa o le tuʻuina atu o oloa ma galuega faʻapisinisi, o nei taʻavale tetele e avea ma se lamatiaga e masani ona iai i auala.

O nei mataupu e matua lavelave ona o le tele o itu e noatia i le tulafono—le avetaavale loli, le kamupani loli, le tagata uta mea, le tagata gaosi taavale, ma kamupani tausiga e mafai ona faasoaina le tiute. E le gata i lea, o nei mataupu o loʻo pulea e tulafono faʻatonutonu a le feterale na faʻatūina e le FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) e uiga i itula faigaluega, agavaʻa o avetaavale, suʻega vailaʻau, ma tausiga o taavale. O soliga o nei tulafono faʻatonutonu, e pei o le avetaavale e sili atu i lo latou tapulaʻa avetaavale e 11 itula poʻo se kamupani e leʻi lelei ona siaki ona avetaavale, e mafai ona taua tele i le faʻamaonia o le faʻatamala. O le ulufale a Ralph Manginello i le faʻamasinoga feterale i le U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, o se avanoa taua i nei mataupu, aua o le tele o tagi tau faʻalavelave fata e faila i le faʻamasinoga feterale. O le aafia o le matou fomaʻi i le faʻamasinoga o le faʻamaʻi o le BP ua faʻaalia atili ai lo matou gafatia e feagai ma kamupani tetele ma faʻamasinoga e tele itu e aafia ai.

I le Attorney911, matou te maua se faʻamauina lelei o le taulimaina manuia o nei mataupu faigata. Matou te suʻesuʻeina ma le malosi soʻo se vaega, mai faʻamaumauga o le masini faʻamaufaʻailoga eletise (ELD) a le loli—e mafai ona toe tusi i le na o le 30-180 aso, e faʻamaonia ai le vave manaʻomia o se gaioiga—i faiga faʻafaigaluega ma aʻoaʻoga a le kamupani faʻauluuluga. E pei ona taʻua e le matou fomaʻi, “I le Attorney911, o a matou loia mo manuʻa o le tagata lava ia ua fesoasoani i le tele o tagata manunuʻa ma aiga o loʻo feagai ma mataupu o le maliu sese e aofia ai loli e toe maua ai le faitau miliona o tala i taui.” Matou te le naʻo le tauivi; matou te maua faʻaiʻuga e tele miliona. E taua tele lenei mea i le faʻamalamalamaga o le tulaga o “faʻasalaga mo le leai o se tupe,” lea e tuʻuina atu ai e faʻamasino le faitau sefulu miliona o tala i mataupu tau loli a Texas, e pei o le $37.5 miliona faʻasalaga faasaga i le Oncor Electric mo se avetaavale loli faʻalavelave poʻo le $44.1 miliona faʻasalaga i le mataupu o le New Prime I-35 pileup. E iloa e kamupani inisiua matou te sauni e ave i latou i le faʻamasinoga. Afai na faʻaleagaina e se faʻalavelave 18-uili lou aiga i Amerika Samoa, o le taimi e sili ona taua e faʻasaoina ai faʻamaoniga taua. Valali vave lava i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se fesoasoani faʻaletulafono faʻafuaseʻi.

Faʻalavelave Tau Taavale a Tagata Onā i Amerika Samoa

O faʻalavelave tau taavale o tagata onā o se faʻanoanoa e mafai ona puipuia lea o loʻo faʻaauau pea ona afaina ai nuʻu i Texas, e aofia ai i Amerika Samoa. Latou te faʻatusalia se faʻatamala ma le faʻatamala ma le lē amanaia le saogalemu o isi. I le 2024, na fanapoina e le avetaavale o loʻo onā le 1,053 olaga i Texas, e sili atu i le 25% o maliu uma i auala. E le gata i maliu, e silia ma le 24,000 faʻalavelave faʻafuaseʻi e fesoʻotaʻi ma le DWI i le 2023. Pe a alu se avetaavale i tua o le uili ma se tūlaga o le ‘ava i le toto (BAC) e 0.08% pe sili atu, o loʻo onā faʻatulafonoina i lalo o le Texas Penal Code § 49.04, ma o taunuʻuga e mafai ona faʻatamaʻia.

O tagata na aafia i faalavelave tau taavale a tagata onā e masani ona maua manuʻa tuga, e suia ai le olaga e pei o manuʻa tuga o le faiʻai, manuʻa o le sooga, ma e oo lava i le maliu sese. O le mea e matua lavelave ai ma taua tele nei mataupu o le mafai ona tele itu e noatia i le tulafono ma le maua o faasalaga faaletino. I Texas, o le tatou Tulafono o le Nofoaga e Faʻatau Ai Mea Inomia (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02) e faʻatagaina tagata na aafia ona tuʻuina atu faasalaga i pa, faleʻaiga, po o isi nofoaga pe afai na latou tautua se tagata o loʻo matua onā i le taimi o le tautua, ma o le soona tautua sa mafuaʻaga autu o le faalavelave ma le faʻaleagaina. O faʻailoga o le onā tele e aofia ai le tautala vaivai, mata o loʻo mumu, savali le mautu, ma amioga ita.

I le Attorney911, matou te tuliloaina avanoa uma o loʻo maua mo a matou tagata faʻatau. O le avea o Ralph Manginello ma sui o le Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) e faʻamamafa ai le tulaga faʻapitoa o le matou fomaʻi e malamalama i vaega tau solitulafono ma faʻaleaganuʻu o nei mataupu. O lona poto masani i le taulimaina o luʻitau faaletulafono lavelave e mautinoa ai pe a matou faʻalatalata atu i mataupu o le avetaavale onā mai itu uma, e le gata i le faasaga i le avetaavale onā, ae atonu e faasaga foi i le nofoaga na soona tautua ia i latou. E taua tele lenei mea mo le faʻamaumauina o le taui, lea e mafai ona aofia ai faʻasalaga faʻaopoopo e faʻamoemoe e faʻasala ai le itu faʻatamala ma puipuia ai le faʻatamala i le lumanaʻi. O le matou fomaʻi o loʻo i ai se talafaasolopito o le faʻaalia o tomai suʻesuʻe faʻapitoa, e pei ona faʻaalia i le matou manuia i mataupu o le puipuiga tau solitulafono. Mo se faʻataʻitaʻiga, na matou maua le faʻaaoga mai o se moliaga o le DWI ina ua faʻaalia e la matou suʻesuʻega e leʻi tausisia lelei se masini suʻesuʻe manava a leoleo. I se isi tulaga, na faʻaaoga mai le mataupu DWI a se tagata faʻatau i le aso o le faʻamasinoga ona o le leai o faʻamaoniga ma le le lelei o suʻesuʻega a leoleo. O nei mataupu e faʻamamafa ai lo matou gafatia e suʻesuʻeina auiliiliga ma luʻitauina faʻatonuga, o tomai e faʻaaogaina saʻo i le fausiaina o mataupu malosi faʻaleaganuʻu mo a matou tagata na aafia i faʻalavelave iinei i Amerika Samoa. Afai o oe poʻo se tasi o ou tagata pele na aafia i se faʻalavelave faʻafuaseʻi o le avetaavale onā i Amerika Samoa, e tatau ona vave gaioiga. Valaau le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga fua vave.

Faʻalavelave Tau Uila Afi i Amerika Samoa

O faʻalavelave uila afi e aumaia ai se luitau tulaga ese ma masani ona faʻanoanoa i auala o Amerika Samoa. O tagata tiʻetiʻe, ma le puipuiga itiiti, e matua vaivai lava. I le 2024, na faʻamauina ai e Texas le 585 maliu o tagata tiʻetiʻe uila afi, ma o le 37% o i latou na maliliu e leʻi faia pulou. E ui o le faʻaaogaina o pulou e faʻatulafonoina mo tagata tiʻetiʻe i lalo ifo o le 21, ma o i latou e sili atu i le 21 e naʻo le tuusaunoaga pe afai ua maeʻa se polokalame saogalemu poʻo le sili atu i le $10,000 i inisiua faafomaʻi, ae o lamatiaga e tumau pea le maualuga.

O se tasi o mea moni sili ona faʻanoanoa mo tagata tiʻetiʻe uila afi o le faʻaituau e tupu soo. O kamupani inisiua ma e oʻo lava i nisi faʻamasino e masani ona taumafai e tuʻua le tagata tiʻetiʻe, e tusa lava po o ai na mafua ai le faʻalavelave. Latou te finau e faʻapea sa saoasaoa le tagata tiʻetiʻe, savali, poʻo le “tatau ona vaʻaia.” Iinei i Amerika Samoa, o le mea e mafai ona eseese tulaga o auala ma atonu e le masani tagata avetaavale e faasoa atu le auala i uila afi, e mafai ona matua afaina ai lenei faʻaituau i se tagi. O mea masani e mafua ai faʻalavelave uila afi e masani ona afua mai i le faʻatamala o isi avetaavale: le tuʻuina atu o le aia tatau e alu ai, le faʻalogo lelei o le avetaavale, suiga o auala le saogalemu, ma faʻalavelave liliu agavale (e masani ona iʻu ai i feteʻenaʻiga T-bone poʻo T-fau.).

O le 51% o le tulafono faʻatusatusa o le le mautonu o Texas e matua taua lava i mataupu o faʻalavelave uila afi. Afai e maua oe o le 51% pe sili atu foʻi o le sese, e te le toe mauaina se mea. O kamupani inisiua e faʻamalosi e faʻaaoga lenei tulafono e faʻaitiitia ai a latou totogi. O le mea e faafetai ai, o le matou loia fesoasoani, o Lupe Peña, na faʻaaluina le tele o tausaga e galue ai mo kamupani puipuia a le atunuʻu, lea na masani ai ona ia faia nei finauga faʻatusatusa o le sese. O le taimi nei, na te faʻaaogaina lena malamalama faʻapitoa e vaʻavaʻai ma faʻatoilaloina nei taʻiala, e lagolagoina ai aia tatau o tagata tiʻetiʻe uila afi i Amerika Samoa. Matou te faʻaputuina ma le totoa ia faʻamatalaga, e aofia ai faʻamaoniga o molimau, auʻiliʻiliga o le toe fausia o faʻalavelave, ma lipoti a leoleo, e faʻamaonia ai le faʻatamala o le isi avetaavale ma teteʻe atu i le tuʻuaiga le talafeagai. Aua le faʻatagaina kamupani inisiua e faʻasala le talafeagai oe pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave uila afi i Amerika Samoa. Valali mai Attorney911 i le aso i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga saoloto fua. E matou te le totogiina seʻi vagana ua matou manumalo.

Faʻalavelave Tau savali i Amerika Samoa

O tagata savavali o loʻo i ai i tagata sili ona vaivai i auala o Amerika Samoa. Faʻatasi ai ma le leai o se puipuiga e pei o se taavale, o le feiloaʻi ma se taavale, loli, poʻo se uila afi e masani ona oʻo atu ai i manuʻa tuga poʻo maliu. I le 2024, na vaʻaia e Texas le 6,095 faʻalavelave savavali, e iʻu ai i le 768 maliu. E ui o tagata savavali e na o le 1% o faʻalavelave uma, ae o le mea e ofo ai, latou te faʻatusalia le 19% o MALIU uma i auala i Texas. O lenei le tutusa tele e faʻamaonia ai le mataʻutia o loʻo feagai ma i latou o loʻo faimalaga i luga o vae, pe latou te savalia i le maketi o le nuʻu, faʻamalositino, poʻo le naʻo le fiafia i siosiomaga matagofie o Amerika Samoa.

O manuʻa na maua i faʻalavelave savavali e masani ona tuga: o manuʻa tuga o le faiʻai, manuʻa o le sooga, tele ponaivi gau (aemaise lava i le pelvis ma vae), ma manuʻa o totoga i totonu e masani ona tupu i mea leaga. O nei mataupu e masani ona aofia ai luʻitau faʻaletulafono lavelave, ona o avetaavale ma a latou kamupani inisiua e ono taumafai e tuʻua le tagata savavali. Peitaʻi, o le tulafono a Texas o loʻo tuʻuina atu ai puipuiga taua: e MAFAI ASO ONA IA IA TAUSI AOAO le aia tatau e alu ai i auala tutusa, e oʻo lava i auala e leʻi faʻailogaina. E le iloa e le toʻatele o avetaavale lenei mea, ma o kamupani inisiua e mautinoa lava e le aʻoaʻoina oe i lenei tulaga.

I le Attorney911, matou te suʻesuʻeina ma le totoʻa auiliiliga uma o mataupu o faʻalavelave savavali i Amerika Samoa, mai ata o mea puʻeata feoaʻi ma ata o leoleo lata ane i faʻamatalaga a molimau, e faʻamaonia lelei le faʻatamala o le avetaavale. O la matou faʻamoemoe o le faʻamautinoaina lea e maua e tagata afaina le totogi atoa mo a latou pili faʻafomaʻi taugata, tupe leiloa, ma le matua faʻanoanoa ma le tiga. Afai o oe poʻo se tasi o ou tagata pele na afaina i se taavale i Amerika Samoa aʻo savali, aua le faʻatuai. E mafai ona vave leiloa faʻamaoniga. Valali mai Attorney911 i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se tali faʻaletulafono faʻafuaseʻi.

Faʻalavelave Tukala (Uber/Lyft) i Amerika Samoa

Ua suia e le faʻatupulaia atili o auaunaga tau femalagaaʻiga e pei o Uber ma Lyft felauaiga i le tele o vaega, ma e le faʻaesea lava Amerika Samoa, faʻatasi ai ma le faʻateleina o avanoa mo tagata nofomau ma tagata asiasi. Peitaʻi, faʻatasi ai ma le tele o taavale femalagaaʻiga i luga o le auala, ua faʻateleina foi le mafai o faʻalavelave e aofia ai nei auaunaga. Pe a aofia se taavale femalagaaʻiga i se feteʻenaʻiga, o le faʻamautuina o le noataga ma le faʻatautaia o inisiua e mafai ona matua lavelave. Atonu e te manatu e faigofie, ae o inisiua femalagaaʻiga e matua suia lava e faʻavae i le mea o loʻo faia e le avetaavale i le taimi o le feteʻenaʻiga.

E taua tele le malamalama i le “vaega o inisiua rideshare”.

• Vaeluaga 0 – App Tape: Afai e mate le app a le avetaavale, e na o a latou inisiua taavale totino e aoga, lea i Texas e maualalo le maualuga o le $30,000/$60,000 mo manuʻa o le tino ma le $25,000 mo le faʻaleagaina o meatotino.
• Vaeluaga 1 – App On, Faʻatali mo Talosaga: Faʻatasi ai ma le app o loʻo ola ae leai se malaga na taliaina, e ono aoga le inisiua faʻatasi mai le kamupani rideshare (e masani lava $50,000/$100,000/$25,000).
• Vaeluaga 2 – Malala Taliaina, I le Auala e Pikiup ai: I le taimi lava e taliaina ai se malaga, e amata ona aoga le inisiua faʻapisinisi atoa a le kamupani rideshare, e tuʻuina atu ai le tele o le $1,000,000 inisiua.
• Vaeluaga 3 – Pasa i totonu o le Taavale: A o iai se pasese i totonu o le taavale, o loʻo tumau pea le aoga le faiga faʻavae o le $1,000,000 inisiua.

O lenei faiga lavelave e faʻamaonia ai le taua tele o le malamalama faʻapitoa o Lupe Peña i taʻiala inisiua. Na te malamalama i le nuance o le faʻamatalaga o faiga faʻavae mai ona tausaga na galue ai mo kamupani puipuiga, ma avea ai o ia ma se tagata faʻapitoa e iloa le faiga faʻavae saʻo e aoga ma tau mo le maualuga maualuga o le taui e maua. O fuainumera o loʻo faʻaalia ai e 58% o i latou na manunuʻa i faʻalavelave rideshare o ni vaega lona tolu (isi avetaavale, tagata savavali), ma le 21% o tagata tiʻetiʻe ma le 21% o avetaavale rideshare lava latou. Pe o oe o se pasese, se isi avetaavale, se tagata savavali, poʻo se avetaavale rideshare na manuʻa i se faʻalavelave Uber poʻo Lyft i Amerika Samoa, e te manaʻomia se loia e mafai ona auʻiliʻiliina nei faʻafitauli lavelave inisiua. Aua le faʻatagaina kamupani inisiua e teena lau tagi ona o se mea faʻapitoa. Valaau Attorney911 i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo fautuaga faaletulafono faʻapitoa, ma tuʻu mai matou te faʻatautaia le lavelave inisiua mo oe, e faʻamautinoa ai e te maua le taui e te tatau ai.

Faʻalavelave Tau Tuʻua ma Tamomoʻe i Amerika Samoa

O le aafia i se faalavelave tau tuʻua ma tamomoʻe i U.S. Samoa o se aafiaga tulaga ese lava e faʻanoanoa ma lamatia. E le gata o loʻo e feagai ma tiga o le feteʻenaʻiga ma ou manuʻa, ae o loʻo sola ese le avetaavale na mafua ai le faalavelave, ma tuua ai oe e aunoa ma faʻamatalaga taua. E tupu soo lenei mea nai lo le mea e te manatu ai: i le tulaga o le atunuʻu, o se tasi e aafia i se tuʻua ma tamomoʻe i sekone uma e 43.

I Texas, o le tuua o le nofoaga o se faalavelave pe a uma ona mafua ai manuʻa, manuʻa tuga o le tino, po o le maliu o se solitulafono tuga. Mo se faʻataʻitaʻiga, afai e mafua ai e se tuʻua ma tamomoʻe se maliu, e mafai ona faʻamasinoina o se soligatulafono lona lua, e faʻatasi ai ma se faʻasalaga o le 2 i le 20 tausaga i le falepuipui ma le $10,000 tupe faasala i lalo o le Texas Transportation Code § 550.021. E ui o le vaega tau solitulafono e taulimaina e ofisa faʻamalosia tulafono, o lou popolega autu o se tagata afaina o le toe toe maua mai o mea leaga mo ou manuʻa ma meatotino.

O le mea taua tele mo tagata afaina i mataupu o tuʻua ma tamumoʻe o so latou lava inisiua Leai Inisiua (UM). O lenei vaega o lau faiga faʻavae inisiua taavale ua fuafuaina e amata galue pe a leai se inisiua a le avetaavale na sese pe sola ese foi mai le nofoaga ma le mafai ona faʻamaonia. I le Attorney911, matou te malamalama i le taua tele o le inisiua UM/UIM, ma o loʻo ia i matou se vitio faʻapitoa i luga o le YouTube o loʻo faʻamatalaina le auala e faʻaaoga ai nei tagi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8. Peitaʻi, o le faʻamautinoaina o le taui e ala i tagi UM/UIM e mafai lava ona avea ma tauiviga, ona o lau lava kamupani inisiua e ono taumafai e faʻaitiitia ana totogi. Matou te suʻesuʻeina ma le totoʻa nei mataupu, faʻaaogaina lipoti a leoleo, soʻo se ata puʻeata e ono maua mai pisinisi lata ane (lea e masani ona tapeina i totonu o le 7-30 aso), ma faʻamatalaga a molimau e faʻamautinoa le sese o le avetaavale e le mafai ona faʻamaonia. O le matou fomaʻi e vave lava ona galue, e lafoina tusi faʻatumauina i itu uma e fesoʻotaʻi ai e faʻamautu soʻo se faʻamaoniga o loʻo maua aʻo leʻi leiloa. Afai na e aafia i se tuʻua ma tamumoʻe i Amerika Samoa, aua le faʻatali. O le vave e te valaʻau ai i le 1-888-ATTY-911, o le vave foi lena matou te amata faʻasaoina faʻamaoniga taua ma tau mo le taui e te tatau ai.

Faʻalavelave Tau uila afi i Amerika Samoa

O le taamilosaga i Amerika Samoa o se auala matagofie e fiafia ai i le matagofie o le natura o lo tatou atunuu, femalagaaʻi, poʻo le faʻamalositino. Peitaʻi, e ui i faʻamanuiaga, o le au taʻamilo e feagai ma lamatiaga e afua mai i avetaʻavale faʻatamala. I le 2024, na lipotia mai e Texas le 78 maliu o tagata tiʻetiʻe uila afi, e faʻamaonia ai le lamatiaga o loʻo feagai ma tagata taʻamilo. E pei o tagata savavali, o tagata tiʻetiʻe uila afi e matua vaivai, e itiiti pe leai foi se puipuiga pe a feagai ma se feteʻenaʻiga ma se taavale afi.

O kamupani inisiua e masani ona taumafai e tuʻua le tagata tiʻetiʻe uila, ma finau e faapea e leʻi iloa atu i latou, e leʻi mulimuli i tulafono o auala, poʻo le faia o se sao i le faʻalavelave. E matua talafeagai lenei mea ona o le tulafono o le 51% o le faʻatamala faʻatusatusa a Texas: afai e maua se tagata tiʻetiʻe uila e 51% pe sili atu foʻi le sese, e leai se mea latou te mauaina. Ua sauni Attorney911 e teteʻe ma le malosi i nei taʻiala o le tuʻuaiga. O le tele o tausaga o Lupe Peña i le itu o le puipuiga o inisiua o lona uiga matou te iloa lelei le auala latou te fausia ai nei finauga ma le auala e talepeina ai. Matou te faʻaputuina ma le totoa ia faʻamaoniga, e aofia ai le toe fausiaina o faʻalavelave, molimau a molimau, ma soʻo se ata vitio o loʻo maua, e faʻamaonia ai le faʻatamala o le avetaavale. Afai o oe o se tagata tiʻetiʻe uila afi i Amerika Samoa ma ua manuʻa i se faʻalavelave, aua le faʻatagaina kamupani inisiua e faʻaitiitia lau tagi. Valali mai Attorney911 i le aso i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga fua ma le faalilolilo.

Faʻalavelave Pasika i Amerika Samoa

E ui atonu e le o iai i Amerika Samoa le tele o feoaiga o pasi i nofoaga tetele, ae o auaunaga o pasi—e pei o pasi aʻoga, felauaiga lautele, poʻo pasi tafafao mo tagata asiasi—e taua tele i olaga i aso uma o tagata nofomau ma le tamaoaiga faʻapitonuʻu. Pe a aafia se pasi, o se taavale tele ma mamafa, i se faʻalavelave, o taunuʻuga mo ona pasese, isi avetaavale, ma tagata savavali e mafai ona matua faʻatamaʻia. I le 2024, na taʻitaʻia e Texas setete uma i faʻalavelave pasi, ma le 1,110 na lipotia, e iʻu ai i le 17 faʻalavelave mate ma le 549 faʻalavelave manuʻa. O faʻalavelave pasi aʻoga o loʻo avea foi ma popolega, ma le 2,523 mea na tutupu na lipotia i le 2023, e oʻo atu ai i le 11 maliu ma le 63 manuʻa tuga i le setete atoa.

E mafai ona lavelave tele le faʻamautuina o le noataga i faʻalavelave pasi, e le gata i le avetaavale o le pasi, ae faʻapea foi le kamupani e faʻafoeina le pasi (ona o le faʻatamala i le faʻafaigaluegaina, aʻoaʻoina, poʻo le tausiga), le tagata gaosi pasi (ona o faʻaletonu), poʻo le faʻalapotopotoga faʻalotoifale e nafa ma le fausiaina o auala poʻo faʻamau. Afai e aafia se pasi e pulea e le malo (e pei o se pasi aʻoga), e mafai ona tulaʻi mai ni manaʻoga faʻapitoa o faʻamatalaga ma mataupu o le puipuiga a le malo, ma matua faigata ai nei mataupu. Attorney911 o loʻo i ai le poto masani e taulimaina nei vaituloto faʻaletulafono lavelave, e faʻamatalaina itu uma e mafai ona sese ma tuʻuina atu ai i latou i se tulafono. Matou te suʻesuʻeina ma le totoʻa faʻamaumauga a avetaavale, faʻamaumauga o tausiga, ma faiga faʻavae a kamupani, e faʻamautinoaina e leai se maa e leʻi faʻauluuluga. Afai na e manuʻa i se faʻalavelave pasi i Amerika Samoa, e taua tele le sailia vave o fautuaga faaletulafono. Valaau le 1-888-ATTY-911 i le aso mo se faʻatalanoaga fua.

Tagi Inisiua Leai Inisiua/Lalo-Inisiua (UM/UIM) i Amerika Samoa

E ui lava i uiga tulaga ese o Amerika Samoa, ae o le mea moni o avetaavale leai inisiua poʻo lalo-inisiua o loʻo tumau pea o se popolega, e pei lava ona iai i Texas atoa. E ui o le inisiua taavale laʻititi i Texas e 30/60/25 (o lona uiga $30,000 mo manuʻa o le tino i le tagata, $60,000 i le faʻalavelave, ma le $25,000 mo le faʻaleagaina o meatotino), o le toʻatele o avetaavale i luga o le auala e leai ni inisiua pe na o nei aofaʻiga laʻititi. Afai e te aafia i se faʻalavelave faʻatasi ma se avetaavale faapena ma maua manuʻa tuga, e masani ona le lava tele nei faiga faʻavae autu e totogi ai au pili faʻafomaʻi, tupe leiloa, ma le tiga ma le mafatia.

O iʻinane e taua tele ai lau inisiua Leai Inisiua/Lalo-Inisiua (UM/UIM). O lenei vaega taua o lau lava faiga faʻavae inisiua ua fuafuaina e puipuia oe pe a le mafai e le avetaʻavale sese. I Texas, e iai lou aia tatau e faʻapipiʻi faʻatasi ai inisiua UM/UIM mai taavale eseese i luga o lau faiga faʻavae e faʻateleina ai le taui e mafai ona e mauaina. Peitaʻi, e tusa lava pe e te faia se tagi i lau lava kamupani inisiua, e masani ona latou naunau e faʻaitiitia totogi e pei lava o le kamupani inisiua a le isi avetaʻavale. O le poto masani muamua a Lupe Peña i le galue ai mo kamupani puipuia a le atunuʻu e maua ai e a matou tagata faʻatau se avanoa e le mafaatusalia. Na te iloa a latou taʻiala mo le faʻatau maulalo o tagi, teena o le inisiua, poʻo le faʻamalosi mo faʻasalaga maualalo, e tusa lava pe o lau lava faiga faʻavae. Matou te tauivi malosi e faʻamautinoa ai e faʻataunuʻuina e lau kamupani inisiua ona tiute ma tuʻuina atu ia te oe le taui atoa e te tatau ai. Aʻoaʻo atili e uiga i tagi UM/UIM i la matou vitio YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8. Afai o loʻo e feagai ma lenei tulaga lavelave i Amerika Samoa, valaʻau Attorney911 i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se suʻesuʻega fua o lau tagi UM/UIM.

Faʻalavelave Tau Galuega ma Faʻalavelave Fausaga i Amerika Samoa

O auala ma atinaʻe e taua tele mo Amerika Samoa, ma faʻatasi ai ma le faʻaauauina o le atinaʻe, o nofoaga faigaluega o se vaega e le mafai ona ‘alo ese mai i la tatou laufanua o le avetaʻavale. E le gata i lea, o nei vaega e mataʻutia lava. I le 2024, na tupu ai le toeitiiti 28,000 faʻalavelave i nofoaga faigaluega a Texas, e iʻu ai i le 215 maliu mataʻutia—o se faʻateleina e 12% mai le tausaga na muamua atu. I le tulaga o le atunuʻu atoa, o maliu i nofoaga faigaluega ua faʻateleina i le 50% i le sefulu tausaga talu ai, ma le 60% o konekarate na lipotia mai o faʻalavelave i a latou nofoaga faigaluega. O nei fuainumera o se faʻamanatuga manino e tusa lava pe i Amerika Samoa, o nei vaega e tulaʻi mai ai se lamatiaga tele i avetaʻavale ma tagata faigaluega faufale.

O faʻalavelave i nofoaga faigaluega e masani ona aofia ai le tele o mea, e aofia ai avetaʻavale faʻavasega, saoasaoa, le lava o faʻailoga, poʻo le le lelei o le fuafuaga o nofoaga faigaluega. O le mataupu faʻanoanoa o Katrina Bond, o se tamaititi aʻoga kolisi na manuʻa oti i tua i se nofoaga faigaluega I-35 e latalata i Fort Worth e se avetaʻavale loli faʻavalevalea, e faʻamaonia ai taunuuga faʻatamaʻia. Na tulei atu lona taavale i luma o se isi loli. O nei faʻalavelave e mafai ona oʻo atu ai i manuʻa tuga ma faʻafitauli faʻaletulafono lavelave lea e mafai ona sese ai itu eseese, e aofia ai avetaʻavale faʻatamala, kamupani faufale, poʻo faʻalapotopotoga faʻalotoifale. O loʻo i ai le poto masani tele a Attorney911 i le faʻatautaia o nei tulaga lavelave. O la matou poto masani e aofia ai le tauivi ma kamupani e faitau piliona tala i mataupu e pei o le faʻamasinoga o le faʻamaʻi o le BP, e faʻaalia ai lo matou mafaia e feagai ma tagata faʻamasino sili ona malolosi i tagi faʻafuaseʻi lavelave, e aofia ai i Amerika Samoa. Afai o oe poʻo se tagata pele na manuʻa i se faʻalavelave i se nofoaga faigaluega i Amerika Samoa, aua le feagai na o oe. Valaau Attorney911 i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga fua e leai se noataga.

Tagi Maliu Sese i Amerika Samoa

E leai se mala sili atu nai lo le leiloa faafuaseʻi ma le le mautonu o se tagata pele ona o le faatamala o se isi i se faalavelave tau taavale. Mo aiga i Amerika Samoa, o le faatafunaga faalelagona e faaopoopoina i avega faafuaseʻi faaletupe, e aofia ai tau o falelauasiga, tupe leiloa, ma le matua leai o le mafutaga ma le lagolago. I Texas, e faataga e tagi maliu sese tagata o le aiga o loo totoe (toalua, fanau, matua) e saili se taui mo o latou lava leiloa, e pei o le leai o le mafutaga, mafatiaga faalemafaufau, ma le leai o se lagolago tau tupe. E le gata i lea, e mafai ona faia se talosaga mo le ola i le igoa o le esetete o le ua maliu e toe maua mai taui e mafai ona maua e le ua maliu pe ana ola, e pei o le tiga ma le mafatia a o lei maliu ma tupe faaalu faafomai na tupu ao lei maliu.

I le Attorney911, matou te taulimaina mataupu o le maliu sese ma le sili ona maaleale ma le mautu o le mautu. Matou te galulue e tuuina atu se fua o le amiotonu mo aiga faanoanoa e ala i le tuuina atu o le aitalafu atoatoa i itu sese. O loʻo i ai i le matou fomaʻi se faʻamaumauga malosi, e aofia ai le toe maua mai o le faitau miliona o tala i taui mo aiga o loʻo feagai ma mataupu o le maliu sese e fesoʻotaʻi ma le laʻu uta. Matou te malamalama e leai se tele o tupe e mafai ona sui lou tagata pele, ae e mafai ona tuuina atu se puipuiga taua faaletupe ma tuuina atu le tiute i itu faʻatamala mo a latou amioga. Afai na mafatia lou aiga i le le mafaufauina o le leiloa o se tagata pele ona o se faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa, faʻamolemole valaʻau le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se sui faaletulafono alofa ae faʻamalosi. O i matou o iinei e tau mo oe.

Faʻalavelave Tesla & Autopilot i Amerika Samoa

A o tupu tele le tekonolosi, e faʻapea foʻi ona faʻateleina le lavelave o faʻalavelave tau taavale. O le faʻateleina pea o faiga faʻafoe mo le avetaʻavale (ADAS) e pei o le Tesla’s Autopilot ma le Full Self-Driving (FSD) i taavale i auala o Amerika Samoa e faʻaopoopoina ai vaega fou o le noataga pe a tupu ni faʻalavelave. E ui o nei faiga e folafola atu ai le faʻaleleia atili o le saogalemu, o le faʻateleina o numera o faʻalavelave ma maliu e faʻatupuina ai ni fesili matuia e uiga i a latou faʻatinoga i le olaga moni ma faʻasalalauga tau maketi a Tesla. O faʻamatalaga a le NHTSA o loʻo faʻaalia ai e 70% le aofaʻi o faʻalavelave faʻafoe-avetaʻavale a le Tesla’s Autopilot, ma i le Tesema 2023, na faʻamalosia ai Tesla e toe faʻafoʻi le sili atu i le 2 miliona taavale ona o faʻaletonu.

O le Attorney911 o loʻo i luma o lenei vaega fou o le faʻamasinoga. O loʻo ia i matou le gafatia ma le poto masani e taulimaina mataupu lavelave o le noataga o oloa, e faʻavae i luga o lo matou poto masani i faʻamasinoga feterale ma le aafia o le matou fomaʻi i le faʻamasinoga o le faʻatamaʻiga o le BP, lea e faʻaalia ai lo matou gafatia e luʻitauina kamupani tetele. Pe a faalēaoga le Tesla Autopilot poʻo le FSD ma mafua ai se faʻalavelave, e mafai ona faʻalauteleina le noataga i tua atu o le avetaavale ia Tesla lava ia—ona o faʻaletonu i le polokalame poʻo masini, ona o le soona faʻamatala o agavaʻa o le faiga, poʻo le le lava o le aʻoaʻoina o avetaavale e uiga i tapulaʻa o le faiga. O mea na tutupu iloga, e pei o le maliu i Me 2016 i Florida lea na le mafai ai e le Autopilot ona iloa se loli paʻepaʻe 18-uili, poʻo le maliu ia Mati 2018 o se inisinia Apple i Kalefonia, e faʻamaonia ai taunuuga mataʻutia o nei faʻaletonu. E iloa e le matou fomaʻi mataupu maualuga e pei o le faʻamasinoga iloga lea na tuʻuina atu ai e se faʻamasino le silia i le $240 miliona faasaga ia Tesla ia Aokuso 2025. Afai o oe poʻo se tasi o ou tagata pele na aafia i se faʻalavelave Tesla poʻo isi taavale tutoʻatasi i Amerika Samoa, e te manaʻomia se loia e malamalama i le tekonolosi ma le faʻamasinoga faʻaletulafono e manaʻomia e tali atu ai tagata gaosi oloa malolosi. Valali le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga fua.

Faʻalavelave E-Scooter & E-Bike i Amerika Samoa

O E-scooters ma E-bikes e ofoina atu ni filifiliga faigofie ma le faʻalelei o le siosiomaga mo felauaiga, ma o loʻo tatou vaʻaia i latou e sili atu ona masani i Amerika Samoa. Peitaʻi, e iai foʻi lamatiaga fou e tulaʻi mai ma luʻitau tulaga ese pe a tupu ni faʻalavelave. E ui o se e-bike lautele i Texas e faʻavasegaina o se Taavale Vasega 1, 2, poʻo le 3, e le manaʻomia se laisene poʻo se resitala ma faʻatapulaʻaina i le 28 mph ma le 750W afi, o nei taavale e mafai lava ona aofia i faʻalavelave tuga. Ma afai e sili atu se e-bike i nei tulaga—e iai se afi malosi poʻo se saoasaoa maualuga—e mafai ona faʻavasegaina o se taavale afi, e suia atoa ai inisiua ma aafiaga o le noataga.

O faʻalavelave e aofia ai e-scooters poʻo e-bikes e mafai ona mafua mai i avetaavale faʻatamala, faʻaletonu o oloa (e pei o mumu o maʻa poʻo faʻaletonu o taofi), auala lautele le lelei ona tausia, poʻo tagata tiʻetiʻe faʻavalevalea lava latou. E lavelave le faʻamautuina o le noataga, e masani ona manaʻomia se suʻesuʻega maeʻaeʻa i faʻafitauli uma e fesoasoani. Mo se faʻataʻitaʻiga, ia Oketopa 2024, na tuʻuina atu ai i se tagata tiʻetiʻe e-bike a Portland na lavea e se SUV le $1.6 miliona. Afai na e manuʻa i se faʻalavelave e-scooter poʻo e-bike i Amerika Samoa, e taua tele le faʻatalanoa ma se loia e iai le poto masani i nei ituaiga mataupu fou. Valali mai Attorney911 i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga fua e malamalama ai i ou aia tatau ma filifiliga.

Faʻalavelave Tau Taʻavale Fua ma Taavale Faʻafuaseʻi i Amerika Samoa

O faʻaōō, loli mu, ma taavale a leoleo e taua tele i le tali atu i faʻalavelave faʻafuaseʻi ma le faʻatumauina o le saogalemu i Amerika Samoa. Peitaʻi, pe a aafia nei taavale i faʻalavelave, e mafai ona matua ogaoga tele le taunuʻuga ona o lo latou tele, saoasaoa, ma le natura faʻafuaseʻi. O ia faʻalavelave e masani ona aofia ai mataupu faʻaletulafono lavelave, e aofia ai le puipuiga a le malo, Lea e tuʻuina atu ai ni puipuiga faʻapitoa i ofisa o le malo ma a latou tagata faigaluega. E ui o taavale faʻafuaseʻi e faʻatagaina e sili atu i tapulaʻa saoasaoa ma le amanaia nisi tulafono o feoaiga i se tulaga faʻafuaseʻi, ae o loʻo manaʻomia lava latou e faʻagaioia ma le faʻaaloalo tatau mo le saogalemu o isi tagata uma i luga o le auala.

Afai e te manuʻa i se faʻalavelave e aofia ai se faʻaōo poʻo soʻo se isi taavale faʻafuaseʻi i Amerika Samoa, e masani ona iai ni manaʻoga faʻapitoa ma faʻamalosia o faʻamatalaga e tatau ona faʻataunuʻuina i se taimi e sili atu ona puʻupuʻu nai lo le lua tausaga o le tulafono o le faʻatapulaʻaina. O le le faʻataunuʻuina o nei aso faʻagata e mafai ona faʻamauina faʻavavau lau tagi. O le 25 tausaga faʻaopoopo o le poto masani a Ralph Manginello, e aofia ai faʻamasinoga lavelave, e saunia ai le matou fomaʻi e faʻatautaia nei mataupu faʻapitoa e aofia ai faʻalapotopotoga faʻalotoifale ma a latou faiga faʻavae faʻaletulafono. Afai o oe poʻo se tasi o ou tagata pele na aafia i se faʻalavelave faʻatasi ma se taavale faʻafuaseʻi i Amerika Samoa, e taua tele le sailia vave o fautuaga faaletulafono. Valaau le 1-888-ATTY-911 e puipuia ou aia tatau ma faʻamautinoa ai e faʻataunuʻuina aso faʻagata uma o le tulafono.

Faʻalavelave Tau Taavale Faʻapisinisi i Amerika Samoa

E le gata i loli 18-uili, o galuega faʻapisinisi i Amerika Samoa o lona uiga o le tele o isi taavale faʻapisinisi, e pei o van faʻatau oloa, loli faʻaopoopo, taavale faufale, ma taavale faʻaitumalo, e taua tele i le tatou tamaoaiga faʻapitonuʻu. E ui e leʻo tele e pei o loli tetele, o nei taavale e masani ona mamafa ma tetele nai lo taavale pasese masani, e oʻo atu ai i manuʻa tuga pe a aafia i faʻalavelave. E le gata i lea, e pei o faʻalavelave loli, o faʻalavelave taavale faʻapisinisi e masani ona aofia ai tagata puipuia e faʻapipiʻi e kamupani o loʻo iai faiga faʻavae inisiua tetele, e amata mai i le $1 miliona i le tele o miliona tala.

E mafai ona faʻalauteleina le noataga i tua atu o le avetaʻavale i le kamupani o loʻo pulea pe faʻafoeina le taavale, aemaise lava pe afai o iai se faʻafaigaluegaina faʻatamala, aʻoaʻoina le talafeagai, tausiga le lelei o taavale, poʻo se aganuʻu pisinisi na faʻatauaina le saoasaoa nai lo le saogalemu. O le gafatia o le matou fomaʻi e tauivi ma kamupani tetele, e pei ona faʻaalia i lo matou aafia i le faʻamasinoga o le faʻatamaʻiga o le BP, o se avanoa saʻo i nei mataupu. Matou te suʻesuʻe loloto i faʻamaumauga o le saogalemu a kamupani, agavaʻa o avetaʻavale, ma faʻamaumauga o le tausiga o taavale e fausia ai se mataupu malosi e faasaga i itu uma e nafa. Afai na e manuʻa i se faʻalavelave e aofia ai se taavale faʻapisinisi i Amerika Samoa, e te manaʻomia se fomaʻi loia e iai punaoa ma le poto masani e tauivi ma tagata puipuia faʻapisinisi. Valaau Attorney911 i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se suʻesuʻega fua o lau mataupu.

Faʻalavelave Faʻatonu Faʻatamala i Amerika Samoa

O le avetaʻavale faʻatamala o se faʻamaʻi mataʻutia ma faʻatauga tele i auala o Texas, e aofia ai i Amerika Samoa, e fesoasoani i le tele o faʻalavelave ma maliu e mafai ona puipuia. I le 2024, o le avetaʻavale faʻatamala o se vaega o le 380 maliu i Texas. O le laufanua faʻaonapo nei o faʻalavelave e sili atu nai lo le na o le feau tusitusi; e aofia ai mea uma lava mai le siakiina o mea faʻasalalau lautele, faʻasalalauina o vitio, faʻatautaia o polokalama faigata, i le ‘ai, teuteuina, poʻo le faia o soʻo se galuega e faʻalavelaveina ai le faʻalogo mai le auala.

Pe a tuʻua e se avetaavale ona mata mai le auala, tusa lava pe naʻo ni nai sekone, e mafai ona latou faimalaga i le umi o se fanua i le tauaso. O lenei le lava o le faʻalogo e matua faʻaleagaina lava le taimi e tali atu ai ma le faʻamasinoga, ma atili ai ona le mafai ona ‘alo ese mai faʻalavelave. O le faʻamaonia o le avetaavale faʻatamala e masani ona manaʻomia se suʻesuʻega maeʻaeʻa, e aofia ai le talosagaina o faʻamaumauga o telefoni feaveaʻi, auʻiliʻiliina o faʻamaumauga o faʻalavelave, ma faʻatalanoaina molimau. I le Attorney911, matou te tauivi malosi e maua le amiotonu mo tagata afaina i avetaavae faʻatamala. Matou te malamalama i le loloto o le aafiaga o nei faʻalavelave e mafai ona puipuia i tagata taʻitoʻatasi ma aiga i Amerika Samoa, ma matou te tauivi e faʻamautinoa ai e tali atu avetaavae faʻatamala mo a latou filifiliga mataʻutia. Afai o loʻo e masalosalo e faʻapea na mafua e se avetaavale faʻatamala lau faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa, faʻafesoʻotaʻi matou vave i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga fua.

Fa’alavelave e Fesoʻotaʻi ma le Tau i Amerika Samoa

E ui o Amerika Samoa e taʻutaʻua i lona tau lelei o le teropika, o tulaga faʻapitoa o le tau, pe o timuga mamafa, afā faʻafuaseʻi, poʻo le seasea ona tupu o se mea faʻafuaseʻi i le ea, e mafai ona matua fesoasoani i faʻalavelave tautaavale. O auala matagā ona o le timu faʻafuaseʻi, le vaʻaia lelei ona o le puao, poʻo luʻitau o le taʻavale i matagi malolosi e mafai ona fatuina ai tulaga matautia. E oʻo lava i avetaavale ua leva ona poto masani i Amerika Samoa e mafai ona maua i latou e leʻi saunia mo le vave ona suia o le tau, ma faʻamaonia ai le manaʻoga mo le faʻaeteete ma le faʻafoeina lelei o le taʻavale.

Pe a tupu se faʻalavelave e fesoʻotaʻi ma le tau, e masani ona taumafai kamupani inisiua e faʻavasegaina o se “gaioiga a le Atua” poʻo le finau e faapea o le tau na o le pau lea o le mafuaʻaga, ma faʻamavae ai le avetaavale mai le sese. Peitaʻi, o avetaavale e iai lava le tiute e faʻafoeina a latou taavale ma le saogalemu e faʻavae i tulaga o le tau. E aofia ai le faʻaitiitia o le saoasaoa, faʻateleina le mamao o le mulimuli, ma le faʻaaogaina o moli taavale. Afai e le mafai e se avetaavale ona fetuunai lona taavale i le tau matautia, e mafai lava ona faʻamauina lona noataga mo le faʻatamala. Attorney911 e suʻesuʻeina ma le totoʻa nei mataupu, e suʻesuʻeina mea e pei o le saoasaoa talafeagai mo tulaga, le mafiafia o le uili taavale, ma le faʻalogo lelei o le avetaavale, e faʻamauina avetaavale faʻatamala e tali atu e tusa lava pe o le tau o se mea e fesoasoani. Afai na e manuʻa i se faʻalavelave e fesoʻotaʻi ma le tau i Amerika Samoa, valaʻau le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se suʻesuʻega faaletulafono fua.

Faʻalavelave Tuloto i Amerika Samoa

O tuloto o fefaʻasoaʻiga ma, o le mea e faanoanoa ai, o nofoaga masani ia o faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa ma le lalolagi atoa. Latou te faʻatusalia ni vaega o loʻo faʻalua faʻatasi ai le tele o tafe o taavale, ma faʻateleina ai le avanoa e tupu ai feteʻenaʻiga. I Texas, e 1,050 maliu i tuloto i le 2024, e faʻamaonia ai lamatiaga e tulaʻi mai i nei vaega. O ituaiga masani o faʻalavelave i tuloto e aofia ai feteʻenaʻiga T-bone, feteʻenaʻiga faʻaulu (e masani ona mai liliu agavale i luga o le feoaʻiga), ma faʻalavelave faʻamau i tua ona o le taofi faʻafuaseʻi poʻo avetaʻavale faigata. O le alu i moli mumu ma le le tuʻuina atu o le ala e taua tele i le mafuaʻaga.

O le faʻamaonia o le sese i faʻalavelave i tuloto e masani ona faʻavae i luga o faʻamaoniga taua e pei o ata o leoleo o auala, faʻamatalaga a molimau, ma le toe fausiaina o faʻalavelave. E oʻo lava i Amerika Samoa, o pisinisi faʻapitonuʻu e latalata i tuloto e mafai ona iai ni mea puʻeata e puʻeina taimi taua. Afai o oe poʻo se tasi o ou tagata pele na manuʻa i se faʻalavelave i tuloto, o le faʻamautuina o nei faʻamaoniga vave e taua tele. O le matou fomaʻi e vave ona galue, e lafoina tusi faʻatumauina e maua soʻo se ata o loʻo maua aʻo leʻi toe tusi. Aua le faʻatagaina faʻamaoniga taua e leiloa. Valali mai Attorney911 i le 1-888-ATTY-911 vave pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave i tuloto i Amerika Samoa.

Faʻalavelave Vaʻa & Gataifale i Amerika Samoa

I le vaʻaia o le vai mama ma le faʻamoemoe i galuega tau le sami a Amerika Samoa, o faʻalavelave vaʻa ma le gataifale e avea ma se mea tulaga ese ma taua tele e tatau ona mafaufau i ai. O nei faʻalavelave e mafai ona amata mai i faʻalavelave vaʻa tafafao i mea e sili atu ona tuga e aofia ai vaʻa faʻapisinisi, vaʻa faiva, poʻo faʻalavelave foʻi e tupu i poʻo latalata ane i o tatou uafu matagofie ma uafu. Pe o se feteʻenaʻiga i luga o le vai, o se tagata na manuʻa aʻo alu i luga poʻo le alu ifo mai le vaʻa, poʻo se faʻalavelave e aofia ai le faʻaletonu o masini, o le faiga faʻavae faaletulafono e faʻatonutonuina nei mataupu e mafai ona ese ma lavelave, e masani ona paʻu i lalo o le tulafono o le gataifale poʻo tulafono faʻatonutonu a le feterale.

Ua faʻaalia e Attorney911 le gafatia i lenei vaega faʻapitoa. I se mataupu talu ai nei, na manuʻa ai le tua o le matou tagata faʻatau aʻo ia siʻiina uta i luga o se vaʻa. O la matou suʻesuʻega maeʻaeʻa na faʻaalia ai e tatau ona fesoasoani ia te ia i lenei galuega, e oʻo atu ai i se faʻaopoopoga tau tupe tele tele. O lenei taunuʻuga e faʻamaonia ai la matou auala maeʻaeʻa i le faʻaputuina o faʻamaoniga, malamalama i tulaga faʻapisinisi a le gataifale, ma le tuʻuina atu o le noataga i itu faʻatamala. Pe o oe o se faifaiva faʻapitonuʻu, o se tagata tafafao o loʻo fiafia i se malaga vaʻa, poʻo se tagata faigaluega o le gataifale, afai na e manuʻa i se faʻalavelave vaʻa poʻo le gataifale i Amerika Samoa, e te manaʻomia se loia e iai le poto masani faʻapitoa i lenei matata. Valali mai Attorney911 i le aso mo se faʻatalanoaga fua.

Faʻalavelave Taʻavale Faʻatau Oloa (Amazon, FedEx, DoorDash) i Amerika Samoa

O le faigofie o auaunaga faʻatau vave o lona uiga o taavale mai Amazon, FedEx, DoorDash, ma isi kamupani faapena o loʻo faʻateleina pea ona vaʻaia i auala o Amerika Samoa. E ui o nei auaunaga e aoga, ae o le tele o galuega faigata ma le maualuga o le popole mo tagata avetaavale faʻatau oloa e mafai ona oʻo atu ai i amioga faʻauli faʻatamala ma, o lea, o le faʻateleina o faʻalavelave. Pe a aafia se taavale faʻatau oloa i se feteʻenaʻiga, o faʻaiuga faʻaletulafono e mafai ona sili atu ona lavelave nai lo se faʻalavelave taavale masani.

O le tele o taimi, e aofia ai faiga faʻavae inisiua faʻapisinisi ma tapulaʻa maualuga (e oʻo atu i le $1 miliona pe sili atu), ma e mafai ona faʻalauteleina le noataga i tua atu o le avetaʻavale i le kamupani faʻatau oloa poʻo le faʻapotopotoga tele foʻi o loʻo latou konekarate ai. Mo se faʻataʻitaʻiga, o mataupu talu ai nei, e aofia ai le $16.2 miliona tala i Georgia e faasaga ia Amazon (lea na maua ai Amazon e 85% le noataga mo se tamaititi na lavea) ma le $105 miliona tala e faasaga i se Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) i Lopez v. All Points 360, e faʻamaonia ai le faʻateleina o le noataga o nei kamupani. O nei mataupu e faʻamamafa ai e faapea o le faiga o pisinisi, lea e mafai ona faʻamalosia ai le avetaʻavale matautia poʻo le aofia ai o avetaʻavale e le lava aʻoaʻoina, e mafai ona avea ma se mea taua tele i le noataga. O le Attorney911 o loʻo i ai le poto masani i le faʻatautaia o nei tagi faʻafuaseʻi e tele itu e aafia ai ma maualuga le tau. O le faʻamaumauga a le matou fomaʻi, e aofia ai faʻaiʻuga e tele miliona tala e faasaga i kamupani, o lona uiga ua matou i ai i se tulaga tulaga ese e tauivi ma nei faʻalapotopotoga malolosi mo a matou tagata faʻatau i Amerika Samoa. Afai na e manuʻa i se taavale faʻatau oloa i Amerika Samoa, faʻafesoʻotaʻi matou i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se suʻesuʻega atoatoa o lau tagi.

Lau Gaioiga Vave pe a maeʻa se Faʻalavelave Tau Taavale i Amerika Samoa: Le Polokalame Tukula 48-Itula

O taimi lava e maeʻa ai se faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa e masani ona gaogaosa, fenumiaʻi, ma tiga. E ui o lou faʻamuamua e tatau ona o lou saogalemu ma lou soifua maloloina, ae o le mea e te faia i itula ma aso muamua e mafai ona matua aafia ai lau tagi faʻaletulafono. E vave ona leiloa faʻamaoniga, ma e amata kamupani inisiua ona fausia a latou mataupu e faasaga ia te oe mai le aso muamua. I le Attorney911, matou te faʻamamafaina le taua o la matou polokalame 48-itula e puipuia ai ou aia tatau ma faʻasaoina faʻamaoniga taua.

ITULA 1-6 (FAʻATAMAʻIA VAVE):

Pe a uma ona e aafia i se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa, o le a oso maualuga lou malosi, ma e ono ufiufi ai manuʻa.

• Saogalemu Muamua: Afai e mafai ona e fealuaʻi saogalemu, ia e alu i se nofoaga saogalemu e mamao ese mai le feoaiga. E taua tele lou saogalemu.
• Valaau 911: Lipoti vave le faʻalavelave, tusa lava pe foliga mai e laitiiti. Talosaga mo se fesoasoani faʻafomaʻi, aemaise lava pe a iai ni tagata manuʻa. O le lipoti a leoleo o se faʻamaoniga taua mo lau tagi i le lumanaʻi.
• Saili Fesoasoani Faʻafomaʻi: Aua le faʻatuai. Alu i le potu faʻafuaseʻi lata ane poʻo le falemaʻi i Amerika Samoa. O le malosi o se vailaʻau malosi e faʻaitiitia ai le tiga; atonu e sili atu lou manuʻa nai lo le mea e te iloa. O se faʻatuai i le sailia o togafitiga o le a faʻaaogaina e kamupani inisiua e finau e faʻapea e leʻo tuga ou manuʻa pe na le mafua mai i le faʻalavelave.
• Faʻamauina ma le Totoʻa Mea Uma: Faʻaaoga lau telefoni feaveaʻi e puʻeina ai le tele o ata ma vitio.
  • Puʻeina ata o mea uma ua faʻaleagaina o taavale mai itu uma (luma, tua, itu, totonu).
  • Puʻeina le vaaiga o le faʻalavelave, e aofia ai tulaga o auala, moli o feoaiga, faʻailoga o taofi faʻafuaseʻi, ma lapisi.
  • Puʻeina ata o soʻo se manuʻa vaʻaia na e maua poʻo isi.
  • Puʻeina ata o soʻo se feau i lau telefoni e fesoʻotaʻi ma le faʻalavelave, ae AUA LE tapeina se mea.
• Faʻafesuiaʻi Faʻamatalaga: Maua le igoa, numera telefoni, tuatusi, kamupani inisiua, numera faʻavae, numera laisene avetaʻavale, ma numera laisene taavale a le isi avetaʻavale.
• Faʻailoaina Molimau: Fesili pe na vaʻaia e se tasi le mea na tupu ma maua o latou igoa ma numera telefoni. E taua tele a latou faʻatalanoaga tutoʻatasi.
• Valaau Attorney911: O le taimi lava e te mafaia ai, valaʻau i la matou laina faʻafuaseʻi, 1-888-ATTY-911. E mafai e le matou ‘au ona tuʻuina atu fesoasoani vave aʻo leʻi e talanoa i soʻo se sui o le kamupani inisiua.

ITULA 6-24 (FAʻASOAʻOGA O FAAOAOGA):

O loʻo faasolo le taimi mo molimau taua e mafai ona leiloa pe faʻaleagaina.

• Faʻasaoina Faʻatekinolosi: Faʻamauina uma ata, vitio, feau, ma telefoni e fesoʻotaʻi ma le faʻalavelave. Imeli kopi ia te oe lava pe lafo i le teuina i luga o le ao. Aua le tapeina se mea mai lau telefoni.
• Faʻamaumauga Faʻaletino: Faʻamauina lavalava ua faʻaleagaina, mata tioata, poʻo isi mea totino mai le faʻalavelave. Taofi lisiti mo le tosoina, moli taavale, poʻo soʻo se tupe faʻaalu vave. Aua le faʻaleleia lau taavale mo le taimi nei – o mea faʻaleagaina faʻaletino o se faʻamaoniga taua.
• Faʻamaumauga Faʻafomaʻi: Amata le talosagaina o kopi o lipoti uma a le ER ma pepa tuʻuina atu. Faʻatulaga se taimi toe faʻatasi ma lou fomaʻi autu i totonu o le 24-48 itula. O le faʻamauina faifai pea o ou manuʻa e taua tele.
• Fesoʻotaʻiga Inisiua: A’oa’o le valaau mai kamupani inisiua. Aua le tuʻuina atu se faʻamatalaga faʻamauina mo le taimi nei, poʻo le sainiina o se mea poʻo le taliaina o ni ofo faʻasalaga. Naʻo le taʻua, “E manaʻomia ona ou talanoa muamua i laʻu loia.”
• Lau’ele’ele Fa’asalalauga Fa’aagafesootai: Fa’asolo loa uma au tala fa’asalalau fa’aagafesootai ina ia natia. AUA LE tusiina se tala e uiga i le fa’alavelave, ou manu’a, po’o au gaioiga. O kamupani inisiua o le a mata’ituina au tala fa’asalalauga fa’aagafesootai e su’e ai se mea latou te mafai ona fa’aaoga e tetee atu ai i lau tagi.

ITULA 24-48 (FUAFUAGA FAʻALIGA):

O se taimi faigata lenei mo tagata faʻamoemoe.

• Faʻatalanoaga Faʻaletulafono: Faʻaaoga lau faʻatalanoaga fua ma Attorney911. Matou te toe iloiloina au faʻamaumauga ma tulaga faʻafomaʻi e amata ai ona fausia lau mataupu.
• Faʻasinoga Inisiua: Afai e toe faʻafesoʻotaʻia oe e kamupani inisiua, faasino saʻo ia i latou i lau loia. E le tatau ona e fesoʻotaʻi ma i latou aʻo e ola.
• Tee atu i Ofo Muamua mo le Faʻasalaga: O ofo e faia i aso muamua poʻo vaiaso e masani ona ofo maualalo. E le mafai ona e iloa atoatoa le tele o ou manuʻa poʻo manaʻoga faʻafomaʻi i le lumanaʻi i lenei taimi.
• Faʻamauina Faʻamatalaga Faʻasao: Lafo uma ata ma ata e fesoʻotaʻi ma faʻalavelave i se tautua i luga o le ao. Amata se laina o mea na tutupu aʻo leʻi fou ma manino lou manatua.

Le Fa’anatinati Fa’amaoni: Taimi Fa’aleagaina o Fa’amaoniga

O aso taʻitasi e tafe atu e matua faʻaleagaina ai le tau o lau mataupu.

• Aso 1-7: Ua amata ona mou atu manatuaga o molimau ma ua le mautonu le auiliiliga. Ua aveese mai le vaaiga ia faamaoniga faaletino taua e pei o faailoga o taofi ma otaota.
• Aso 7-30: O le taimi faigata tele lenei mo le pu’eina o vitio. O fale kāsini e masani ona taofi le vitio mo le 7-14 aso; o faleoloa fa’atau ma mea pu’eata mo feoaiga mo le 30 aso. A uma ona tape, o lenei fa’amaoniga taua e leiloa fa’avavau.
• Masina 1-2: Ua faʻamalamalama e kamupani inisiua la latou puipuiga. E mafai ona toe faʻaleleia lau taavale, ma faʻaleagaina faʻamaoniga faaletino.
• Masina 2-6: O faʻamaumauga a le masini faʻamaufaʻailoga eletise (ELD) a loli e mafai ona toe tusia. O faʻamaumauga o telefoni feaveaʻi e sili atu ona faigata ona maua.
• Masina 6-12: O avanoa i togafitiga faʻafomaʻi (e oʻo lava i mea faʻaletulafono) e faʻaaogaina e faasaga ia te oe. O pili faʻataʻavalevale e ono faʻamalosia oe e taliaina se faʻasalaga maualalo.
• Masina 12-24: O loʻo e latalata i le aso faʻagataga faʻatapulaʻu e 2 tausaga. Ua matua faʻaleagaina faʻamaoniga, ma ua faʻaitiitia le tau o mataupu.

Aisea Ua Vave ai le Gaioiga a le Attorney911

Matou te malamalama i lenei taimi faigata. I totonu o le 24 itula talu ona maua le Attorney911 i Amerika Samoa, matou te lafoina tusi faʻatulafono i itu uma e ono aofia ai. O nei tusi e manaʻomia faʻaletulafono i latou e faʻasaoina faʻamaoniga taua, mai ata o le mataʻituina i faʻamaumauga o le laʻu uta. O la matou suʻesuʻega vave e aofia ai le suʻesuʻeina o le nofoaga, talosagaina lipoti aloaʻia, faʻamautuina o ata, ma faʻatalatalanoaina molimau aʻo fou o latou manatuaga. O aso uma e te faʻatali ai o lona uiga ua leiloa faʻamaoniga. Valaau Attorney911 NEI: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Malamalama i le Tulafono o Taavale a Texas: Lou Aia Tatau i Amerika Samoa

O le faʻatautaia o le maeʻa o se faʻalavelave tau taavale e mafai ona faigata, aemaise lava pe a taumafai e faʻamatalaina faaupuga faʻaletulafono lavelave. Pe na tupu lau faʻalavelave i se tasi o auala tetele o Amerika Samoa poʻo se auala laʻitiiti o le nuʻu, o tulafono taua o loʻo pulea lau tagi e faʻavae i se faiga manino. I le Attorney911, matou te faʻamautinoa o a matou tagata faʻatau i Amerika Samoa e malamalama lelei i le faʻafoega o le tulafono a Texas ia latou mataupu, e tuʻuina atu ai le manino ma le malosi i a latou sailiga o le amiotonu.

Le Tulafono o Taimi Fa’atapula’a: O Se Aso Fa’agata Taua

O le tasi o mea e matua taua lava i le tulafono a Texas e uiga i manuʻa o le tagata lava ia o le tulafono o le taimi e faʻatapulaʻa ai. O lenei aso faʻagata faʻaletulafono e faʻamatalaina ai le umi o lou taimi e faila ai se faʻamasinoga pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave. E tusa ai ma le Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, mo le tele o tagi mo manuʻa o le tagata lava ia ma mea faʻaleagaina o meatotino, e masani lava ona e maua:

• 2 Tausaga mai le aso o le faʻalavelave mo tagi mo manuʻa o le tagata lava ia.
• 2 Tausaga mai le aso o le maliu mo tagi o le maliu sese.

O le le lava o lenei aso faʻagata e lua tausaga e matua leaga lava; o le a faʻamauina tumau lau mataupu, ma o le a leiloa lou aia tatau e saili ai taui faʻavavau. E ui o loʻo iai ni tuusaunoaga laiti, e pei o tamaiti laiti (lea e tolopo ai le taimi seʻia atoa le 18 tausaga) poʻo pe afai e leʻi vave maua le manuʻa (Discovery Rule), e seasea lava ma e lavelave. E matua iloa lelei e kamupani inisiua lenei aso faʻagata ma atonu latou te faʻaaoga togafiti faʻatuai, ma le faʻamoemoe e te lelava i le taimi. O le mea lea e taua tele ai le valaʻau i le Attorney911, lau ‘au faʻaonapo a le loia, i le 1-888-ATTY-911 vave pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa.

Tulafono o le Le Atoatoa Fa’atusatusa: Le Tulafono Fa’atapula’a 51%.

Texas e galue i lalo o se faiga faʻatusatusa o le le mafaia e le tagata tuʻuina atu, e masani ona taʻua o le “Tulafono 51% Faʻatapulaʻa.” O lenei tulafono e matua aafia ai le tele o taui e mafai ona e toe maua pe afai e maua oe o le vaega o loʻo sese i se faʻalavelave:

• Afai o oe e 50% pe itiiti ifo i le sese: E mafai lava ona e mauaina taui, ae o lau taui o le a faʻaitiitia e lau pasene o le sese. Mo se faʻataʻitaʻiga, afai ua tuʻuina atu ia te oe le $100,000 ae maua oe e 10% le noataga, e te maua le $90,000.
• Afai o oe e 51% pe sili atu i le sese: E te maua lava le leai. Ua maeʻa atoa lau tagi.

O lenei tulafono o se auupega autu mo kamupani inisiua. Latou te taumafai malosi e tuʻuina atu le sese sili e mafai ona ia te oe e faʻaitiitia pe aveese atoa a latou totogi. E oʻo lava i pasene laiti e mafai ona matua faʻaitiitia ai lau taui. O le matou loia lagolago, o Lupe Peña, na faʻaaluina le tele o tausaga e galue ai mo kamupani puipui a le atunuʻu, lea na ia masani ona faʻaaoga nei finauga faʻatusatusa o le sese e faʻamanuiaina ai kamupani inisiua. O le taimi nei, na te faʻaaogaina lena malamalama faʻapitoa e teteʻe ma le tomai i a latou taʻiala ma puipuia aia tatau a matou tagata faʻatau, e faʻamautinoa ai e le tuʻuaia le talafeagai tagata afaina i faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa.

Tulafono a Texas e uiga i le Inisiua Taʻavale Laititi (30/60/25)

E manaʻomia e le tulafono a Texas avetaavale uma e maua se inisiua faʻatapulaʻa maualalo, e masani ona taʻua o inisiua “30/60/25”:

• $30,000 mo le manuʻa o le tino i le tagata.
• $60,000 mo le manuʻa o le tino i le faʻalavelave.
• $25,000 mo le faʻaleagaina o meatotino i le faʻalavelave.

E ui o nei mea o tapulaʻa maualalo, e masani ona le lava e totogi ai manuʻa tuga i se faʻalavelave matautia. Afai e 15.4% le aoga o avetaavale e leai se inisiua, e taua tele lau inisiua Leai Inisiua/Lalo Inisiua (UM/UIM). E faʻataga e Texas le faʻapipiʻi faʻatasi o inisiua UM/UIM, o lona uiga e mafai ona e faʻaopopo inisiua mai le tele o taavale i lau faiga faʻavae e faʻateleina ai le taui e mafai ona e mauaina.

Tausaga Faʻaletulafono a Texas: Manino i Faʻafitauli

Matou te talitonu i le faʻamalosia o a matou tagata faʻatau i le malamalama. O faʻamatalaga faʻaletulafono autu ia o loʻo ono e feagai:

• Faʻatamala: O le le mafai ona galue e pei ona faia e se tagata faʻaeteete, e oʻo atu ai i le faʻaleagaina. E tatau ona tatou faʻamaonia elemene e fa: tiute, soligatulafono, mafuaʻaga, ma faʻaleagaina.
• Tiute o le Tausiga: O le noataga faaletulafono e galue ma le faʻaaloalo, lea o loʻo iai i avetaavale uma i auala o Amerika Samoa.
• Faʻaleagaina Faʻaleaganuʻu: O loʻo faʻamatalaina tupe leiloa, e aofia ai pili faʻafomaʻi, tupe leiloa, ma mea faʻaleagaina o meatotino. E leai ni tapulaʻa i faʻaleagaina faʻaleaganuʻu i Texas.
• Faʻaleagaina e Le Faʻatatauina: O mea leiloa e le mafai ona faʻatatauina, e pei o le tiga ma le mafatia, mafatiaga faalemafaufau, faʻaletonu faaletino, ma le leiloa o le mafutaga. E masani lava leai ni tapulaʻa i faʻaleagaina e le faʻatatauina i Texas, sei vagana ai mataupu o le faʻatamala faʻafomaʻi.
• Faasalaga Faʻaletulafono/Faʻataʻitaʻiga: Ua tuʻuina atu e faʻasala ai le faʻatamala tele poʻo le amio leaga, e masani ona faʻatapulaʻaina i Texas. E masani ona agavaa mataupu o le avetaavale onā.
• Tulafono o Faleoloa (Dram Shop Liability): E tatala atu ai nofoaga faʻaleaigoa mo le soona tautua i tagata o loʻo matapogia o loʻo faʻataʻavavaleina ma mafua ai faʻalavelave (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02).
• Inisiua Leai Inisiua/Lalo Inisiua (UM/UIM): O le puipuiga mo tagata leai inisiua/lalo inisiua, lea e puipuia oe pe afai e leai se inisiua a le avetaʻavale sese pe le lava.

Pe o e i Amerika Samoa poʻo se isi vaega o le setete, o nei tulafono e faʻavae ai lau tagi mo manuʻa o le tagata lava ia. Mo se iloiloga atoatoa o ou aia tatau pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave tau taavale, valaʻau Attorney911 i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga fua ma le faalilolilo.

Faʻamaonia o le Nofotaga ma le Fausiaina o Lau Mataupu i Amerika Samoa

O le faʻamautinoaina o le amiotonu pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa e faʻalagolago i le faʻamaonia o le nofotaga – o le faʻaalia lea o le faʻatamala o se isi itu na mafua ai ou manuʻa. I le Attorney911, faʻataʻitaʻia e Ralph Manginello, o loʻo ia i matou le tomai ma le malosi o le suʻesuʻega e fausia ma le totoʻa se mataupu malosi mo oe. O la matou faʻamoemoe e le naʻo le faʻamaonia o le sese, ae ia faʻamautuina ma le mautinoa tele e leai se filifiliga a kamupani inisiua ae na o le totogiina o se taui talafeagai.

Le Fa Elemene o le Le Atamai: Lo Tatou Faʻavae

Ina ia manuia i se tagi faʻalavelave tau afi i Texas, e tatau ona tatou faʻamaonia uma elemene e fa o le le atamai:

1. Tiute o le Tausiga: E iai le tiute faaletulafono a avetaavale uma i Amerika Samoa e faʻafoeina a latou taavale ma le saogalemu, usitaʻi i tulafono o feoaiga, faʻatumauina se vaaiga lelei, ma pulea a latou saoasaoa. O avetaavale faʻapisinisi, e pei o i latou o loʻo faʻafoeina le 18-uili poʻo taavale laʻu oloa, e iai se tiute sili atu o le tausiga e faʻavae i tulafono a le feterale e pei o le FMCSA.
2. Soligatulafono: E tupu lenei mea pe a solia e le avetaavale sese lana tiute o le tausiga. O faʻataʻitaʻiga e aofia ai le saoasaoa, le alu i moli mumu, le feau tusitusi aʻo avetaavale, le avetaavale aʻo onā, poʻo le le tuʻufaʻatasia.
3. Mafuaʻaga: E tatau ona tatou faʻamaonia e faʻapea o le soligatulafono a le isi avetaavale na mafua saʻo ai ou manuʻa. E masani ona taʻua lenei mea o le suʻega “ae vagana”: “Ae vagana” gaioiga le faatuaoia a le tagata puipuia, e te leʻi manuʻa. E tatau ona avea ou manuʻa ma taunuʻuga e mafai ona vaʻaia mai a latou amioga.
4. Faʻaleagaina: E tatau ona e mafatia i se faʻaleagaina moni – o le faileagaina faaletino, faaletupe, poʻo le faileagaina o lagona. E tatau ona mafai ona faʻatatauina nei mea, e pei o pili faʻafomaʻi ma tupe leiloa, poʻo le mafai ona faʻaalia, e pei o le tiga ma le mafatia.

Le Malosi o Faamaoniga: O Mea Tatou te Aoteleina

O le malosi o lau mataupu o loʻo faʻavae i luga o faʻamaoniga faʻamalosia. Matou te iloa tonu poʻo a faʻamaoniga e taua tele ma pe faʻafefea ona faʻamautu vave.

• Faʻamaoniga Faʻaletino: E aofia ai ata o mea uma ua faʻaleagaina o taavale (mai itu uma), faʻailoga o taofi faʻafuaseʻi, lapisi, ma mea faʻaleagaina o auala i le nofoaga. Matou te faʻamautinoaina e faʻamaumauina lenei mea aʻo leʻi leiloa.
• Faʻamaumauga Faʻamaonia: O lipoti a leoleo o faʻalavelave, faʻamaumauga o valaau 911, ata o leoleo o auala, ma ata puʻeata mai pisinisi lata ane i Amerika Samoa e taua tele. Matou te faʻaputuina foi au faʻamaumauga faʻafomaʻi, faʻamaumauga o galuega (mo tupe leiloa), ma afai e talafeagai, faʻamaumauga o telefoni feaveaʻi a le avetaavale sese (e faʻamaonia ai le faʻalavelave).
• Fa’amatalaga Fa’a-Eletise: I faʻalavelave taavale faʻapisinisi, matou te vave saili faʻamatalaga a le masini faʻamaufaʻailoga eletise (ELD) mai loli poʻo le masini faʻamaufaʻailoga faʻalavelave (EDR) (“black box”) mai taavale, lea e mafai ona toe tusia vave. O faʻamatalaga GPS ma ata puʻeata i le taavale e taua tele foi.
• Faʻamaoniga a Molimau: E matua taua tele faʻamatalaga a molimau ona o latou manatuaga e sili ona manino pe a uma le mea na tupu. Matou te valaʻau foʻi i le tomai o se fesoʻotaʻiga o tagata tomai faʻapitoa, e aofia ai tagata tomai faʻafomaʻi, tagata tomai i le toe fausiaina o faʻalavelave, ma tagata tomai faʻapitoa i galuega.

Itu tele e Noatia: Faʻateleina le Fesoʻotaʻiga

O le tele o faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa e aofia ai le sili atu nai lo avetaavale e toʻalua. O le faʻamaoniaina o itu uma e ono noatia e matua faʻateleina ai avanoa e maua ai le taui atoa.

• Faʻalavelave Fata: E le gata i le avetaavale o le loli, e mafai foi ona noatia le kamupani loli (ona o le faʻafaigaluegaina pe faʻaleagaina), le tagata uta mea, poʻo se tagata gaosi taavale.
• Faʻalavelave Tukala: E mafai ona faʻalauteleina le noataga i le avetaavale o le taavale laʻu tagata, le kamupani taavale laʻu tagata (Uber/Lyft), poʻo isi avetaavale sese.
• Faʻalavelave Avetaavale Onana: E mafai ona noatia le avetaavale onana, ae e mafai foi ona tali atu nofoaga na soona tautua ia i latou (i lalo o le Texas Dram Shop Act).

O le i ai o isi itu e noatia o lona uiga o le tele o faiga faʻavae inisiua e masani ona aofia ai, o lona uiga o le avanoa sili atu mo le toe maua. O Lupe Peña, ma lona talaaga i le puipuiga o inisiua, e matua tomai lava i le suʻeina o faiga faʻavae inisiua uma o loʻo maua ma le faʻamaoniaina o tagata puipuia uma e mafai.

Le Matafaioi o Molimau Tomai: Faamaoniga Faasaienitisi

I mataupu lavelave, o molimau tomai e tuʻuina atu ai le faavae faasaienitisi ma faʻatekinolosi e manaʻomia e faʻamaonia ai le noataga ma le tele o au faʻaleagaina.

• Tagata Toe Fausiaina Faʻalavelave: E mafai e nei tagata tomai ona auʻiliʻili le feteʻenaʻiga e faʻamautu ai le auala na tupu ai, saoasaoa, itu, ma poʻo ai na sese.
• Tagata Tomai Faafomai: Latou te faʻamaonia le tele o ou manuʻa, manaʻoga togafitiga i le lumanaʻi, ma manuʻa tumau.
• Tagata Fuafuaga mo le Tausiga o le Olaga: Mo manuʻa tuga, latou te faʻamatalaina le tau o le tausiga o le olaga atoa.
• Tagata Tomai Fa’afaigaluega: Latou te suʻesuʻeina lou gafatia e maua ai tupe leiloa, aemaise lava pe afai ua le mafai ona e toe faia lau galuega muamua.

I le Attorney911, matou te faʻaaogaina se fesoʻotaʻiga o tagata tomai faʻapitoa e faʻamalosia ai mataupu o a matou tagata faʻatau. O la matou auala maeʻaeʻa i le faʻaputuina o faʻamaoniga ma molimau tomai e faʻaalia ai la matou tautinoga e tau mo le taui sili ona maualuga mo tagata afaina i faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa. Aua le faʻatagaina faʻamaoniga taua e leiloa. Valaau le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga vave ma fua e amata ai ona fausia lau mataupu malosi.

Malamalama i Faʻaleagaina ma Taui i Amerika Samoa

Pe a manuʻa oe i se faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa, e te le o feagai naʻo le tiga faaletino ma le mafatiaga faalemafaufau; e masani ona e feagai ma avega tau tupe tetele. I le Attorney911, matou te talitonu e te tatau ona maua se taui atoa ma le talafeagai mo mea uma ua e mafatia ai. O o matou poto masani i le toe maua mai o faʻasalalauga e faitau miliona tala mo tagata faʻatau, e mautinoa ai matou te auʻiliʻiliina ma le totoʻa vaega uma o lau leiloa.

Ituaiga Faʻaleagaina E Mafai Ona E Toe Maua

I Texas, o faʻaleagaina e masani ona faʻavasegaina i tagata o le tamaoaiga, e le o ni tagata o le tamaoaiga, ma tagata o le faasalaga. Matou te tauivi e faʻateleina lau toe mauaina i vaega taʻitasi.

Faʻaleagaina Faʻatau Oloa (Leai se tapulaʻa i Texas)

O nei mea o loʻo faʻamaumau tupe leiloa e mafai ona faʻamaonia i lisiti, pili, ma faʻamatalaga totogi. E leai se tapulaʻa i Texas i le aofaʻi o faʻaleagaina faʻatau oloa e mafai ona e mauaina.

• Tupe Faʻaalu Faʻafomaʻi (Faʻasolopito & Lumanaʻi): E aofia ai mea uma mai asiasiga i potu faʻafuaseʻi, nofo i le falemaʻi, taotoga, faʻafomaʻi, togafitiga faaletino, vailaʻau, ma mea faʻafomaʻi ua uma ona e faʻaaluina, i le tau faʻatulagaina o au togafitiga faʻafomaʻi o loʻo faʻaauau ma i le lumanaʻi, lea e mafai e le tagata fuafuaina le olaga ona faʻamatalaina ma le totoʻa mo manuʻa tuga.
• Tupe Leiloa (Faʻasolopito & Lumanaʻi): E aofia ai soʻo se tupe e te leiloa ona o le le mafai ona galue talu mai le faʻalavelave, faʻapea foʻi ma lou leiloa o le gafatia e maua ai tupe—o le faʻaitiitia o lou gafatia e maua ai tupe i le lumanaʻi ona o ou manuʻa.
• Faʻaleagaina o Meatotino: Tau e toe faʻaleleia pe sui lau taavale ma soʻo se meatotino totino na faʻaleagaina i le faʻalavelave.
• Tupe Faʻaalu Lava ia: Isi tau e fesoʻotaʻi saʻo ma ou manuʻa, e pei o le felauaiga i faʻafomaʻi, suiga o fale mo le faigofie, poʻo le faʻafaigaluegaina o se fesoasoani mo galuega i le fale ua le mafai ona e faia.

Faʻaleagaina e le Faʻatatauina (Leai se tapulaʻa sei vagana ai Faʻalavelave Faʻafomaʻi)

O nei mea o mea leiloa e le mafaitaulia, e le iloagofie e matua aafia ai lou tulaga o le olaga, ae e moni ma tauia. E leai se tapulaʻa i Texas mo nei faʻaleagaina i mataupu o faʻalavelave tau taavale, e le pei o nisi setete.

• Tiga ma Mafatiaga: Taui mo le tiga faaletino ma le faʻanoanoa ua e onosaia ma o loʻo faʻaauau pea ona e onosaia.
• Mafatiaga Faalemafaufau: E aofia ai le faʻanoanoa faalemafaufau, popole, faʻanoanoa, fefe, ma le PTSD e mafua mai i le faʻalavelave.
• Faʻaletonu Faaletino: Taui mo soʻo se leiloa o le galuega faaletino, le atoatoa, poʻo tapulaʻa o ou manuʻa e tuʻuina atu i lou olaga i aso uma.
• Faʻaleagaina le Ata: Taui mo faʻailoga, manuʻa tumau e vaʻaia, poʻo suiga i lou foliga vaaia.
• Leiloa o le Mafutaga: Taui mo le aafiaga le lelei o ou manuʻa i au faiga faʻaipoipo poʻo aiga, e aofia ai le leiloa o le mafutaga ma le alofa.
• Leiloa o le Fiafia i le Olaga: Taui mo lou le mafai ona faia ni galuega, mea e fiafia i ai, poʻo faʻatasiga faʻaagafesootai na e fiafia i ai muamua ona o ou manuʻa.

O Fa’asalaga Fa’aleaga/Fa’ata’ita’iina (Ua Fa’atapula’aina)

O nei faʻaleaga e tuʻuina atu i mataupu o le faʻatamala tele, faʻasese, poʻo le leaga. O lo latou faʻamoemoe e le o le tauia o le tagata afaina ae ia faʻasala le tagata puipuia ma puipuia le toe tupu o amioga faʻatamala faapena mai isi. O mataupu o le avetaavale onā, mo se faʻataʻitaʻiga, e masani ona agavaa mo faʻaleaga faʻasalaga ona o le le amanaʻiaina faʻaleaga o le saogalemu. I Texas, o faʻaleaga faʻasalaga e faʻatapulaʻaina i le sili atu o le $200,000 POʻO faʻaluaina faʻaleaga faʻaleaganuʻu faʻatasi ai ma faʻaleaga e le faʻatatauina (ma le vaega e le faʻatatauina e faʻatapulaʻaina i le $750,000).

Tulaga Faʻaleagaina e Faʻavae i le Ituaiga Manuʻa: O le Mea e Faʻamoemoeina

E ui ina iai le malamalama e eseese mataupu taʻitasi, o nei tulaga e faʻaalia ai le taui e mafai ona maua e faʻavae i le ogaoga o le manuʻa:

• Manuʻa o Aano Vaivai (Whiplash, Sprains): Taula i le $15,000 i le $60,000, e sili atu pe afai e faʻamaʻi tumau.
• Ponaivi Gau (Faigofie, tasi): E tusa ma le $35,000 i le $95,000.
• Ponaivi Gau (Faʻatatau i le Taotoga – ORIF): E sili atu le maualuga, mai le $132,000 i le $328,000, e ufiufi ai tau o taotoga, togafitiga tele, ma tupe leiloa.
• Faʻaʻauʻauina o le Disc (Togafitiga masani): $70,000 i le $171,000.
• Faʻaʻauʻauina o le Disc (Faʻatatau i le Taotoga): E mafai ona oʻo atu i le $346,000 i le $1,205,000, e aofia ai tau o taotoga, toe faʻaleleia umi, ma le ono leiloa o le gafatia e maua ai tupe.
• Manuʻa Tuga o le Uo (Feololo i le Tuga): Taula mai le $1,548,000 i le $9,838,000, e atagia ai le loloto, aafiaga o le olaga atoa. Na maua e le matou fomaʻi se “Taui e faitau miliona tala mo se tagata o ia na maua se manuʻa o le faiʻai ma le le vaʻai pe a paʻu se ogalaau ia te ia i le kamupani suʻe fafie.”
• Manuʻa i le Sooga/Pili: O le sili ona tuga, ma tau o le olaga atoa e amata mai le $2.5 miliona i le sili atu i le $13 miliona, e oʻo atu ai i le tau faʻasalaga e amata mai le $4,770,000 i le $25,880,000.
• Amputation: E mafai ona amata faʻasalaga mai le $1,945,000 i le $8,630,000, e faʻatatau i tau faʻaopoopo e le masani ai o vaega ua vaeluaina, toe faʻaleleia, ma suiga loloto o le olaga. Na maua manuia e le matou fomaʻi se faʻasalaga e faitau miliona tala pe a “manuʻa le vae o le tagata o tausia i se faʻalavelave taavale. O faʻamaʻi pipisi i le taimi o togafitiga na oʻo atu ai i se vaega o le pipiiina. O lenei mataupu na nofoia i le miliona.”
• Maliu Sese: E mafai ona amata mai le $1,910,000 i le $9,520,000, e aofia ai tupe leiloa, tau o falelauasiga, ma le loloto o le faʻanoanoa mo tagata o le aiga. Attorney911 ua “fesoasoani i le tele o tagata manunuʻa ma aiga o loʻo feagai ma mataupu o le maliu sese e aofia ai loli e toe maua ai le faitau miliona o tala i taui.”

Le Auʻiliʻiliga o Faʻamasinoga Faʻatamaʻia: O Se Poto Sili Ona Taua

O Texas o se nofoaga autu mo “faʻamasinoga sili ona malolosi” – o faʻasalalauga a le faʻamasino e sili atu i le $10 miliona. Mai le 2009-2023, na vaʻaia e Texas le 207 o ia faʻasalalauga, e aofia ai le sili atu i le $45 piliona, ma avea ai ma setete muamua i le atunuʻu atoa mo nei faʻasalalauga tetele. O se vaega taua, 23.2%, e afua mai i faʻalavelave taavale. O faʻataʻitaʻiga talu ai nei e aofia ai le $81.7 miliona tala i se mataupu o le maliu sese i se faʻalavelave taavale ma le $105 miliona tala e faasaga i se Amazon DSP. O lenei faiga e faʻapea o kamupani inisiua e matua fefefe e alu i le faʻamasinoga e faasaga i se fomaʻi e iai se faʻamauina lelei o le manuia. O le sauniuni o le Attorney911 e alu i le faʻamasinoga, lagolagoina e a matou faʻaiʻuga e faitau miliona tala ma le poto masani a Ralph Manginello i le faʻamasinoga feterale, e maua ai ia i matou se avanoa taua i le faʻatalanoaina o le faʻasalalauga sili ona lelei mo a matou tagata faʻatau i Amerika Samoa.

Mea e Faʻateleina ai le Tau o Lau Mataupu

O le tele o mea e faʻateleina ai le tau e mafai ona e maua mai lau tagi: le manino o le noataga, manuʻa tuga (aemaise lava i latou e manaʻomia se taotoga poʻo le iʻu ai i le le atoatoa tumau e pei o le TBI poʻo le manuʻa o le sooga), pili faʻafomaʻi taugata, tupe leiloa tetele, faʻamaoniga malosi (vitio, tele molimau), ma amioga faʻatamala a le tagata puipuia (e.g., avetaavale onā). E le gata i lea, o mea e pei o le finauina o le noataga, avanoa i togafitiga faʻafomaʻi, poʻo mea sese i luga o fesoʻotaʻiga faʻaagafesootai e mafai ona faʻaitiitia ai le tau o lau mataupu. O le mea lea e taua tele ai gaioiga vave ma le maua o fautuaga faaletulafono mai le Attorney911 (1-888-ATTY-911) mai le aso muamua pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa.

Faiga Puipuiga Inisiua a le Attorney911: Lou Avanoa i Amerika Samoa

Pe a faʻalavelave lou olaga ona o se faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa, o loʻo e tiga, fenumiaʻi, ma matua lofituina. I le taimi nei, o loʻo galue malosi le kamupani inisiua a le avetaavale sese e faasaga ia te oe. O lo latou faʻamoemoe e le o lou soifua manuia; o le faʻaitiitia lea o a latou totogi. O iʻinane e avea ai le “faiga puipuiga inisiua” a le Attorney911 ma auupega sili ona malosi. O le matou loia lagolago, o Lupe Peña, na faʻaaluina le tele o tausaga e galue ai mo se kamupani puipuiga a le atunuʻu, ma maua ai le malamalama muamua ma taua e uiga i le auala e faʻatatauina ai e kamupani inisiua tetele tagi ma, sili atu ona taua, le auala latou te tau ai tagi. Na te iloa a latou taʻiala aua na ia fesoasoani e tusia, ma o le taimi nei e faʻaaoga e ia lena malamalama e tauivi malosi mo oe i Amerika Samoa.

Togaoʻoga #1: Faʻafesoʻotaʻi Vave & Faʻamatalaga Faʻamaumauga

O la latou Taʻaloga: I totonu o aso, poʻo itula foʻi, talu ona oʻo i lau faʻalavelave, o le a valaʻau oe e se tagata faʻatonu inisiua. Latou te foliga faʻaaloalo, popole, ma fesoasoani, ma latou te faʻamalosi oe e tuʻuina atu se faʻamatalaga faʻamaumauga “masani.” Latou te fai mai e naʻo le “faʻagasolo o lau tagi.”
O la Tatou Teteʻe-Faʻamatalaga: Latou te le o taumafai e fesoasoani ia te oe. Latou te aʻoaʻoina e fai ni fesili faʻatauaina, e faʻatasiina e faʻamatalaga e faʻaitiitia ai ou manuʻa, tuʻuina atu le tuʻuaiga, poʻo le faʻaīina oe i feteʻenaʻiga. O mea uma e te fai mai ai o le a faʻaaogaina e tetee atu ai ia te oe. E te le manaʻomia faʻaletulafono ona tuʻuina atu se faʻamatalaga faʻamaumauga i le kamupani inisiua a le isi avetaʻavale e aunoa ma lau loia o iai.
O la Tatou Taʻiala: Pe a e faʻafaigaluegaina Attorney911, matou te avea ma lou talipupuni. Matou te taulimaina feau uma ma le kamupani inisiua. Matou te iloa a latou fesili ma pe faʻafefea ona taliina e aunoa ma le faʻaaogaina o lau tagi, faʻafetai i le vaʻaiga faʻapitoa a Lupe. E pei ona faʻasoa e le tagata faʻatau o Brian Butchee, “Na sili ona lelei o Melanie. Na ia faʻamatalaina pea aʻu ma pe a na ia fai mai o le a ia toe valaʻau mai ia te aʻu, na ia faia. Na ou maua le avanoa e talanoa ai ma Ralph Manginello tasi ma vave lava ona iloa le auala na faʻafoeina ai lana Fomaʻi.” O lenei tulaga o le faʻaeteete e puipuia ai oe mai nei taʻiala faʻaonapo.

Togaʻoga #2: Le Ofa Faʻaiʻuga Vave

O la Latou Taʻaloga: I totonu o vaiaso, poʻo ni aso foʻi, o le a faia ai e le kamupani inisiua se ofa faʻaiʻuga vave ma maualalo. E manaia tele le faʻalogoina ona o loʻo e popole, tele pili e totogi, ma e manaʻo lava ia maeʻa le faʻalavelave. Latou te masani ona tuʻuina ni taimi faʻatapulaʻa faʻapitoa i nei ofo “E uma lenei ofo i le 48 itula.”
O la Tatou Teteʻe-Faʻamatalaga: O ofo muai e masani lava o se vaega itiiti o le tau moni o lau mataupu. E le mafai ona e iloa atoatoa le tele o ou manuʻa—poʻo ou manaʻoga faʻafomaʻi i le lumanaʻi—i se taimi vave pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave. O le taliaina ma le sainiina o se faʻamaʻoina o lona uiga e te faʻamagaloina tumau lou aia tatau e saili ai nisi taui, tusa lava pe faʻaalia mulimuli mai e se MRI se disc gase e manaʻomia se taotoga e $100,000.
O la Tatou Taʻiala: Matou te leʻi uma ona fautuaina tagata faʻatau e faʻaiʻu aʻo leʻi oʻo i le Faʻaleleia Faʻafomaʻi Maualuga (MMI)—o le taimi lena e le mafai ona toe faʻaleleia lou tulaga. Na iloa e Lupe le auala e faʻatatauina ai e kamupani inisiua tagi; na ia faʻatatauina muamua. Na te mafai ona vave iloa se ofo maualalo ma iloa le tele o le faʻamalosi e tatau ona matou faʻaaogaina e talosagaina se taui atoa ma le talafeagai.

Togavao #3: Le “Tumaoti” Suʻesuʻega Faʻafomaʻi (IME)

O la Latou Taʻaloga: E mafai e le kamupani inisiua ona manaʻomia oe e fai se “Suʻesuʻega Faʻafomaʻi Tutoʻatasi” (IME) ma se fomaʻi latou te filifilia.
O la Tatou Teteʻe-Faʻamatalaga: O lenei fomaʻi e le tutoʻatasi. O lenei fomaʻi e filifilia ma totogi e le kamupani inisiua e faʻaitiitia ai au manuʻa. Na iloa e Lupe Peña nei fomaʻi; na ia faʻafaigaluegaina i latou mo le tele o tausaga o se loia puipuia. O a latou lipoti e toetoe lava o taimi uma e taʻua ai ou manuʻa e “muamua,” “soona faʻatatau,” poʻo le “le fesoʻotaʻi ma le faʻalavelave.” Latou te faia ni suʻesuʻega vave ma filifilia faʻamatalaga e tetee atu ai ia te oe.
O la Tatou Taʻiala: Matou te saunia ma le totoa oe mo soʻo se IME. Matou te lafo atu uma au faʻamaumauga faʻafomaʻi atoa ma auiliiliga i le fomaʻi IME, ma faʻamalosia se iloiloga atoatoa. Afai e faʻaituau a latou lipoti, matou te luʻitauina i se matou lava fesoʻotaʻiga o tagata tomai faʻafomaʻi faʻatuatuaina. O le vaʻaiga faʻapitoa a Lupe e faʻataga ai matou ona vaʻavaʻai i a latou suʻesuʻega ma vave ona talepeina a latou finauga.

Togaʻoga #4: Faʻatuai ma Le Popolega o Tupe

O La Latou Taʻaloga: O kamupani inisiua e iai ni alagaʻoa ma taimi e leai se tapulaʻa. Latou te masani ona faʻatali le faʻagasologa o tagi, ma le faʻamoemoe e te faʻanoanoa. “O loʻo suʻesuʻeina pea,” “o loʻo faʻatali mo faʻamaumauga,” “o loʻo toe iloiloina le faila”—o na mea uma o ni ‘alofaga e faʻaleai ai oe seʻia e taliaina se faʻaiʻuga e maualalo ifo.
O La Tatou Teteʻe-Faʻamatalaga: Latou te faʻalagolago i au pili faʻateleina e faʻamalosia oe e fetuʻunaʻi. Matou te malamalama i lenei faʻamalosi.
O La Tatou Taʻiala: Matou te le taʻalo i a latou taʻaloga. Matou te faila faʻamasinoga e tuʻuina ai taimi faʻatapulaʻa, talosagaina faʻamatalaga, ma saunia mataupu uma mo le faʻamasinoga. O lenei mea e faʻailoaina ai i kamupani inisiua matou te ogaoga ma matou te le solomuli. Na malamalama Lupe i faʻaiʻuga faʻatuai aua na ia faʻaaogaina mo le tele o tausaga; o le taimi nei na te iloa tonu pe o afea ma pe faʻafefea ona tali atu e faʻamautinoa ai se faʻaiʻuga talafeagai mo a matou tagata faʻatau i Amerika Samoa.

Togavao #5: Mataʻituina ma le Mataʻituina o le Social Media

O la latou Taʻaloga: O kamupani inisiua e masani ona faʻafaigaluegaina tagata suʻesuʻe tumaoti e mataʻituina oe, ma pueina au gaioiga. Latou te suʻesuʻeina foi ma le totoʻa au tala faʻasalalau faʻaagafesootai, pueina ata, ata, ma faʻamatalaga—mai ia te oe ma au uo—e suʻe ai soʻo se mea e feteʻenaʻi ma au tagi o manuʻa. O se ata e tasi o oe o punou i lalo e mafai ona faʻapiʻopiʻoina e fai ma “faʻamatalaga” e te leʻi manuʻa tuga.
O la Tatou Teteʻe-Faʻamatalaga: “Na ou iloiloina le faitau selau o vitio mataʻituina ma tala faʻasalalau faʻaagafesootai o se loia puipuia,” o le tala lea a Lupe Peña. “O le mea moni lenei: E aveese e kamupani inisiua gaioiga le sala mai le tulaga. Latou te faʻamauina se FAME E TASI o oe o loʻo gaoioi ‘masani’ ma le amanaʻiaina le 10 minute o lou tauivi i luma ma tua. Latou te le o faʻamaumau lou olaga – o loʻo latou fausia ni auupega e tetee atu ai ia te oe.”
O la Tatou Taʻiala: Matou te fautuaina tagata faʻatau uma ina ia vave faʻamautuina a latou talaʻaga faʻaagafesootai ina ia faʻapitoa ma aua neʻi tusiina se mea e uiga i le faʻalavelave, o latou manuʻa, poʻo a latou gaioiga. Matou te saunia oe mo le mea moni o le mataʻituina ma suʻesuʻeina soʻo se faʻamaoniga latou te tuʻuina atu e faʻaalia ai lona uiga faʻaituau.

Togaʻoga #6: Finauga e uiga i le Le Aoga Faʻatusatusa

O la Latou Taʻaloga: O kamupani inisiua o le a taumafai malosi e tuʻuina atu ia te oe se pasene o le sese mo le faʻalavelave, e tusa lava pe e te matua talitonu o le isi avetaavale e naʻo le pau lea o le noataga. Latou te finau e faʻapea sa e saoasaoa, faʻatamala, poʻo e mafai ona e ‘alo ese mai le faʻalavelave.
O La Tatou Teteʻe-Faʻamatalaga: O le Tulafono 51% o le Le Atoatoa Faʻatusatusa a Texas o se faʻamalosia malosi mo i latou. Afai latou te mafaia ona tuʻuina atu ia te oe le 51% (pe sili atu) o le tuʻuaiga, e leai se latou totogi. E oʻo lava i se pasene laitiiti e mafai ona faʻaitiitia ai a latou totogi e faitau afe poʻo le faitau selau afe o tala.
O La Tatou Taʻiala: O le i ai o Lupe i lo matou itu o se avanoa tele lava iinei. Na te iloa le auala tonu e fausia ai nei finauga aua na ia faia lava mo le tele o tausaga. Matou te suʻesuʻe malosi e faʻamaonia le le faʻatamala o le isi avetaavale, faʻaaogaina tagata toe fausia faʻalavelave, faʻamatalaga a molimau, ma lipoti a leoleo e puipuia ai lau tagi.

Colossus & Polokalame Suʻesuʻe Tagi: Tatou te Manumalo i a Latou Faʻamasinoga

O kamupani inisiua e le naʻo le mateina o ofi faʻasalaga; latou te faʻaaogaina polokalame faʻapitoa e pei o Colossus. Na iloa lelei e Lupe lenei faiga aua na ia faʻaaogaina i lona taimi i le puipuiga. O lenei polokalame e tuʻuina atu ai faʻamatalaga o manuʻa, ituaiga togafitiga, ma tau, ona faʻaalia ai lea o se tau faʻasalaga e fautuaina—e masani ona fuafuaina e faʻatau maulalo manuʻa tuga. E aʻoaʻoina tagata faʻatonutonu e faʻaaoga numera manuʻa maualalo e mafai, e matua faʻaitiitia ai le “tau” o ou manuʻa.

O le poto masani a Lupe o lona uiga tatou te malamalama i le auala e faʻaalia saʻo ai faʻamaumauga faʻafomaʻi ma faaupuga faʻapitoa e maua ai faʻatatau maualuga i totonu o latou lava faiga. Na te iloa pe a faʻatauvaʻa le latou faʻatatau Colossus ma pe faʻafefea ona luʻitauina, e faʻamautinoa ai e maua e a tatou tagata o tausia i Amerika Samoa se suʻesuʻega talafeagai e faʻaalia moni ai o latou manuʻa tuga ma manaʻoga mo se taimi umi.

Togaoʻoga #7: Le Mailei Faʻatagaina Faʻafomaʻi

O la latou Taʻaloga: O le a talosagaina oe e le kamupani inisiua e saini se faʻatagaga faʻafomaʻi lautele e “faʻagasolo ai lau tagi.”
O la Tatou Teteʻe-Faʻamatalaga: Latou te mananaʻo i le avanoa atoa i lou talafaasolopito atoa faʻafomaʻi, e le na o faʻamaumauga e fesoʻotaʻi ma le faʻalavelave. Latou te suʻeina soʻo se tulaga faʻamaʻi ua iai muamua, e oʻo lava i tiga laiti mai tausaga ua mavae, e finau ai e faʻapea o ou manuʻa o loʻo iai nei e le o latou sese.
O la Tatou Taʻiala: Matou te faʻatapulaina faʻatagaga faʻafomaʻi i faʻamaumauga e fesoʻotaʻi naʻo faʻalavelave ma taimi faʻapitoa. Matou te puipuia lou le faalauaʻiteleina ma faʻamautinoa latou te vaʻavaʻai naʻo mea e talafeagai ma ou manuʻa o loʻo iai nei. Afai o loʻo ia te oe ni tulaga faʻamaʻi ua iai muamua, matou te faʻafaigaluegaina tagata tomai faʻafomaʻi e faʻamaonia ai e faʻapea na faʻaleagaina pe faʻateteleina i latou o le faʻalavelave, lea e mafai ona faʻasalaina atoa i lalo o le tulafono a Texas e uiga i le “tagata afaina fua.”

Togaʻoga #8: Osofaʻiga i Ofo i Togafitiga

O la Latou Taʻaloga: O kamupani inisiua e matua suʻesuʻeina au faʻamaumauga faʻafomaʻi mo soʻo se “ofo i togafitiga”—misi taimi faʻafoliga, faʻatuai i le va o le feiloaʻi ma fomaʻi, poʻo le taofi o togafitiga. Latou te finau e faʻapea o nei ofo e faʻamaonia ai e te leʻo manuʻa tuga pe sa faʻaleleia ou manuʻa.
O la Tatou Teteʻe-Faʻamatalaga: E masani ona tupu nei osofaʻiga ona o ni mafuaʻaga talafeagai, e pei o faʻafitauli tau tupe, faʻafitauli tau femalagaaʻiga, poʻo le avanoa o fomaʻi. E le popole kamupani inisiua i au mafuaʻaga; latou te vaʻai naʻo se avanoa e faʻaitiitia ai lau tagi.
O la Tatou Taʻiala: Matou te galulue faʻatasi ma oe e faʻamautinoa le faʻaauauina o togafitiga ma fesoasoani ia te oe e suʻe ni fomaʻi, e aofia ai i latou o loʻo taliaina tupe faʻatatau (togafiti nei, totogi mai le faʻasalaga). Afai e tupu ni osofaʻiga, matou te faʻamaumauina ma le malosi mafuaʻaga talafeagai i tua atu o latou ma faʻailoa lelei atu i le kamupani inisiua ma, pe a manaʻomia, i se faʻamasino. Na iloa lelei e Lupe lenei togafiti ma le auala e teteʻe ai ma le lelei.

Togavao #9: Le Fa’atauaina o le Tapula’a o le Faiga Fa’avae

O la Latou Taʻaloga: Latou te fai mai e na o le pau le faiga faʻavae a le avetaavale sese na o le pau lava, ma latou te finau e le mafai ona latou “totogi sili atu” nai lo, mo se faʻataʻitaʻiga, $30,000.
O La Tatou Teteʻe-Faʻamatalaga: O lenei mea e masani ona o se faʻafitauli. Latou te faʻamoemoe e te le suʻesuʻe atili. I le tele o mataupu, o loʻo iai ni vaega ua natia o inisiua, e pei o faiga faʻavae faʻaopoopo (atonu $1 miliona i le $5 miliona), faiga faʻavae faʻapitoa (pe afai o loʻo galue le avetaavale), poʻo faiga faʻavae a kamupani (mo tagata faigaluega).
O La Tatou Taʻiala: Matou te faʻatinoina suʻesuʻega maeʻaeʻa e suʻeina uma inisiua o loʻo maua. Matou te talosagaina faʻamatalaga atoa o faiga faʻavae ma, pe a manaʻomia, talosaga atu faʻamaumauga inisiua. O le poto masani tele a Lupe i inisiua e faʻataga ai i matou ona iloa faiga faʻavae natia e ono misia e isi loia. I se tasi faʻataʻitaʻiga moni, na fai mai se kamupani inisiua o le tapulaʻa o le faiga faʻavae e $30,000, ae matou te maua le sili atu i le $8 miliona i inisiua faʻaopoopo, ma faʻataga ai le matou tagata faʻatau e toe maua le $3.2 miliona nai lo le na o le $30,000. O le malosi lea o sui faaletulafono poto masani i Amerika Samoa.

Mo le silia ma le 25 tausaga, o le Attorney911 o loʻo faʻamauina ma faʻatoilaloina nei togafiti inisiua mo tagata afaina i faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa ma Texas atoa. Matou te tau mo oe, ma faʻaaogaina lo matou malamalama faʻapitoa ma faʻamauina lelei o le manuia e maua ai le taui sili ona maualuga. Afai na e aafia i se faʻalavelave, aua le feagai na o nei kamupani malolosi. Valaau le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se fesoasoani faʻaletulafono faʻafuaseʻi.

Medical Knowledge Encyclopedia: Malamalama i Ou Manuʻa

E mafai e se faʻalavelave tautaavale ona mafua ai le tele o manuʻa, mai mea e vave vaʻaia i mea e tuai pe faʻapitoʻaʻi, e mafai ona matua aafia ai lou olaga. I le Attorney911, matou te le naʻo le malamalama i vaega faʻaletulafono o lau mataupu; o loʻo ia i matou foʻi le malamalama loloto i mea moni faʻafomaʻi. O lenei auala tuʻufaʻatasi e faʻataga ai matou ona faʻailoa lelei le ogaoga o ou manuʻa i kamupani inisiua ma faʻamasino, e mautinoa ai e te maua le taui e faʻaalia moni ai lou tiga, mafatiaga, ma manaʻoga mo se taimi umi.

Manuʻa Tuga o le Uo (TBI)

O le manuʻa tuga o le faiʻai (TBI) o se tasi lea o taunuuga sili ona mataʻutia o se faʻalavelave tau taavale. E mafai ona amata mai i se faʻaletonu laʻititi o le ‘ulu (concussion) i se manuʻa tuga, e suia ai le olaga.

• Faʻailoga Vave: Leiloa o le malamalama (e oʻo lava i sekone), fenumiaʻiga, puaʻi, tiga tele o le ulu, tautala vaivai.
• Faʻailoga Tuai (Matua Taua): Faʻateteleina o tiga ulu, puaʻi faifai pea, faʻamaʻi tuga, suiga o amioga, suiga o lagona, faʻaletonu o le moe, maʻaleʻale i moli/leo, ma faʻafitauli o le manatuaina e tupu mai i itula poʻo ni aso mulimuli. E masani ona taumafai kamupani inisiua e teena tagi e faʻavae i luga o faʻailoga tuai, ae matou te galulue faʻatasi ma tagata tomai faʻafomaʻi e faʻamatalaina le masani o le alualu i luma o le TBI.
• Ogaoga: O TBI e faʻavasegaina o le vaivai (concussion), feololo, pe tuga. E oʻo lava i se TBI “vaivai” e mafai ona oʻo atu ai i le maʻi tumau o le post-concussive, ma faʻateleina ai le lamatiaga o faʻafitauli faʻaofafai i le lumanaʻi e pei o le tuai o le mafaufau ma faʻaletonu tumau o le mafaufau.
• Faʻalavelave Faʻaumiumi: E aofia ai tiga ulu tumau, faʻanoanoa (e aafia ai le 40-50% o tagata TBI), popole, ita, faʻaletonu o le mafaufau (manatuaina, taulaʻiga), ma e oʻo lava i faʻamaʻi tuga e tupu mai i tausaga mulimuli.
  Na faʻamautuina e le matou fomaʻi se “Taui e faitau miliona tala mo se tagata o ia na maua se manuʻa o le faiʻai ma le le vaʻai pe a paʻu se ogalaau ia te ia i le kamupani suʻe fafie,” e faʻaalia ai lo matou mafai ona maua se taui tele mo TBI tuga.

Manuʻa i le Sooga

O se manuʻa o le sooga (SCI) o se tasi lea o manuʻa sili ona mataʻutia e afua mai i se faʻalavelave tau taavale, e masani lava ona oʻo atu ai i le vaega poʻo le atoa o le pipii.

• Laasaga o Manuʻa: O manuʻa e faʻavasegaina e le o latou nofoaga i le sooga (cervical, thoracic, lumbar).
  • Cervical (Ua): O manuʻa maualuga o le cervical (C1-C4) e masani ona oʻo atu ai i le quadriplegia (pipii o vae uma e fa) ma le faʻalagolago i le ventilation. O manuʻa maualalo o le cervical (C5-C8) e mafua pea ai le quadriplegia ae e ono mafai ai ni galuega o lima/lima.
  • Thoracic (Tua-ogatotonu): E oʻo atu ai i le paraplegia (pipii o le vaega pito i lalo o le tino).
  • Lumbar (Tua-lalo): E iʻu ai i le eseese o le vaivai o vae poʻo le pipii, ma le le lelei o le manava/manava.
• Fua Faʻataʻitaʻiga ASIA: O lenei fua faʻasoa e faʻavasegaina le atoatoa o le manuʻa, mai le ‘A’ (leiloa atoa o galuega) i le ‘E’ (galuega masani). O la matou auala e iloa ai e oʻo lava i se faʻalavelave laʻitiiti e mafai ona faʻatamaʻia ai le lumanaʻi o se aiga.
• Faʻalavelave Lona Lua: O le SCI e oʻo atu ai i le tele o faʻalavelave mo le olaga atoa, e aofia ai manuʻa o le mamafa, faʻafitauli o le manava, faʻamaʻi pipisi, faʻaletonu o feusuaʻiga, autonomic dysreflexia, ma le faʻanoanoa, e masani ona faapuupuuinga ai le umi o le olaga. O le tau o le tausiga o le olaga atoa mo se SCI tuga e mafai ona sili atu i le $13 miliona.

Toso ese

O le toso ese, pe o se manuʻa faʻafuaseʻi i le nofoaga o se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa poʻo se taotoga e manaʻomia mulimuli ane ona o manuʻa tuga poʻo faʻamaʻi le pulea, o se taunuʻuga loloto ma suia ai le olaga.

• Ituaiga: E mafai ona faʻafuaseʻi (vaega e vave vaeluaina) poʻo le taotoga (aveesea ona o le faʻaleagaina poʻo le faʻamaʻi). Na manuia ona maua e le matou fomaʻi se faʻaiʻuga e faitau miliona tala mo se “tagata na manuʻa le vae i se faʻalavelave taavale. O faʻamaʻi pipisi i le taimi o togafitiga na oʻo atu ai i se vaega o le toso ese. O lenei mataupu na nofoia i le miliona.”
• Tiga o le Vaega ua Leai: O le toatele (80%) o tagata ua toso ese e mafatia i le tiga o le vaega ua leai—o le tiga tele e lagona i le vaega ua le o iai. E mafai ona tuga, faʻatamaʻia, ma e masani lava ona tumau, e manaʻomia ai le pulea le tiga mo le olaga atoa.
• Tau o le Olaga Atola: E le gata i taotoga muamua ma toe faʻaleleia, e feagai ai tagata ua toso ese ma le tau faʻaopoopo, faifai pea o vaega ua vaeluaina (e manaʻomia le suiina i le 3-5 tausaga ma e mafai ona tau i le $100,000 mo vaega faʻaonapo), suiga o fale, ma togafitiga faʻapitoa.

Manuʻa Mu

O faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa, aemaise lava i latou e aofia ai gaosoʻo o fusuaga poʻo afi o taavale, e mafai ona oʻo atu ai i manuʻa mu tuga.

• Faʻavasegaga: O mu e faʻavasegaina i le tikeri, mai le mu muamua (vaʻaiga e pei o le mu o le la) i le mu lona fa (e oʻo i maso ma ponaivi, e masani ona manaʻomia le faʻatamala).
• Ogaoga: O le pasene o le aofaʻiga atoa o le tino (TBSA) ua mu e faʻamaonia ai le ogaoga. O mu e sili atu i le 20% TBSA e manaʻomia togafitiga faʻapitoa i le falemaʻi mu tuga ma le tele o taotoga, ae o mu e sili atu i le 40% e matua mataʻutia lava le olaga.
• Aafiaga mo se Taimi Umi: O manuʻa mu e oʻo atu ai i togafitiga faʻafomaʻi tele, togafitiga faʻapitoa mo le paʻu e tiga, faʻailoga o le paʻu tumau, faʻaleagaina le tino, tiga tumau, ma le matua faʻatosina faʻalemafaufau, e aofia ai le PTSD. O lo matou aafia i le faʻamasinoga o le faʻatamaʻiga o le BP e tuʻuina atu ai ia i matou le poto masani tuusaʻo i le taulimaina o tagi mo manuʻa mu tuga e faasaga i kamupani tetele.

Faʻaosoosoina o le Disc

O le faʻaosoosoina o le disc o se manuʻa masani ae tiga tele ua maua i faʻalavelave tau taavale, aemaise lava mai le ‘ulugausi poʻo le lavea faʻafuaseʻi.

• Alualu i luma: E masani ona amata togafitiga i le mailei o vailaʻau ma togafitiga faaletino. Afai e le manuia lena, e mafai ona taumafai togafitiga faʻaʻofuʻofu e pei o tui epidural steroid. Afai e le manuia pea, e ono manaʻomia se taotoga (microdiscectomy poʻo le fusion), ma tau e amata mai i le $50,000 i le $120,000.
• Aafiaga mo se Taimi Umi: O le toʻatele o tagata e feagai ma tapulaʻa tumau, le mafai ona toe foʻi i galuega faaletino, ma le faʻaauauina o le pulea o le tiga, e oʻo atu ai i le tele o tupe leiloa. O faʻasalaga mo disc gase e manaʻomia se taotoga e mafai ona amata mai i le $346,000 i le sili atu i le $1.2 miliona.

Manuʻa Lafoaʻi vaivai

O manuʻa o aano vaivai, e pei o le ‘ulugausi, sprains, ma strains, o loʻo i ai i manuʻa e sili ona masani ona maua pe a maeʻina se faʻalavelave. E masani ona taumafai kamupani inisiua e faʻatau maulalo nei mea, ma finau e faʻapea e “laitiiti” aua e le o vaʻaia i le X-rays.

• Le Mea Moni: E ui e le masani ona vaʻaia, e mafai ona matua tiga ma faʻatamaʻia manuʻa o aano vaivai. O se pasene tele (15-20%) e tupu aʻe i faʻamaʻi tiga tumau, e oʻo atu ai i tapulaʻa faaletino mo se taimi umi ma le le mafai ona faia ni galuega poʻo ni galuega i aso uma.
• Faʻamaumauga Taua: O togafitiga faʻafomaʻi faifai pea e aunoa ma ni avanoa, lipoti auiliiliga o le tiga ma tapulaʻa i lau fomaʻi, ma faʻaiʻuga MRI e faʻamaonia ai le manuʻa e taua tele e teteʻe ai i taʻiala a kamupani inisiua. Na iloa lelei e Lupe Peña, mai lona talaaga o le puipuiga, le auala tonu e taumafai ai kamupani inisiua e faʻatau maulalo nei tagi ma le auala e tau ai ma le lelei.

Manuʻa Faʻalemafaufau

O le tiga o se faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa e sili atu nai lo manuʻa faaletino i aafiaga loloto faʻalemafaufau.

• PTSD: O le toatele o tagata na aafia i faʻalavelave (32-45%) e maua ni faʻailoga o le Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), e oʻo atu ai i le popole i le avetaavale, osofaʻiga faʻafuaseʻi, manatua leaga, miti leaga, ma amioga aloalo.
• Isi Manuʻa: O le faʻanoanoa, popole, ma le mafatiaga faalemafaufau e masani lava. O nei tulaga e mafai ona tauia ma matua aafia ai le tulaga o le olaga o se tagata na aafia ma lona gafatia e faʻamalolo.

I le Attorney911, matou te tuʻufaʻatasia faʻamatalaga a tagata tomai faʻafomaʻi, fuafuaga o le olaga, ma auʻiliʻiliga o galuega e faʻamaonia atoatoa ai le aafiaga vave ma mo se taimi umi o ou manuʻa. O lenei auala atoatoa e taua tele mo le toe maua mai o faʻasalaga e faitau miliona tala e tatau ai i a matou tagata faʻatau i Amerika Samoa. Valaau le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga fua ma le faalilolilo.

Aisea e Filifilia ai Attorney911: Avanoa Tulaga Ese e Lima mo Tagata na Manuʻa i Faʻalavelave Taavale i Amerika Samoa

Pe a suia lou olaga ona o se faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa, o le filifilia o sui faaletulafono saʻo o le filifiliga sili ona taua e te faia. E te manaʻomia le sili atu nai lo naʻo fautuaga faaletulafono; e te manaʻomia se fautua malosi, alofa, e malamalama i tagata faʻapitoa faʻalelotu aʻo faʻaofuina taʻiala faʻaletulafono fou. I le Attorney911, o se igoa tau fefaʻatauaʻiga o le Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, tatou te le gata ina folafola atu faʻaiʻuga – o le a tatou faʻataunuʻuina, lagolagoina e avanoa tulaga ese e faʻavasegaina ai i tatou.

Avanoa 1: Tagata Faʻamatalaga Inisiua Pulega – Le Avanoa Faʻapitoa a Lupe Peña

O le avanoa sili ona malosi lenei a la matou fomaʻi, o se avanoa e le mafai ona maua e se isi fomaʻi i Amerika Samoa. E pei ona taʻua e le matou fomaʻi, “Na galue Lupe Peña mo le tele o tausaga i se fomaʻi puipuiga a le atunuʻu, ma aʻoaʻoina muamua le auala e faʻatatauina ai e kamupani inisiua tetele tagi.” E le naʻo le poto masani lenei; o se malamalama faʻapitoa.

• Matou Te Iloa a Latou Taʻiala: Na fesoasoani Lupe e tusia. Na te iloa a latou taʻiala mo le tau maulalo, teena o tagi, ma le faʻaaogaina o suʻesuʻega faʻafomaʻi “tutoʻatasi” e faʻaitiitia ai manuʻa.
• Matou Te Vaʻavaʻai i a Latou Gaioiga: Ona o ia sa faʻaaogaina nei togafiti, e mafai ona tatou vaʻavaʻai i a latou laʻasaga e sosoo ai ma teteʻe atu ma le faʻatamala, ma tuʻuina atu ai i a tatou tagata faʻatau se avanoa e le talafeagai.
• Matou Te Tautala i a Latou Gagana: E malamalama Lupe i a latou polokalama faʻatatau i totonu (e pei o Colossus), o a latou tapulaʻa o le faʻamaʻoina, ma mea vaivai tonu lava i a latou finauga mo le puipuiga.
  O lona uiga mo a tatou tagata o tausia i Amerika Samoa, tatou te le gata ina tau malosi, ae tatou te tau atamai. Tatou te le na o le tali atu; tatou te faʻavae ma le vaʻavāʻaiga.

Avanoa 2: Faʻaiʻuga e Faitau Miliona Tala – Tatou te le Faʻamautu i le Maualalo

O la matou faʻamauina o le manuia o loʻo faʻaalia manino. Ua matou maua pea taui tetele mo tagata faʻatau o loʻo mafatia i manuʻa tuga.

• Manuʻa o le Faiʻai: Na matou maua le “Taui e faitau miliona tala mo se tagata o ia na maua se manuʻa o le faiʻai ma le le vaʻaia.”
• Amputations: Na faʻamaonia e le matou fomaʻi se mataupu faigata o manuʻa o le tagata lava ia i le “miliona” pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave taavale na oʻo atu ai i le toso ese o le vae o se tagata faʻatau ona o faʻamaʻi pipisi.
• Faʻalavelave Maliu Taavale: “I le Attorney911, o a matou loia mo manuʻa o le tagata lava ia ua fesoasoani i le tele o tagata manunuʻa ma aiga o loʻo feagai ma mataupu o le maliu sese e aofia ai loli e toe maua ai le faitau miliona o tala i taui.”
• Manuʻa o le Gataifale: Na matou maua se “tupe faʻaopoopo tele” mo se tagata faʻatau na manuʻa lona tua aʻo siʻiina uta i luga o se vaʻa.
  O nei faʻaiʻuga e faʻamaonia ai lo matou mautu, saunia mo le faʻamasinoga, ma le lelei. Ua iloa e kamupani inisiua lo matou igoa mo le le solomuli, lea e maua ai ia i matou se avanoa sili i feutanaiga mo a matou tagata faʻatau i Amerika Samoa.

Avanoa 3: Poto Masani i le Faʻamasinoga Feterale – Saunia mo Mataupu Sili Ona Lavelave

Ua ulufale Ralph Manginello i le U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, o se faʻailoga e le o maua e le toʻatele o loia.

• Faʻamasinoga Lavelave: O le tele o mataupu faigata, aemaise lava i latou e aofia ai le uta faʻapisinisi (faʻatonutonuga a le FMCSA), o le noataga o oloa (e pei o faʻalavelave a Tesla), poʻo tagata puipuia faʻapisinisi mai fafo, e faʻagasolo i le faʻamasinoga feterale. O lo matou poto masani iinei o lona uiga ua matou sauni mo luʻitau sili ona lavelave.
• Tauivi ma Tagata Tetele: O le matou fomaʻi sa “o se tasi o nai fomaʻi i Texas na aafia i le faʻamasinoga o le faʻatamaʻiga o le BP.” O lenei mea e faʻaalia ai lo matou gafatia ma le naunau e tauivi ma kamupani tetele faʻavaomalo—o se tulaga o le poto masani e taua tele mo tagi faʻalavelave tetele i Amerika Samoa.

Avanoa 4: Faʻalogo Faʻapitoa – O Oe o se Aiga

Matou te faʻalogoina le tele o tala mai tagata faʻatau na lagona le tuulafoeina e isi fomaʻi, na faia e pei o se numera mataupu. E le faʻapea la matou galuega.

• Avanoa Saʻo: E te galulue saʻo ma Ralph Manginello poʻo Lupe Peña, ae le naʻo le aufaigaluega fesoasoani i se auala “faʻapipiʻi.”
• Fesoʻotaʻiga Faifai Pea: E pei ona faʻamaonia e Dame Haskett, “Fesoʻotaʻiga faifai pea, ma e leai se taimi na ou valaʻau ai ae le maua se tali manino…na faʻafesoʻotaʻi mai Ralph.”
• Alofa Moni: “E leʻi ou lagona lava o aʻu o se ‘naʻo se isi mataupu’ o loʻo latou galulue ai,” o le tala lea a Ambur Hamilton. Na faʻaalia malosi e Chad Harris, “E TE LE o se faʻafitauli ia i latou ma E TE LE naʻo se tagata faʻatau…O outou o se AIGA ia i latou.”
  O lenei auala alofa, faʻatatau i tagata faʻatau, o lona uiga e te le lagona lava le tuulafoeina aʻo e faʻatautaia lou toe faʻaleleia i Amerika Samoa.

Avanoa 5: Totogifuapau – Leai se Tulaga Faʻamātuitu mo Oe

Matou te malamalama e faʻapea pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave, o le mea mulimuli e te manaʻomia o le tele o avega tau tupe. O le mea lea matou te galulue ai i le faiga o totogifuapau.

• Leai ni Tau Muamua: E te le totogiina lava se mea e faʻafaigaluega ai matou.
• Matou Te Totogiina Tupe Faʻaalu: Matou te ufiufi uma tau o mataupu, mai suʻesuʻega i pili a tagata tomai faʻapitoa.
• Matou Te Maua naʻo le Mataupu Faʻatagaina pe a Matou Manumalo: O la matou folafolaga e faigofie: “Matou te le totogiina seʻi vagana ua matou manumalo i lau mataupu.” Afai e le matou te maua se taui mo oe, e te leai se aitalafu ia matou. O lenei mea e aveese ai le tulaga faʻamātuitu ma faʻamautinoa ai e mafai e tagata uma i Amerika Samoa ona maua le amiotonu.

Mo le silia ma le lua sefulu tausaga, o Ralph Manginello ma le ‘au atoa a le Attorney911 ua tauivi malosi mo aia tatau a tagata afaina i faʻalavelave. Matou te tuʻufaʻatasia le malamalama faʻapitonuʻu ma le poto masani i le tulaga faʻaitumalo ma se vaʻaiga faʻapitoa i le alamanuia inisiua. Afai e te manaʻomia se tali faʻaletulafono faʻafuaseʻi pe a maeʻina se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa, filifili le fomaʻi ma avanoa tulaga ese. Valaau mai i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga fua, e leai se noataga.

Fesili e Masani Ona Fesiligia e uiga i Faalavelave Tau Taavale i Amerika Samoa: Ua Taliina Au Fesili

O le tofotofoina o se faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa e mafai ona matua fenumiaʻi. Atonu e tele ni au fesili e uiga i mea e fai e sosoo ai, o ou aia tatau, ma pe faʻafefea ona puipuia lou lumanaʻi. Ua matou tuʻufaʻatasia tali i fesili masani e fesiligia e a matou tagata faʻatau, e tuʻuina atu ai ia te oe faʻamatalaga manino, e mafai ona galue.

Vave pe a maeʻa le Faʻalavelave

1. O le a se mea e tatau ona ou faia vave pe a uma se faalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa?
Afai ua e aafia i se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa, ia faʻamuamua muamua le saogalemu. Valaʻau 911 e lipoti le feteʻenaʻiga ma talosaga mo se fesoasoani faʻafomaʻi pe afai e iai tagata manuʻa. Saili togafitiga faʻafomaʻi vave, tusa lava pe e te le lagona le tiga, aua e mafai e le adrenaline ona ufiufi manuʻa. Faʻafesuiaʻi faʻamatalaga ma le isi avetaavale ma faʻaputuina faʻamatalaga fesoʻotaʻiga mai molimau. E taua tele, AUA LE tuʻuina se faʻamatalaga faʻamaumautu i se kamupani inisiua e aunoa ma le faʻatalanoaina muamua o se loia. Ona, valaʻau Attorney911 i le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo fesoasoani faʻaletulafono vave.

2. E tatau ona ou valaau i leoleo e tusa lava pe laitiiti se faalavelave?
Ioe, valaau i taimi uma leoleo. O le lipoti aloaia a leoleo e taua tele mo lau mataupu. I Texas, e manaʻomia faaletulafono oe e lipoti faʻalavelave e aofia ai manuʻa, maliu, poʻo le faʻaleagaina o meatotino e sili atu i le $1,000. Mo se malamalamaaga manino, maua le lipoti a leoleo mai le ofisa e tali atu poʻo le Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) i Amerika Samoa.

3. E tatau ona ou sailia fesoasoani faafomai pe afai ou te le lagona le tiga?
E mautinoa. E masani ona tupu manuʻa tuga e pei o manuʻa tuga o le faiʻai, tafe toto i totonu, poʻo disc gase e le o vave ona iloa. O le adrenaline i le vaaiga o le faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa e mafai ona ufiufi le tiga ma puipuia oe mai le iloaina o le tele atoa o ou manuʻa. O kamupani inisiua o le a faʻaaogaina soʻo se faʻatuai i le sailia o togafitiga faʻafomaʻi e tetee atu ai ia te oe, ma finau e faʻapea e le o tuga ou manuʻa pe na le mafua mai i le faʻalavelave. E tatau ona siaki vave oe e puipuia lou soifua maloloina ma lau tagi e ono maua.

4. O a faamatalaga e tatau ona ou aoina i le vaaiga?
Aoina uma auiliiliga e oe:

• isi Avetaavale: Igoa, telefoni, tuatusi, numera laisene avetaavale, ma faʻamatalaga inisiua (kamupani ma numera faʻavae).
• Taʻavale: Faiga, faʻataʻitaʻiga, lanu, ma numera laisene o taavale uma o loʻo aafia.
• Molimau: Igoa ma numera telefoni o soʻo se na vaʻaia le faʻalavelave.
• Ata: Ata tele o faʻaleagaina uma o taavale, ou manuʻa, le vaaiga o le faʻalavelave, tulaga o auala, ma moli o feoaiga i Amerika Samoa.
• Leoleo: Igoa ma numera faʻailoga a le leoleo na tali atu, ma le numera o le lipoti a leoleo.

5. E tatau ona ou talanoa i le isi avetaavale pe taʻutino le sese?
Naʻo le faʻafesuiaʻi o faʻamatalaga taua o fesoʻotaʻiga ma inisiua ma le isi avetaavale. AUA LE talanoa e uiga i le sese, faʻamalie atu, poʻo le fai atu, “Ou te faʻamalie atu,” aua e oʻo lava i se amio agalelei e mafai ona faʻamatalaina sese o se faʻatagaga o le sese ma faʻaaogaina e tetee atu ai ia te oe e le kamupani inisiua. Tumau i mea moni.

6. E faʻapefea ona ou maua se kopi o le lipoti o le faʻalavelave?
I Amerika Samoa, e masani ona e maua le lipoti a leoleo mai le ofisa faʻamalosia tulafono na tali atu i lau faʻalavelave. E le gata i lea, e tele lipoti o loʻo maua e ala i le Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) i luga ole laiga.

Tulaga Faʻatasi ma Inisiua

7. E tatau ona ou tuuina atu se faamatalaga faamaumautu i le inisiua?
I le inisiua a le isi avetaavale: LEAI. E te le maua se noataga e tuʻuina atu ia i latou se faʻamatalaga faʻamaumautu, ma o le faia o lea e aunoa ma se fautuaga faaletulafono e toetoe lava o taimi uma e afaina ai lau mataupu. I lau lava inisiua: E iai sau tiute faʻakonekarate e galulue faʻatasi, ae e matua fautuaina lava e faʻatalanoa muamua Attorney911. E mafai ona matou fautuaina oe i mea e fai ma puipuia oe mai togafiti e mafai ona faʻaleagaina lau tagi.

8. E faʻapefea pe afai e faʻafesoʻotaʻi mai aʻu e le inisiua a le isi avetaavale?
Faʻalelei lelei, “E manaʻomia ona ou talanoa muamua i laʻu loia.” Tuʻuina atu naʻo lou igoa ma le aso o le faʻalavelave. AUA LE talanoa e uiga i ou manuʻa, auiliiliga o le faʻalavelave, poʻo lo latou sese. Faasino atu ia i latou ia Attorney911, ona o le a taulimaina e le matou ‘au faʻaletulafono i Amerika Samoa fesoʻotaʻiga uma atili mo oe.

9. E tatau ona ou talia le tau o le inisiua?
Leai. O le tau muamua a le kamupani inisiua e naʻo se ofo, ma e toetoe lava o taimi uma e sili atu ona maualalo nai lo le tau moni o lau tagi. O le Attorney911 e tele lona poto masani i le tauivi mo le tau moni o lau mataupu i Amerika Samoa, e masani ona maua le faitau miliona o tala.

10. E tatau ona ou taliaina se ofo faigata?
Aua le taliaina se ofo faaita vave e aunoa ma le iloa muamua o le tele atoa o ou manuʻa ma o latou aafiaga mo se taimi umi. O le taimi lava e te saini ai i se faʻamaʻoina o le faʻasalaga, e te faʻamagaloina faʻaletulafono lou aia tatau e saili ai nisi taui, tusa lava pe atili leaga ou manuʻa poʻo e tupu mai ni faʻalavelave fou i tausaga mulimuli. O nei ofo vave o taimi uma o ni taumafaiga maualalo a le kamupani inisiua.

11. E faʻapefea pe afai e leai se inisiua a le isi avetaavale/e le lava le inisiua?
Afai e leai se inisiua (UM) a le avetaavale sese poʻo le le lava o le inisiua (UIM), e mafai e lau lava inisiua Leai Inisiua/Lalo Inisiua (UM/UIM) ona tuʻuina atu se taui. O se puipuiga taua tele. O le malamalama faʻapitoa o Lupe Peña i taʻiala inisiua e taua tele i le faʻateleina o lau toe mauaina UM/UIM. Aʻoaʻo atili i la matou vitio: “Leai Inisiua & Lalo Inisiua Avetaavale” i le https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8.

12. Aisea e manaʻo ai le inisiua ia ou saini i se faʻatagaga faʻafomaʻi?
E talosagaina e kamupani inisiua faʻatagaga faʻafomaʻi lautele e maua ai le avanoa i lau talafaasolopito atoa faʻafomaʻi, e le naʻo faʻamaumauga e fesoʻotaʻi ma le faʻalavelave. Latou te suʻesuʻeina nei faʻamaumauga mo soʻo se tulaga faʻamaʻi ua iai muamua poʻo manuʻa muamua e faʻaaoga e tetee atu ai ia te oe, ma taumafai e finau e faʻapea o ou manuʻa o loʻo iai nei e le o la latou tiute. Aua le saini soʻo se faʻatagaga e aunoa ma se iloiloga faaletulafono mai Attorney911.

Faʻagasologa Faʻaletulafono

13. O le a iai se aʻu mataupu faʻaleaga?
Atonu o iai sau mataupu faʻaleaga pe afai na mafua e le sese o se isi itu se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa, e oʻo atu ai i ou manuʻa poʻo faʻaleagaina, ma o iai se faiga faʻavae inisiua poʻo isi aseta e mafai ona toe maua mai. Mo se suʻesuʻega auiliili, matou te faʻamalosia oe e matamata i la matou vitio: “E Ia te Aʻu se Mataupu Lelei?” i le https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-PMMP5Jims.

14. Afea e tatau ai ona ou faʻafaigaluega se loia mo faʻalavelave tau taavale?
E tatau ona e faʻafaigaluega vave se loia pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa. E vave ona mou atu faʻamaoniga (e pei o ata puʻeata e masani ona tapeina i totonu o le 7-30 aso), ma kamupani inisiua e amata ona fausia a latou puipuiga e tetee atu ai ia te oe mai le aso muamua. O gaioiga faʻaletulafono vave e puipuia ai ou aia tatau ma faʻasaoina faʻamaoniga taua. Valaau Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911.

15. O le a le umi o loʻo ia te aʻu e faila ai (tulafono o le taimi faʻagata)?
I Texas, o le tulafono o le taimi faʻagata mo le tele o tagi mo manuʻa o le tagata lava ia ma le maliu sese e 2 tausaga mai le aso o le faʻalavelave (poʻo le aso o le maliu). O le le lava o lenei aso faʻagata, e oʻo lava i se tasi aso, o le a faʻamauina tumau lou aia tatau e saili ai taui.

16. O le a le le atoatoa faʻatusatusa ma pe faʻafefea ona aafia ai aʻu?
E faʻaaogaina e Texas se “Tulafono Tulaga 51%” mo le le atoatoa faʻatusatusa. Afai e maua oe o le 50% pe itiiti ifo le sese mo se faʻalavelave, e mafai lava ona e maua ni taui, ae o lau taui o le a faʻaitiitia e lau pasene o le sese. Peitaʻi, afai e 51% pe sili atu foʻi oe le sese, e te le toe maua se mea. O kamupani inisiua o le a tauivi malosi e tuʻuina atu ia te oe le sese. Aʻoaʻo atili i la matou vitio: “O le a le Le Atoatoa Faʻatusatusa?” i le https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4.

17. O le a le mea e tupu pe afai na ou sese i se vaega?
E tusa lava pe e te sese i se vaega mo se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa, e mafai lava ona e mauaina taui pe afai o lou sese e faʻatatauina e 50% pe itiiti ifo. O lau taui atoa o le a faʻaitiitia e le pasene o lou sese. Mo se faʻataʻitaʻiga, afai o au faʻaleagaina e $100,000 ma e te maua e 20% le sese, e te mauaina le $80,000.

18. E tatau ona alu laʻu mataupu i le faʻamasinoga?
E ui o le Attorney911 e saunia mataupu uma mo le faʻamasinoga, o le tele o mataupu o manuʻa o le tagata lava ia e faʻamautu aʻo leʻi oʻo i le faʻamasinoga. O la matou sauniuni mo le faʻamasinoga, lagolagoina e se faʻamaumauga lelei o faʻaiʻuga e faitau miliona tala, e maua ai ia i matou se faʻamalosi tele i feutanaiga ma kamupani inisiua mo mataupu i Amerika Samoa. Matamata i la matou vitio: “E tatau ona alu Laʻu Mataupu i le Faʻamasinoga?” i le https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc.

19. O le a le umi e fai ai laʻu mataupu e nofo ai?
O le taimi e faʻamautuina ai se mataupu o manuʻa o le tagata lava ia e eseese e faʻatatau i le ogaoga o ou manuʻa ma le lavelaveina o lau tagi. Matou te le faʻamautu seʻia e oʻo i le Faʻaleleia Faʻafomaʻi Maualuga (MMI), o lona uiga o lou tulaga ua sili ona lelei. E mafai ona amata mai i le 6 masina mo manuʻa laiti i le 18-24 masina poʻo le umi atu mo manuʻa tuga, matautia.

20. O le a le faʻagasologa faaletulafono i lea laʻasaga ma lea laʻasaga?
O le faʻagasologa faaletulafono masani pe a maeʻina se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa e aofia ai:

1. Suʻesuʻega: Aoina faʻamaoniga ma faʻamaonia itu uma e noatia.
2. Togafitiga Faʻafomaʻi: Faʻaauau togafitiga seʻia oʻo i le Faʻaleleia Faʻafomaʻi Maualuga (MMI).
3. Tusi Tulafono Faʻatonu: Tuʻuina atu se talosaga aloaʻia i le kamupani inisiua.
4. Feutanaiga: Taumafai e maua se faʻasalaga talafeagai.
5. Faʻamasinoga (pe a manaʻomia): Faila se faʻamasinoga aloaʻia pe afai e le manuia feutanaiga.
6. Iloiloga: Faʻafesuiaʻi faʻamatalaga ma faia suʻesuʻega.
7. Faʻamatalaga: Toe taumafai le faʻasalaga e ala i se vaega lona tolu e le faʻaituau.
8. Faʻamasinoga (pe a manaʻomia): Faʻaalia lau mataupu i se faʻamasino.
   Mo se suʻesuʻega loloto i le faʻagasologa, matamata i la matou vitio: “O le a le Faʻagasologa mo se Tagi Manuʻa o le Tagata Lava ia?” i le https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzYymneDVs.

Taui

21. E fia le tau o laʻu mataupu?
O le tau o lau mataupu e faʻalagolago i le tele o mea, e aofia ai le ogaoga o ou manuʻa, le tele o au pili faʻafomaʻi, tupe leiloa, soʻo se faʻaletonu tumau e te mafatia ai, lou tiga ma le mafatia, ma le maua o inisiua. O mataupu i Amerika Samoa e mafai ona amata mai i le sefulu afe mo manuʻa laiti o aano vaivai i le faʻasalaga e faitau miliona tala mo manuʻa tuga e pei o le TBI poʻo le amputation.

22. O a ituaiga faʻaleagaina e mafai ona ou toe maua?
E mafai ona e toe maua faʻaleagaina tau le tamaoaiga (tau faʻamaumauina e pei o pili faʻafomaʻi ua tuanaʻi ma le lumanaʻi, tupe leiloa, ma mea faʻaleagaina o meatotino) ma faʻaleagaina e le tau le tamaoaiga (mea leiloa e le mafaitaulia e pei o le tiga ma le mafatia, mafatiaga faalemafaufau, faʻaleagaina faaletino, faʻaleagaina le tino, ma le leiloa o le fiafia i le olaga). I mataupu o le faʻatamala tele, e mafai foi ona tuʻuina atu faʻaleagaina faʻasalaga.

23. E mafai ona ou maua se taui mo le tiga ma le mafatia?
Ioe. O taui mo le tiga ma le mafatia o se vaega taua tele o mataupu o manuʻa o le tagata lava ia i Texas, e aofia ai i Amerika Samoa. E lē o iai ni tapulaʻa i taui mo le tiga ma le mafatia mo tagi mo faʻalavelave tautaavale, ma faʻataga ai le toe maua mai o se tau tele i mataupu o manuʻa tuga.

24. E faʻapefea pe afai e iai saʻu tulaga faʻamaʻi ua iai muamua?
E te matua mafai lava ona toe malosi pe afai na faʻatiga pe faʻateleina e le faʻalavelave lau tulaga ua iai muamua. O lenei mataupu faʻaletulafono e taʻua o le tulafono “tagata afaina fua,” o lona uiga o le tagata sese e tali atu mo manuʻa uma na ia mafua ai, e tusa lava pe sili atu lou vaivai i manuʻa ona o se tulaga ua iai muamua. Matou te galulue faʻatasi ma tagata tomai faʻafomaʻi e faʻamaonia le eseesega. Na iloa lelei e Lupe Peña, mai lona malamalama i togafiti inisiua, pe faʻapefea ona latou taumafai e osofaʻi tulaga ua iai muamua ma pe faʻafefea ona teteʻe atu i na finauga ma le lelei.

25. E tatau ona ou totogi lafoga i laʻu faʻasalaga?
E masani lava, o taui e maua mo manuʻa faaletino ma tupe faaalu faafomai E LE o mālūga lafoga i lalo o le tulafono feterale. Peitai, o faasalaga ma taui mo tupe leiloa (e faʻatatau i tulaga faapitoa) E MAFAI ona mālūga lafoga. E sili ona lelei le faʻatalanoa ma se tagata tomai faapitoa tau lafoga e uiga i lau faʻasalaga faapitoa.

26. E faʻapefea ona fuafua le tau o laʻu tagi?
O le tau o lau tagi e fuafua i le suʻesuʻeina maeʻaeʻa o au faʻaleagaina uma, e aofia ai le tau atoa o togafitiga faʻafomaʻi ua tuanaʻi ma le lumanaʻi, tupe leiloa ma le gafatia e maua ai tupe, le natura ma le tumau o ou manuʻa, le aafiaga i lou olaga i aso uma, ma le maua o inisiua. Matou te manatunatu foʻi i faʻaiʻuga faʻatusatusa ma faʻasalaga i Amerika Samoa ma nofoaga faʻapena.

Mafutaga Loia

27. E fia le tau o loia mo faʻalavelave tau taavale?
E galue le Attorney911 i luga o se faʻavae o totogifuapau. O lona uiga e te le totogiina lava se mea muamua. O lo matou totogi o se pasene o le toe mauaina mulimuli (e masani lava 33.33% aʻo leʻi faila se faʻamasinoga, ma 40% pe afai e manaʻomia se faʻamasinoga ma faʻagasolo le mataupu i le faʻamasinoga). Matou te totogiina uma tau o mataupu, ma afai e le matou te manumalo, e te leai se aitalafu ia matou. Matamata i la matou vitio: “E faʻapefea ona galue totogifuapau?” i le https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

28. O le a le uiga o le “leai se totogi seʻi vagana ua tatou manumalo”?
O lona uiga tonu lava: e te le totogiina ni totogi faaletulafono seʻi vagana ua tatou manuia i le toe maua mai o tupe mo oe, e ala i se faʻasalaga poʻo se faʻamasinoga. Afai tatou te le manumalo i lau mataupu, e te leai se aitalafu ia i tatou mo a tatou auaunaga faaletulafono. Tatou te faʻauluulu foi tupe faaalu o le mataupu, e faʻamautinoa ai e te le feagai ma ni avega faaletupe aʻo e saili le amiotonu.

29. E faʻafia ona ou maua ni faʻamatalaga faʻafouina?
I le Attorney911, o fesoʻotaʻiga faifai pea o se poutu autu o la matou tautua. E pei ona fai mai le tagata faʻatau Dame Haskett, “Fesoʻotaʻiga faifai pea, ma e leai se taimi na ou valaʻau ai ae le maua se tali manino.” Matou te mitamita i le faʻailoaina o a matou tagata faʻatau i Amerika Samoa i laʻasaga uma.

30. O ai o le a faʻatautaia moni laʻu mataupu?
I le Attorney911, e te le gagauina i tagata faigaluega laiti. E te galulue saʻo ma loia poto masani e pei o Ralph Manginello ma Lupe Peña. E pei ona faʻasoa e Chad Harris, “E TE LE na o se tagata faʻafitauli ia i latou ma E TE LE na o se tagata faʻatau…O outou o se AIGA ia i latou.” O lenei faʻaaloalo faʻapitoa e faʻamatalaina ai le matou fomaʻi.

31. E faʻapefea pe afai ua uma ona ou faʻafaigaluega se isi loia?
E ia te oe le aia tatau e sui ai loia pe afai e te le fiafia i lau sui faaletulafono o loʻo iai nei, pe afai latou te le o fesoʻotaʻi, pe afai latou te faʻamalosiina oe e talia se ofo maualalo. O le toʻatele o a matou tagata faʻatau Amerika Samoa e o mai ia i matou pe a maeʻa ona faʻanoanoa i isi fomaʻi. E pei ona taʻua e Greg Garcia, “I le amataga sa iai saʻu isi loia ae na ia tuʻuina loʻu mataupu e ui lava na mafai e le Mangiello Law Firm ona fesoasoani mai ia te aʻu.” Valaʻau 1-888-ATTY-911 e talanoaina faalilolilo le sui atu i le matou fomaʻi.

Mea Sese e ‘Aloese ai

32. O a mea sese masani e mafai ona faʻaleaga ai laʻu mataupu?
O le ‘alo ese mai faʻafitauli masani e taua tele e puipuia ai lau tagi i Amerika Samoa:

• Tuʻuina atu se faʻamatalaga faʻamaumautu e aunoa ma se fautuaga faaletulafono.
• Talia se ofo faʻaiʻuga vave ma maualalo.
• Faʻatuai pe iai ni avanoa i togafitiga faʻafomaʻi.
• Tusi talanoaga e uiga i lau faʻalavelave, manuʻa, poʻo galuega i luga o fesoʻotaʻiga faʻaagafesootai.
• Sainiina soʻo se faʻamaʻoina poʻo faʻatagaga e aunoa ma le iloiloga a le loia.
• Le faʻamaumauina mea uma i le nofoaga o le faʻalavelave.
  Aʻoaʻo atili e ala i le matamata i la matou vitio: “Mea Sese a Tagata Faʻatau e Mafai Ona Faʻaleagaina Lau Mataupu” i le https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

33. E tatau ona ou tusi i luga o fesoʻotaʻiga faʻaagafesoʻotaʻi e uiga i laʻu faʻalavelave?
E matua LEAI lava. O kamupani inisiua o le a mataʻituina ma le totoʻa ou tala faʻasalalau faʻaagafesoʻotaʻi. Soʻo se tala e uiga i le faʻalavelave, ou manuʻa, poʻo galuega e foliga mai e feteʻenaʻi ma ou tagi e mafai ona faʻaaogaina e fai ma auupega e tetee atu ai ia te oe. Faʻamautu vave ou talaʻaga uma e faʻasaoloto ma aua le tusiina se mea e fesoʻotaʻi ma lau faʻalavelave poʻo le toe faʻaleleia.

34. Aisea e le tatau ai ona ou saini i se mea e aunoa ma se loia?
O pepa saini i mataupu faaletulafono e taua tele. O le faʻaonoina e tumau ma e faʻamalosia faaletulafono oe, e puipuia ai soʻo se tagi i le lumanaʻi. O faʻatagaga faʻafomaʻi lautele e tuʻuina atu ai i kamupani inisiua le avanoa e le faʻatapulaʻaina i lou talafaasolopito faʻafomaʻi, lea e mafai ona latou faʻaaogaina. O ofo faʻasalaga o konekarate faʻamalosia. O le taimi lava e saini ai, e matua faigata lava, pe le mafai, ona toe faʻaaoga pe suia nei pepa. Ia faʻamautinoa o loʻo iloiloina e Attorney911 soʻo se pepa aʻo leʻi e saini.

35. E faʻapefea pe afai ou te leʻi vaʻai vave i se fomaʻi?
E sili lava le vave vaʻai i se fomaʻi pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave. Peitaʻi, afai e te leʻi faia, ia e vaʻai NEI. Faʻamatala o le ogaoga o ou manuʻa e leʻi vave ona iloa. O faʻailoga tuai e masani ona tupu, ma e mafai lava ona matou fesoasoani ia te oe e fausia se mataupu malosi e ala i le fesoʻotaʻi o ou manuʻa ma le faʻalavelave e ala i faʻamaumauga faʻafomaʻi talafeagai ma molimau tomai.

Isi Fesili Masani

36. E faʻapefea pe afai e iai saʻu tulaga faʻamaʻi ua iai muamua?
E te matua mafai lava ona toe malosi pe afai na faʻatiga pe faʻateleina e le faʻalavelave lau tulaga ua iai muamua i Amerika Samoa. E taʻua lenei mea o le tulafono “tagata afaina fua,” o lona uiga o le tagata sese “e ave le tagata afaina e pei ona ia maua.” Mo se faʻataʻitaʻiga, afai e iai sou tiga laitiiti i le tua muamua ae na mafua ai e le faʻalavelave se disc gase e manaʻomia se taotoga, e mafai ona e toe malosi mo le manuʻa fou ma le faʻateteleina o lou tulaga ua iai muamua. Matou te galulue faʻatasi ma tagata tomai faʻafomaʻi e faʻamaonia le eseesega. Na iloa lelei e Lupe Peña le auala e osofaʻi ai e kamupani inisiua tulaga ua iai muamua ma pe faʻapefea ona faʻatoilaloina na finauga ma le lelei.

37. E mafai ona ou sui loia pe afai ou te le fiafia i laʻu loia o loʻo iai nei?
Ioe, e ia te oe le aia tatau e tuli ai lau loia o loʻo iai nei i soʻo se taimi pe afai e te le fiafia i a latou fesoʻotaʻiga, alualu i luma, poʻo fautuaga. Afai e te lagona e faʻapea o lau loia o loʻo iai nei e le o tau mo oe poʻo loʻo faʻamalosiina oe e taliaina se ofo maualalo, e tatau ona e suʻesuʻeina au filifiliga. Na manuia le Attorney911 i le puleaina o le tele o mataupu mai isi fomaʻi loia. E pei ona faʻaalia e le tagata faʻatau Greg Garcia, “I le amataga sa iai se isi loia ae na ia tuʻuina loʻu mataupu e ui lava na mafai e le Mangiello Law Firm ona fesoasoani mai ia te aʻu.” Valia 1-888-ATTY-911 e talanoaina faalilolilo le sui atu i le matou fomaʻi.

38. E faʻapefea pe afai o le kamupani inisiua o laʻu lava inisiua (UM/UIM claim)?
E oʻo lava pe a e faia se tagi Leai Inisiua/Lalo Inisiua (UM/UIM) e faasaga i lau lava faiga faʻavae inisiua, e tatau lava ona e maua se sui faaletulafono. O lau lava kamupani inisiua o le a galue pea o se fili, ma taumafai e faʻaitiitia a latou totogi. O le poto masani faʻapitoa a Lupe Peña, na maua mai i le tele o tausaga o galue i totonu o le alamanuia puipuiga inisiua, e matua taua tele i nei tulaga ona o ia e malamalama i a latou togafiti mai le totonu.

39. E faʻapefea ona e faʻatatauina le tiga ma le mafatia?
O faʻaleagaina o le tiga ma le mafatia e masani lava ona fuafua e faʻaaoga ai se auala faʻateleina, lea e faʻateleina ai au tupe faʻafomaʻi i se mea (e masani lava i le va o le 1.5 ma le 5). O le mea faʻateleina faʻapitoa e faʻalagolago i mea e pei o le ogaoga o le manuʻa, le tumau, aafiaga faʻalemafaufau, ma le manino o le noataga. Mo se faʻataʻitaʻiga, o le $100,000 i tupe faʻaalu faʻafomaʻi ma se mea faʻateleina o le 4 o le a oʻo atu ai i le $400,000 mo le tiga ma le mafatia. O Lupe Peña, o ia na faʻatatauina nei tau mo kamupani inisiua mo le tele o tausaga, o loʻo i ai le malamalama faʻapitoa i le auala e faʻateleina ai lenei vaega o lau tagi.

40. E faʻapefea pe afai na ou lavea e se taavale a le malo (pasi a le aai, taavale a leoleo, ma isi)?
O faʻalavelave e aofia ai taavale a le malo i Amerika Samoa e aofia ai faʻafitauli faʻaletulafono faʻapitoa ma taimi faʻagata sili atu ona puʻupuʻu. E masani lava ona e failaina se faʻamatalaga aloaʻia o tagi i totonu o le 6 masina (e sili atu ona puʻupuʻu nai lo le 2-tausaga o le tulafono o le taimi faʻagata). O faʻalapotopotoga faʻalotoifale e masani ona puipuia e le puipuiga o le pule silisili ese, e faʻatapulaʻaina ai lo latou noataga. O nei mataupu e matua faʻapitoa lava, ma o le 25 tausaga faʻaopoopo o le poto masani a Ralph Manginello, e aofia ai faʻamasinoga feterale, e tuʻuina atu ai le tomai manaʻomia. Valaʻau 1-888-ATTY-911 vave pe afai na e aafia i se faʻalavelave faapena, aua o le le lava o le 6-masina faʻagata e mate ai lau tagi.

41. E faʻapefea pe afai na sola ese le isi avetaavale mai le nofoaga (na lavea ma sola)?
Afai o oe o se tagata afaina i se tagi tuʻua ma le tamomoʻe i Amerika Samoa, ia faila vave se lipoti a leoleo, aua o se solitulafono. O lau inisiua Leai Inisiua (UM) ua fuafuaina e fesoasoani i tulaga faapena. E taua tele, ia vave ona galue e faʻamautu ata mataʻituina mai fale kāsini, pisinisi, poʻo mea puʻeata o feoaiga e latalata i le nofoaga, aua o nei ata e masani ona tapeina i totonu o le 7-30 aso. Matou te lafoina vave tusi faʻatumauina e maua ai lenei faʻamaoniga taua.

42. E faʻapefea pe afai o aʻu o se tagata faʻaulufale mai e leʻi faʻatagaina—e mafai lava ona ou faila se tagi?
Ioe. E le afaina lou tulaga malaga mai i Amerika Samoa i lou aia tatau e sailia taui mo manuʻa na maua ona o le faʻatamala o se isi. E te maua aia tatau ma puipuiga faʻaletulafono e pei lava o isi tagata uma. O faʻamatalaga o lau mataupu e faalilolilo. E lelei ona tautala Lupe Peña i le gagana Sipaniolo, ma o le matou fomaʻi e tuuto atu i le puipuia o ou aia tatau ma le le faalauaʻiteleina e aunoa ma le faʻaituau. Valaʻau 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga faalilolilo.

43. E faʻapefea pe afai na tupu le faʻalavelave i se pakaina?
O faʻalavelave i nofoaga e paka ai taavale i Amerika Samoa e mafai ona totogi atoa. E ui o kamupani inisiua e masani ona taumafai e faʻailoga ia mea o ni “sese 50/50” (o se tagi e faʻasese), e mafai ona matou faʻamaonia le noataga e ala i ata vitio mataʻituina, faʻamatalaga a molimau, ma auʻiliʻiliga o faʻaleagaina o taavale, ma faʻaaoga tulafono a Texas e uiga i le le atoatoa faʻatusatusa mo oe. O loʻo ia i matou se faʻamauina lelei o le manumalo i mataupu o feteʻenaʻiga i nofoaga e paka ai taavale ma faʻamatalaga manino o le sese.

44. E faʻapefea pe afai sa ou avea ma pasese i le taavale sese?
Afai o oe o se pasese i se taavale na mafua ai se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa, e mafai ma e tatau ona e tuliloaina se tagi e faasaga i le inisiua a le avetaavale, tusa lava pe o se uo poʻo se tagata o le aiga. I le avea ai ma se tagata afaina le sala, e masani lava ona e leai se sese faʻatusatusa. O le inisiua noataga a le avetaavale o loʻo i ai e totogi ai pasese manuʻa. O nei mataupu e masani ona faʻamautu lelei ona o le manino o le noataga, ma matou te taulimaina feau faʻalilolilo, ina ia le manaʻomia oe e faia.

45. E faʻapefea pe afai na maliu le isi avetaavale i le faʻalavelave?
O le maliu faanoanoa o le avetaavale sese i se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa e le aveʻesea ai lou aia tatau e saili ai taui. E mafai lava ona e tuliloaina se tagi e faasaga i a latou meatotino ma a latou faiga faʻavae inisiua taavale, aua o le faiga faʻavae e aoga pea. E ui ina lavelave faʻalemafaufau, o nei mataupu e talafeagai faaletulafono, ma matou te faʻalatalata atu ia i latou ma le sili ona maaleale e faʻamautinoa ai e puipuia ou aia tatau.

Aisea e Filifilia ai Attorney911 mo Lau Faalavelave Tau Taavale i Amerika Samoa?

Pe a tupu se mea e leʻi mafaufauina, ma o se faʻalavelave tau taavale e tuua oe ua manuʻa ma le mautinoa i Amerika Samoa, o filifiliga e te faia e sosoo ai e taua tele. E te manaʻomia le sili atu nai lo naʻo fautuaga faaletulafono; e te manaʻomia se fautua malosi, alofa, e malamalama i auiliiliga faʻapitonuʻu aʻo faʻaofuina taʻiala faʻaletulafono fou. O le Attorney911, o se igoa tau fefaʻatauaʻiga o le Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, e le naʻo se isi fomaʻi loia; o matou o lau ‘au faʻaonapo a le loia ua tuuto atu i le faʻamautinoaina o le amiotonu mo oe.

O Poto Masani e Taua, O Faʻaiʻuga e Tautala: O le taʻitaʻia e Ralph Manginello, ma le silia ma le 25 tausaga o le poto masani i faʻamasinoga o Texas ma se ulufale faʻamaualuga i le faʻamasinoga feterale i le U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, o loʻo iai i la matou fomaʻi se faʻamauina lelei o faʻaiʻuga e faitau miliona tala. E aofia ai le faʻamautinoaina o se “faʻasalaga e faitau miliona tala mo se tagata na maua se manuʻa o le faiʻai ma le le vaʻaia” ma le mauaina o se faʻasalaga i le “miliona” mo se tagata faʻatau faʻalavelave taavale na manaʻomia se vaega o le pipiiina. O lo matou aafia i mataupu faigata e pei o le faʻamasinoga o le faʻamaʻiga o le BP o loʻo faʻamaonia atili ai lo matou gafatia e tauivi ma fili malolosi, mai tagata puipuia faʻapitonuʻu i Amerika Samoa i kamupani tetele.

Le Avanoa Faʻapitoa – Tatou te le Fair: O le matou loia lagolago, o Lupe Peña, e aumaia se vaʻaiga faʻapitoa: o tausaga na galue ai mo se kamupani puipuiga a le atunuʻu, ma aʻoaʻoina muamua taʻiala a kamupani inisiua. Na te malamalama i le auala latou te faʻatatauina ai tagi—ma le auala latou te taumafai ai e faʻaitiitia. O lenei malamalama faʻapitoa o lona uiga tatou te vaʻavaʻai i a latou togafiti, faʻaalia a latou fuafuaga, ma tauivi malosi ma taʻiala na faʻasalalauina i lo latou itu o le laulau. Leai se isi fomaʻi i Amerika Samoa e tuʻuina atu lenei avanoa e le mafaatusalia. E pei ona taʻu atu e Trae Tha Truth ma isi i le nuʻu, pe a ia faʻatuatuaina matou, e mafai foi ona e faia.

Faʻalogo Faʻapitoa, Tali Faʻafuaseʻi: Matou te iloa e te le naʻo se faila mataupu. E pei ona faʻaalia e le tagata faʻatau Chad Harris, “E TE LE o se fa’afitauli ia i latou ma E TE LE na’o se tagata fa’atau…O outou o se AIGA ia i latou.” Matou te mitamita i fesoʻotaʻiga tuusaʻo ma le alofa moni. Mai le taimi lava e te valaʻau ai i la matou laina faʻafuaseʻi, 1-888-ATTY-911, o lau faʻalavelave faʻaletulafono e avea ma la matou faʻamuamua. Matou te ofoina atu auaunaga vave, faigofie ona maua ma faʻamautinoa e te malamalama i laʻasaga uma o le faʻagasologa. O la matou aufaigaluega tuuto, e aofia ai Leonor ma Zulema, e viia e tagata faʻatau: “Na faʻafesoʻotaʻi mai Leonor ia te aʻu…Na ia aveese uma le avega o oʻu popolega mai oʻu tauʻau,” o le tala lea a Stephanie Hernandez. Ma mo a matou tagata faʻatau e tautala Sipaniolo i Amerika Samoa, e matou te tautala gagana lua: “Aemaise lava Miss Zulema, o ia e masani ona agalelei ma e masani ona faʻamatalaina,” o le faʻataʻitaʻiga lea a Celia Dominguez, ma o le “Hablamos Español” o se vaega autu o la matou tautinoga.

Leai se Totogi seʻia Matou Manumalo – Lou Ala i le Amiotonu: Matou te galulue i le faiga o totogifuapau, o lona uiga o a matou tagata faʻatau i Amerika Samoa e leai se mea e totogi muamua. Matou te totogiina uma tau o mataupu ma e naʻo le taimi e matou te manumalo ai e matou te totogiina pe afai e matou te maua le taui mo oe. O lenei tautinoga e mautinoa ai e le mafai e lou tulaga tau tupe ona taofia oe mai le tulituliloaina o le amiotonu e te tatau ai.

O auala o Amerika Samoa, e ui ina matagofie, ae e iai lamatiaga moni. Afai na e manuʻa pe o se tasi o ou tagata pele na manuʻa i se faʻalavelave tau taavale, aua le faʻatautaia na o le lavelave faʻale-tulafono ma le inisiua. Ia avea Attorney911 ma ou fautua tumau.

Fai le laʻasaga muamua i le amiotonu ma le toe faʻaleleia. Valali Attorney911 nei mo lau faʻatalanoaga fua, e leai se noataga.

Valaau 1-888-ATTY-911 – Lau Fesoasoani Faʻaletulafono Faʻafuaseʻi i Amerika Samoa

O lau tauiviga mo le amiotonu e amata i se valaau telefoni e tasi. Pe a maeʻa se faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa, e taua tele minute uma. Ua leiloa faʻamaoniga, ua faʻatupulaia kamupani inisiua e faasaga ia te oe, ma ua vave ona oʻo mai taimi faʻagata taua. Aua le faʻatagaina le fefe, fenumiaʻi, poʻo popolega faaletupe e taofia oe mai le puipuia o ou aia tatau.

I le Attorney911, o se igoa tau fefaʻatauaʻiga o le Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, ua matou sauni e tuʻuina atu le fesoasoani faʻaletulafono faʻafuaseʻi e te manaʻomia. O le matou ‘au, o loʻo taʻitaʻia e Ralph Manginello ma le silia ma le 25 tausaga o le poto masani, ma o loʻo faʻamalosia e le malamalama faʻapitoa a Lupe Peña i togafiti inisiua, o loʻo saunia tulaga ese e tau mo le taui sili ona maualuga e te tatau ai. Matou te tautua i Texas atoa mai o matou ofisa i Houston, Austin, ma Beaumont, ma o la matou tautinoga e oʻo atu i tagata faʻatau i Amerika Samoa atoa, e faʻamautinoa ai e te maua le sui faʻapitoa, alofa, ma faʻamalosi.

Aisea e Valaau ai Nei?

• Ua Leiloa Faʻamaoniga: O ata mataʻituina, manatuaga a molimau, ma faʻamaumauga faʻaeletonika e vave mou atu. Matou te lafoina vave tusi faʻatumauina e faʻamautu faʻamaoniga taua.
• O kamupani inisiua o loʻo galue pea e tetee atu ia te oe: O loʻo latou fausia se mataupu e faʻaitiitia ai lau tagi. AUA LE tuʻuina atu se faʻamatalaga faʻamaumautu pe saini i se mea e aunoa ma se fautuaga faaletulafono.
• O Lou Toefuataʻiga o Lo Tatou Faʻamuamua: Matou te pulea failelega o lau tagi, ma faʻataga oe e taulaʻi atu i le faʻamaloloina.
• Leai ni Tau Muamua, Leai se Lamatiaga: Matou te galulue i le faiga o totogifuapau. E te le totogiina se mea seʻia matou manumalo i lau mataupu, ma o lau faʻatalanoaga muamua e masani lava ona fua.
• Matou te Tautala Gagana Sipaniolo: O Lupe Peña ma a matou aufaigaluega gagana lua e faʻamautinoa e le o se pa pupuni le gagana.

Pe o loʻo e feagai ma se manuʻa faʻalavelave tau taavale, se feteʻenaʻiga 18-uili i luga o se auala autu, se faʻalavelave avetaavale onā, poʻo soʻo se isi faʻalavelave tau taavale i Amerika Samoa, o i matou o iinei e lagolagoina oe. Matou te tau mo faʻaiʻuga e faitau miliona tala, ma matou te saunia mataupu uma e pei o le a alu i le faʻamasinoga aua e iloa e kamupani inisiua matou te le o faʻafefe.

Aua le faʻatali. Puipuia lou lumanaʻi. Valaʻau Attorney911 mo lau faʻatalanoaga FUA, faalilolilo i le aso.

1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC | Ofisa Autu: Houston, Texas

Aʻoaʻo atili e uiga i ou aia tatau ma le matou fomaʻi i le https://attorney911.com poʻo le faʻafesoʻotaʻi mai saʻo i le https://attorney911.com/contact/.
Suʻesuʻe la matou faletusi tele o faʻamatalaga faaletulafono i la matou channel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Manginellolawfirm.
Faʻalogo ia Ralph Manginello e talanoaina mataupu moni o le olaga ma fautuaga faaletulafono aoga i le Attorney 911 The Podcast, o loʻo maua i le Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/bj/podcast/attorney-911/id1773141988.

ENGLISH

Navigating Life’s Sudden Turns: Your Guide to Motor Vehicle Accidents in American Samoa

Life in American Samoa, with its stunning landscapes and close-knit communities, often moves at a unique pace. Yet, even in our island paradise, the unexpected can happen. A motor vehicle accident can instantly transform lives, leaving victims with severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and deep emotional distress. We understand the profound impact these events have, not just on individuals, but on families and the fabric of our American Samoan community.

Here at Attorney911, a trade name of The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, we stand ready to advocate for you. Led by Ralph Manginello, with over 25 years of experience fighting for accident victims, we bring a level of expertise and insider knowledge that is exceptionally rare. We know navigating the aftermath of an accident can feel impossible, especially when you’re focused on healing and supporting your loved ones. Our mission is to lift that burden, providing clear guidance and unwavering support from the moment you call our emergency hotline, 1-888-ATTY-911. We believe that no one in American Samoa should face the complexities of a motor vehicle accident claim alone, particularly when powerful insurance companies are already working against your best interests.

Attorney911: Your Trusted Advocate in American Samoa

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring a law firm; you’re gaining a dedicated team intimately familiar with the legal landscape and the specific challenges faced by motor vehicle accident victims. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience extend to federal courts across Texas, demonstrating our capacity to handle the most complex cases, from local car crashes here in American Samoa to major industrial accidents. Our firm was one of the few involved in the BP explosion litigation, showcasing our readiness to take on even the largest corporations. This same fierce dedication is brought to every case we handle for our clients throughout American Samoa and beyond.

A critical advantage we offer to our clients in American Samoa stems from the unique background of Lupe Peña, one of our skilled associate attorneys. Lupe spent several years working for a national defense firm, gaining firsthand insight into how large insurance companies operate and value claims. He learned their strategies for minimizing payouts, identifying IME (Independent Medical Examination) doctors who consistently favor their interests, and building defenses against claimants. Now, he uses that invaluable insider knowledge to our clients’ advantage. This means we anticipate their tactics, understand their valuation methods, and relentlessly counter their attempts to undervalue your claim. As clients like Chad Harris tell us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” This personal attention, combined with our formidable legal prowess, is our commitment to you in American Samoa.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients never pay upfront legal fees. We cover all case expenses, and we only get paid if we win your case. This “no fee unless we win” promise ensures that justice is accessible to everyone in American Samoa, regardless of their financial situation. We believe in providing real results, not just promises. Our track record, including multi-million dollar settlements for clients suffering traumatic brain injuries and amputations, underscores our capability to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. When you need urgent legal help after an accident in American Samoa, remember 1-888-ATTY-911 – it’s your line to justice.

Understanding the Landscape of Motor Vehicle Accidents in American Samoa

American Samoa, while serene, is not immune to the realities of motor vehicle accidents. The roads, whether the main coastal highways or smaller village routes, can present various hazards. While specific local accident statistics for American Samoa may vary, we know that across Texas, the numbers are sobering: 251,977 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2024, with one crash reported every 57 seconds. This constant threat underscores the importance of knowing your rights and having a powerful advocate at your side if the unthinkable happens in American Samoa.

The Manginello Law Firm handles a comprehensive range of motor vehicle accident cases throughout American Samoa and all of Texas. Our approach is always tailored to the specific circumstances of each incident, ensuring that we meticulously investigate every detail, no matter how complex. Here, we outline the types of accidents we frequently handle, providing insight into the unique challenges and legal considerations associated with each.

Car Accidents in American Samoa

Car accidents are, unfortunately, the most common type of motor vehicle collision, impacting countless lives across Texas, including here in American Samoa. In 2024 alone, Texas saw 251,977 people injured in motor vehicle crashes. This means that every 57 seconds, a reportable crash occurs in our state, and every 2 minutes and 5 seconds, someone sustains an injury. These aren’t just statistics; these are individuals whose lives are suddenly and often irrevocably altered. From minor fender-benders on village roads to serious collisions on the main highways of American Samoa, the impact on victims can range from whiplash and soft tissue injuries to devastating traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even amputations.

Common causes we see in car accidents include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, running red lights, and following too closely—all dangerous behaviors that can lead to catastrophic consequences. We understand that American Samoa’s unique road conditions and driving habits can also play a role. Ralph Manginello, with over 25 years of experience, has been at the forefront of representing countless car accident victims. We meticulously investigate the scene, gather evidence from the vehicles, analyze police reports, and interview witnesses to establish fault clearly.

A compelling example of our dedication to car accident victims involves a case where our client’s leg was severely injured in a car accident. Tragically, staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. The insurance company offered a fraction of what was needed, but we fought relentlessly, understanding the lifetime impact of such a devastating injury. We documented his future medical needs, prosthetic replacements, and profound pain and suffering. This case ultimately settled in the millions, a testament to our firm’s commitment to securing full and fair compensation. As client Chavodrian Miles shares, “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing,” highlighting our swift action and efficient process. Similarly, MONGO SLADE, another satisfied client, states, “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.” If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in American Samoa, we are here to provide the emergency legal response you need. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

“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 plus a brand new truck,” says Kiimarii Yup. This powerful testimonial further illustrates our ability to secure not just compensation for injuries, but also to help clients recover from total losses and rebuild their lives after a devastating American Samoa car accident.

18-Wheeler & Trucking Accidents in American Samoa

The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler—up to 80,000 pounds compared to an average car’s 4,000 pounds—mean that collisions with these commercial giants almost always result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Such accidents happen more often than you might think: in 2024, Texas recorded 39,393 commercial motor vehicle crashes, leading to 608 trucking fatalities and 1,601 serious injuries. Tragically, Texas accounts for 11% of all fatal truck crashes nationwide, making it a critical area for truck accident litigation. Even in American Samoa, with its particular patterns of goods delivery and commercial activity, these massive vehicles pose an ever-present danger on our roads.

These cases are incredibly complex due to the multitude of liable parties—the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the vehicle manufacturer, and maintenance companies can all share responsibility. Furthermore, these cases are governed by stringent federal regulations established by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regarding hours of service, driver qualifications, drug testing, and vehicle maintenance. Violations of these regulations, such as a driver exceeding their 11-hour driving limit or a company failing to properly vet its drivers, can be instrumental in proving negligence. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, is a significant advantage in these cases, as many trucking accident claims are filed in federal court. Our firm’s involvement in the BP explosion litigation further demonstrates our capability to take on large corporations and complex, multi-party lawsuits.

At Attorney911, we have a proven track record of successfully handling these high-stakes cases. We aggressively investigate every aspect, from the truck’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data—which can be overwritten in as little as 30-180 days, highlighting the urgency of immediate action—to the trucking company’s hiring and training practices. As our firm states, “At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.” We don’t just fight; we secure multi-million dollar results. This is especially important in light of the “nuclear verdict” trend, where juries are awarding tens of millions of dollars in Texas trucking cases, such as the $37.5 million verdict against Oncor Electric for a distracted truck driver or the $44.1 million verdict in the New Prime I-35 pileup case. Insurance companies know we are prepared to take them to trial. If an 18-wheeler accident has devastated your family in American Samoa, time is of the essence to preserve critical evidence. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for emergency legal assistance.

Drunk Driving Accidents in American Samoa

Drunk driving accidents are a preventable tragedy that continues to plague communities across Texas, including American Samoa. They represent a conscious and reckless disregard for the safety of others. In 2024, alcohol-impaired driving claimed 1,053 lives in Texas, accounting for over 25% of all traffic fatalities. Beyond the fatalities, there were over 24,000 DWI-related crashes in 2023. When a driver gets behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, they are legally intoxicated under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, and the consequences can be devastating.

Victims of drunk driving accidents often suffer severe, life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even wrongful death. What makes these cases particularly complex and high-value is the potential for multiple liable parties and the availability of punitive damages. In Texas, our Dram Shop Liability law (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02) allows victims to hold bars, restaurants, or other establishments accountable if they served an obviously intoxicated person who later caused an accident. This law requires proving two key elements: the establishment served a patron who was obviously intoxicated at the time of service, and that over-service was the proximate cause of the accident and damages. Signs of obvious intoxication include slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, unsteady gait, and aggressive behavior.

At Attorney911, we pursue every available avenue for our clients. Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our firm’s unique capability to understand both the criminal and civil aspects of these cases. His experience taking on complex legal challenges ensures that we approach drunk driving cases from every angle, not just against the intoxicated driver, but potentially against the establishment that over-served them. This is crucial for maximizing compensation, which can include punitive damages aimed at punishing the negligent party and deterring future recklessness. Our firm has a history of demonstrating exceptional investigative skills, as evidenced by our success in criminal defense cases. For example, we secured the dismissal of a DWI charge when our investigation revealed a police breathalyzer machine was not properly maintained. In another instance, a client’s DWI case was dismissed on the day of trial due to missing evidence and a lack of proper testing by the police. These cases highlight our ability to scrutinize details and challenge assumptions, skills directly applied to building strong civil cases for our accident victims here in American Samoa. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a drunk driving accident in American Samoa, it is imperative to act swiftly. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, free consultation.

Motorcycle Accidents in American Samoa

Motorcycle accidents present a unique and often tragic challenge on the roads of American Samoa. Riders, with little protection, are highly vulnerable. In 2024, Texas recorded a staggering 585 motorcyclist fatalities, and a concerning 37% of those killed were not wearing helmets. While helmet use is mandatory for riders under 21, and those over 21 are exempt only if they’ve completed a safety course or have at least $10,000 in medical insurance, the inherent risks remain high.

One of the most unfortunate realities for motorcyclists is the pervasive bias they face. Insurance companies and even some juries often try to place blame on the rider, regardless of who caused the accident. They’ll argue the motorcyclist was speeding, weaving, or “should have been seen.” Here in American Samoa, where road conditions can vary and drivers may not always be accustomed to sharing the road with motorcycles, this bias can be particularly damaging to a claim. Common causes of motorcycle accidents largely stem from other drivers’ negligence: failure to yield right of way, driver inattention, unsafe lane changes, and left-turn accidents (often resulting in T-bone or head-on collisions).

Texas’s 51% comparative negligence rule is critically important in motorcycle accident cases. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies aggressively use this rule to minimize their payouts. Thankfully, our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for national defense firms, where he routinely made these comparative fault arguments. Now, he uses that invaluable insider knowledge to anticipate and defeat these tactics, championing the rights of motorcyclists in American Samoa. We meticulously gather evidence, including witness statements, accident reconstruction analysis, and police reports, to prove the other driver’s negligence and counter unfair blame. Don’t let insurance companies unfairly penalize you after a motorcycle accident in American Samoa. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win.

Pedestrian Accidents in American Samoa

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable individuals on American Samoa’s roads. With no protective barrier like a vehicle, an encounter with a car, truck, or motorcycle often leads to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. In 2024, Texas saw 6,095 pedestrian crashes, resulting in 768 deaths. While pedestrians account for only 1% of total crashes, they shockingly represent 19% of ALL roadway deaths in Texas. This stark disproportion highlights the extreme danger faced by those traveling on foot, whether they are walking to a village market, exercising, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings of American Samoa.

The injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents are frequently severe: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple broken bones (especially to the pelvis and legs), and internal organ damage are tragically common. These cases often involve complex legal challenges, as drivers and their insurance companies may attempt to shift blame onto the pedestrian. However, Texas law provides crucial protections: pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way at intersections, even at unmarked crosswalks. Many drivers are unaware of this, and insurance companies will certainly not educate you on this point.

At Attorney911, we diligently investigate every detail of pedestrian accident cases in American Samoa, from traffic camera footage and local surveillance videos to witness statements, to firmly establish driver negligence. Our goal is to ensure that victims receive full compensation for their extensive medical bills, lost wages, and profound pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle in American Samoa while walking, do not hesitate. Evidence can disappear quickly. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for an emergency legal response.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft) in American Samoa

The rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has transformed transportation in many areas, and American Samoa is no exception, with increased accessibility for residents and visitors. However, with more rideshare vehicles on the road, the potential for accidents involving these services has also grown. When a rideshare vehicle is involved in a collision, determining liability and navigating insurance coverage can become incredibly complex. You may think it’s straightforward, but rideshare insurance coverage changes drastically based on what the driver was doing at the moment of the crash.

Understanding the “rideshare insurance phases” is crucial.

• Period 0 – App Off: If the driver’s app is off, only their personal car insurance applies, which in Texas has low minimums of $30,000/$60,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
• Period 1 – App On, Waiting for Request: With the app on but no ride accepted, contingent coverage from the rideshare company (typically $50,000/$100,000/$25,000) may apply.
• Period 2 – Ride Accepted, En Route to Pickup: Once a ride is accepted, the rideshare company’s full commercial insurance kicks in, providing substantial coverage of $1,000,000 liability.
• Period 3 – Passenger in Vehicle: While a passenger is in the vehicle, the $1,000,000 commercial liability policy remains active.

This intricate system highlights why Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance strategies is invaluable. He understands the nuances of policy interpretation from his years working for defense firms, making him uniquely equipped to identify the correct policy that applies and fight for the maximum compensation available. Statistics show that 58% of those injured in rideshare accidents are third parties (other drivers, pedestrians), with 21% being riders and 21% being the rideshare drivers themselves. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or even a rideshare driver injured in an American Samoa Uber or Lyft accident, you need an attorney who can dissect these complex insurance issues. Don’t let insurance companies deny your claim based on a technicality. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for expert legal guidance, and let us navigate the insurance maze for you, ensuring you recover the compensation you deserve.

Hit and Run Accidents in American Samoa

Being involved in a hit and run accident in American Samoa is a uniquely frustrating and frightening experience. Not only are you dealing with the trauma of the collision and your injuries, but the at-fault driver has fled the scene, leaving you without essential information. This happens more often than one might think: nationally, someone is involved in a hit and run every 43 seconds.

In Texas, leaving the scene of an accident after causing injury, serious bodily injury, or death is a serious criminal offense. For example, if a hit and run causes a death, it can be prosecuted as a second-degree felony, carrying a penalty of 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine under Texas Transportation Code § 550.021. While the criminal aspect is handled by law enforcement, your primary concern as a victim is often the recovery of damages for your injuries and property.

The crucial component for victims in hit and run cases is often their own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This part of your auto insurance policy is designed to kick in when the at-fault driver either has no insurance or flees the scene and cannot be identified. At Attorney911, we understand how vital UM/UIM coverage is, and we have a dedicated YouTube video explaining how to utilize these claims: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8. However, securing compensation through UM/UIM claims can still be a battle, as your own insurance company may try to minimize its payout. We meticulously investigate these cases, utilizing police reports, any potential surveillance footage from nearby businesses (which is often deleted within 7-30 days), and witness statements to establish the unidentifiable driver’s fault. Our firm acts immediately, sending preservation letters to all relevant parties to secure every piece of available evidence before it disappears. If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run in American Samoa, do not wait. The sooner you call 1-888-ATTY-911, the sooner we can begin preserving critical evidence and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Bicycle Accidents in American Samoa

Bicycling in American Samoa offers a wonderful way to enjoy our island’s natural beauty, commute, or stay active. However, despite the benefits, cyclists face inherent dangers from negligent drivers. In 2024, Texas reported 78 bicyclist fatalities, highlighting the severe risk cyclists endure. Like pedestrians, bicyclists are extremely vulnerable, with little to no protection in a collision with a motor vehicle.

Insurance companies frequently try to assign blame to the cyclist, arguing they were not visible, were not following traffic laws, or contributed to the accident in some way. This is particularly relevant given Texas’s 51% comparative negligence rule: if a cyclist is found to be 51% or more at fault, they recover nothing. Attorney911 is prepared to aggressively counter these blame-shifting tactics. Lupe Peña’s years on the insurance defense side mean we know exactly how they construct these arguments and how to dismantle them. We meticulously gather evidence, including accident reconstruction, witness testimonies, and any available video footage, to prove clear driver negligence. If you’re an avid cyclist in American Samoa and have been injured in an accident, don’t let insurance companies unfairly diminish your claim. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Bus Accidents in American Samoa

While American Samoa may not experience the large-scale bus traffic of major metropolitan areas, bus services—such as school buses, public transport, or tour buses for visitors—are integral to the daily lives of residents and the local economy. When a bus, a massive and heavy vehicle, is involved in an accident, the consequences for its passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians can be devastating. In 2024, Texas led all states in bus accidents, with 1,110 reported, resulting in 17 fatal crashes and 549 injury crashes. School bus accidents are also a concern, with 2,523 incidents reported in 2023, leading to 11 deaths and 63 serious injuries across the state.

Determining liability in bus accidents can be complex, involving not just the bus driver, but also the bus operating company (for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance), the bus manufacturer (for defects), or even governmental entities responsible for road design or signage. If a publicly-owned bus is involved (such as a school bus), special notice requirements and governmental immunity issues can arise, making these cases even more challenging. Attorney911 has the experience to navigate these intricate legal waters, identifying all potential at-fault parties and holding them accountable. We meticulously investigate driver logs, maintenance records, and company policies, ensuring no stone is left unturned. If you’ve been injured in a bus accident in American Samoa, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel immediately. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Claims in American Samoa

Despite American Samoa’s unique characteristics, the reality of uninsured or underinsured drivers remains a concern, just as it is across Texas. While minimum auto insurance coverage in Texas is 30/60/25 (meaning $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage), many drivers on the road either carry no insurance at all or carry only these minimal amounts. If you are involved in an accident with such a driver and suffer significant injuries, these basic policies are often woefully insufficient to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

This is where your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes a critical lifeline. This valuable part of your own insurance policy is designed to protect you when the at-fault driver can’t. In Texas, you have the right to inter-policy stacking, meaning you can combine UM/UIM coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy to increase your available compensation. However, even though you’re filing a claim with your own insurance company, they are often just as motivated to minimize payouts as the other driver’s insurer. Lupe Peña’s previous experience working for national defense firms gives our clients an unparalleled advantage. He knows their tactics for undervaluing claims, denying coverage, or pushing for lowball settlements, even when it’s your own policy. We relentlessly fight to ensure your insurance company honors its obligations and provides the full compensation you deserve. Learn more about UM/UIM claims in our YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8. If you’re facing this complex situation in American Samoa, call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation of your UM/UIM claim.

Work Zone & Construction Accidents in American Samoa

Roads and infrastructure are vital for American Samoa, and with ongoing development, work zones are an inevitable part of our driving landscape. Unfortunately, these areas are inherently dangerous. In 2024, nearly 28,000 crashes occurred in Texas work zones, leading to a tragic 215 deaths—a 12% increase from the previous year. Nationally, work zone fatalities have increased by 50% over the last decade, with 60% of contractors reporting crashes into their work zones. These statistics are a stark reminder that even in American Samoa, these zones pose a significant risk to both motorists and construction workers.

Work zone accidents often involve multiple factors, including distracted drivers, speeding, inadequate signage, or even unsafe work zone design. The tragic case of Katrina Bond, a college student who was fatally rear-ended in an I-35 work zone near Fort Worth by a distracted pickup driver, underscores the devastating consequences. Her vehicle was then propelled into the path of another truck. These accidents can lead to severe injuries and complex liability issues where multiple parties, including negligent drivers, construction companies, or government entities, may be at fault. Attorney911 has extensive experience navigating these intricate scenarios. Our experience includes taking on billion-dollar corporations in cases like the BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability to handle even the most formidable defendants in complex accident claims, including those in American Samoa. If you or a loved one has been injured in a work zone accident in American Samoa, don’t face this alone. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Wrongful Death Claims in American Samoa

There is no greater tragedy than the sudden and senseless loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in a motor vehicle accident. For families in American Samoa, the emotional devastation is compounded by unexpected financial burdens, including funeral costs, lost income, and the profound absence of companionship and support. In Texas, wrongful death claims allow surviving family members (spouse, children, parents) to seek compensation for their personal losses, such as loss of companionship, mental anguish, and loss of financial support. Additionally, a survival action can be brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate to recover damages the deceased would have been able to recover if they had lived, such as pain and suffering before death and medical expenses incurred prior to their passing.

At Attorney911, we handle wrongful death cases with the utmost sensitivity and unwavering determination. We work to provide a measure of justice for grieving families by holding the at-fault parties fully accountable. Our firm has a powerful track record, which includes recovering millions of dollars in compensation for families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases. We understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one, but it can provide crucial financial security and hold negligent parties responsible for their actions. If your family has suffered the unimaginable loss of a loved one due to a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa, please call 1-888-ATTY-911 for compassionate yet aggressive legal representation. We are here to fight for you.

Tesla & Autopilot Accidents in American Samoa

As technology advances, so do the complexities of motor vehicle accidents. The increasing prevalence of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) in vehicles on American Samoa’s roads introduces new layers of liability when accidents occur. While these systems promise enhanced safety, a growing number of crashes and fatalities raise serious questions about their real-world performance and Tesla’s marketing claims. NHTSA data shows that Tesla’s Autopilot system accounts for a staggering 70% of driver-assist crashes reported, and in December 2023, Tesla was forced to recall over 2 million vehicles due to defects.

Attorney911 is at the forefront of this emerging area of litigation. We have the capability and experience to take on complex product liability cases, drawing on our federal court experience and our firm’s involvement in the BP explosion litigation, which demonstrates our ability to challenge major corporations. When a Tesla Autopilot or FSD system fails and causes an accident, liability can extend beyond the driver to Tesla itself—for defects in software or hardware, for overstating system capabilities, or for failing to adequately train drivers on system limitations. Notable incidents, such as the May 2016 fatality in Florida where Autopilot failed to detect a white 18-wheeler, or the March 2018 death of an Apple engineer in California, highlight the tragic consequences of these failures. Our firm is aware of high-profile cases like the landmark verdict where a jury awarded over $240 million against Tesla in August 2025. If you or a loved one has been involved in a Tesla or other autonomous vehicle accident in American Samoa, you need an attorney who understands both the technology and the legal precedent needed to hold powerful manufacturers accountable. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

E-Scooter & E-Bike Accidents in American Samoa

E-scooters and e-bikes offer convenient and environmentally friendly transportation options, and we’re seeing them more often in American Samoa. However, they also introduce new risks and unique challenges when accidents occur. While a standard e-bike in Texas is generally classified as a Class 1, 2, or 3 vehicle, not requiring a license or registration and limited to 28 mph with a 750W motor, these vehicles can still be involved in serious accidents. And if an e-bike exceeds these standards—having a stronger motor or higher speed—it may be classified as a motor vehicle, altering insurance and liability implications entirely.

Accidents involving e-scooters or e-bikes can be caused by negligent motorists, product defects (such as battery fires or brake failures), poorly maintained public paths, or distracted riders themselves. Determining liability can be complex, often requiring a thorough investigation into all contributing factors. For example, in October 2024, a Portland e-bike rider who was struck by an SUV was awarded $1.6 million. If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter or e-bike accident in American Samoa, it’s essential to consult with an attorney experienced in these emerging types of cases. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation to understand your rights and options.

Ambulance & Emergency Vehicle Accidents in American Samoa

Ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles play a crucial role in responding to emergencies and maintaining safety in American Samoa. However, when these vehicles are involved in accidents, the consequences can be particularly severe due to their size, speed, and emergency nature. Such accidents often involve complex legal issues, including governmental immunity, which provides certain protections to government agencies and their employees. While emergency vehicles are permitted to exceed speed limits and disregard certain traffic laws in an emergency, they are still required to operate with due regard for the safety of all others on the road.

If you are injured in an accident involving an ambulance or any other emergency vehicle in American Samoa, there are often very specific and stringent notice requirements that must be met within a much shorter timeframe than the standard two-year statute of limitations. Failing to meet these deadlines can permanently bar your claim. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience, including complex litigation, equips our firm to navigate these specialized cases involving governmental entities and their particular legal frameworks. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with an emergency vehicle in American Samoa, it is paramount to seek legal counsel immediately. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect your rights and ensure all legal deadlines are met.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents in American Samoa

Beyond 18-wheelers, American Samoa’s commercial activity means a variety of other commercial vehicles, such as delivery vans, utility trucks, construction vehicles, and fleet cars, are integral to our local economy. While not as large as semi-trucks, these vehicles are often heavier and larger than standard passenger cars, leading to more severe injuries when involved in accidents. Also, similar to trucking accidents, commercial vehicle accidents often involve corporate defendants with substantial insurance policies, ranging from $1 million to several million dollars.

Liability can extend beyond the driver to the company that owns or operates the vehicle, particularly if there was negligent hiring, inadequate training, poor vehicle maintenance, or a business culture that prioritized speed over safety. Our firm’s ability to take on large corporations, as demonstrated by our involvement in the BP explosion litigation, is a direct advantage in these cases. We delve into company safety records, driver qualifications, and vehicle maintenance logs to build a powerful case against all responsible parties. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a commercial vehicle in American Samoa, you need a law firm with the resources and experience to take on corporate defendants. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation of your case.

Distracted Driving Accidents in American Samoa

Distracted driving is a pervasive and dangerous epidemic on roads across Texas, including American Samoa, contributing to a shocking number of preventable accidents and fatalities. In 2024, distracted driving was a factor in 380 deaths in Texas. The modern landscape of distractions goes far beyond merely texting; it encompasses everything from checking social media, streaming videos, navigating complex apps, to eating, grooming, or engaging in any activity that diverts attention from the road.

When a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they can travel the length of a football field blindly. This lack of attention severely impairs reaction time and judgment, making collisions almost inevitable. Proving distracted driving often requires a meticulous investigation, including subpoenaing cell phone records, analyzing crash data, and interviewing witnesses. At Attorney911, we are relentless in pursuing justice for victims of distracted drivers. We understand the profound impact these preventable accidents have on individuals and families in American Samoa, and we fight to ensure negligent drivers are held accountable for their dangerous choices. If you suspect a distracted driver caused your accident in American Samoa, contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Weather-Related Accidents in American Samoa

While American Samoa is known for its beautiful tropical climate, specific weather conditions, whether heavy tropical rains, occasional storms, or even the rare unexpected atmospheric event, can significantly contribute to motor vehicle accidents. Slick roads from sudden downpours, reduced visibility due to fog, or the challenges of driving through high winds can all create hazardous conditions. Even seasoned drivers in American Samoa might find themselves unprepared for rapidly changing weather, highlighting the need for vigilance and appropriate driving adjustments.

When a weather-related accident occurs, insurance companies often try to classify it as an “act of God” or argue that weather was the sole cause, thereby absolving the driver of fault. However, drivers still have a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely based on prevailing weather conditions. This includes reducing speed, increasing following distance, and using headlights. If a driver fails to adjust their driving to hazardous weather, they can still be held liable for negligence. Attorney911 investigates these cases thoroughly, assessing factors like appropriate speed for conditions, tire tread depth, and driver awareness, to hold negligent drivers accountable even when weather is a contributing factor. If you’ve been injured in a weather-related accident in American Samoa, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free legal evaluation.

Intersection Accidents in American Samoa

Intersections are hubs of activity and, unfortunately, common sites for motor vehicle accidents in American Samoa and globally. They represent points where multiple traffic streams converge, increasing the potential for collisions. In Texas, there were 1,050 deaths at intersections in 2024, highlighting the dangers posed by these areas. Common types of intersection accidents include T-bone collisions, head-on crashes (often from left turns across traffic), and rear-end accidents caused by sudden stops or aggressive drivers. Red-light running and failure to yield are significant contributors.

Proving fault in intersection accidents often relies on critical evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction. Even in American Samoa, local businesses near intersections may have surveillance cameras that captured crucial moments. If you or a loved one has been injured in an intersection accident, securing this evidence quickly is paramount. Our firm acts swiftly, sending preservation letters to obtain any available footage before it is overwritten. Don’t let valuable evidence disappear. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately after an intersection accident in American Samoa.

Boat & Maritime Accidents in American Samoa

Given American Samoa’s pristine waters and reliance on maritime activities, boat and maritime accidents are a unique and important consideration. These accidents can range from recreational boating incidents to more serious events involving commercial vessels, fishing boats, or even accidents occurring on or around our beautiful harbors and docks. Whether it’s a collision on the water, a person injured while boarding or disembarking, or an accident involving equipment failure, the legal framework governing these cases can be distinct and complex, often falling under maritime law or specific federal regulations.

Attorney911 has demonstrated capability in this specialized area. In a recent case, our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our thorough investigation revealed that he should have been assisted in this duty, leading to a significant cash settlement. This result highlights our meticulous approach to gathering evidence, understanding maritime industry standards, and holding negligent parties accountable. Whether you’re a local fisherman, a tourist enjoying a boat trip, or a maritime worker, if you’ve been injured in a boat or maritime accident in American Samoa, you need an attorney with specific experience in this field. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation.

Delivery Vehicle Accidents (Amazon, FedEx, DoorDash) in American Samoa

The convenience of fast delivery services means that vehicles from Amazon, FedEx, DoorDash, and other similar companies are increasingly common sights on American Samoa’s roads. While these services are beneficial, the demanding schedules and high-pressure work environments for delivery drivers can lead to negligent driving practices and, consequently, a rise in accidents. When a delivery vehicle is involved in a collision, the legal implications can be far more complex than a standard car accident.

Often, commercial insurance policies with higher limits (up to $1 million or more) are involved, and liability can extend beyond the driver to the delivery company or even the larger entity they contract with. For example, recent cases, including a $16.2 million verdict in Georgia against Amazon (where Amazon was found 85% responsible for a child being struck) and a $105 million verdict against an Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) in Lopez v. All Points 360, highlight the increasing accountability of these corporations. These cases emphasize that the business model, which can encourage dangerous driving or involve insufficiently trained drivers, can be a significant factor in liability. Attorney911 is experienced in navigating these multi-party, high-value commercial accident claims. Our firm’s track record, including multi-million dollar results against corporations, means we are uniquely positioned to take on these powerful entities for our clients in American Samoa. If you’ve been injured by a delivery vehicle in American Samoa, contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a complete evaluation of your claim.

Your Immediate Actions After a Motor Vehicle Accident in American Samoa: The 48-Hour Protocol

The moments immediately following a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa are often chaotic, confusing, and painful. While your priority should always be your safety and health, what you do in the first hours and days can profoundly impact your legal claim. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies begin building their case against you from day one. At Attorney911, we stress the importance of our 48-Hour Protocol to protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence.

HOUR 1-6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):

When you’ve just been in an accident in American Samoa, your adrenaline will be surging, potentially masking injuries.

• Safety First: If you can safely move, get to a secure area away from traffic. Your safety must be paramount.
• Call 911: Report the accident immediately, even if it seems minor. Request medical assistance, especially if anyone is injured. The police report is a vital piece of evidence for your future claim.
• Seek Medical Attention: Do not delay. Go to the nearest emergency room or medical clinic in American Samoa. Adrenaline is a powerful painkiller; you may be more hurt than you realize. A delay in seeking treatment will be used by insurance companies to argue your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: Use your cell phone to take extensive photos and videos.
  • Photograph all vehicle damage from every angle (front, back, sides, interior).
  • Capture the accident scene, including road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and debris.
  • Take photos of any visible injuries you or others sustained.
  • Screenshot any messages on your phone related to the accident, but do NOT delete anything.
• Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license number, and license plate number.
• Identify Witnesses: Ask if anyone saw what happened and get their names and phone numbers. Their independent accounts can be invaluable.
• Call Attorney911: As soon as you can, call our emergency hotline, 1-888-ATTY-911. Our team can provide immediate guidance before you speak with any insurance company representative.

HOUR 6-24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):

The clock is ticking on crucial evidence that can disappear or be destroyed.

• Digital Preservation: Back up all photos, videos, texts, and calls related to the accident. Email copies to yourself or upload them to cloud storage. Never delete anything from your phone.
• Physical Evidence: Secure damaged clothing, glasses, or other personal items from the crash. Keep receipts for towing, rental cars, or any immediate expenses. Do NOT repair your vehicle yet – physical damage is important evidence.
• Medical Records: Begin requesting copies of all ER reports and discharge paperwork. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care physician within 24-48 hours. Consistent documentation of your injuries is key.
• Insurance Communications: Expect calls from insurance companies. Do NOT give a recorded statement yet, nor should you sign anything or accept any settlement offers. Simply state, “I need to speak with my attorney first.”
• Social Media Lockdown: Immediately set all your social media profiles to private. Do NOT post anything about the accident, your injuries, or your activities. Insurance companies will monitor your social media to find anything they can use against your claim.

HOUR 24-48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):

This is a critical window for legal intervention.

• Legal Consultation: Use your free consultation with Attorney911. We will review your documentation and medical status to start building your case.
• Insurance Referrals: If insurance companies contact you again, refer them directly to your attorney. You should not have to communicate with them while you are recovering.
• Resist Early Settlement Offers: Offers made in the first few days or weeks are always lowball offers. You cannot possibly know the full extent of your injuries or future medical needs during this time.
• Secure Evidence Backup: Upload all accident-related screenshots and photos to a cloud service. Start a written timeline of events while your memory is fresh and clear.

The Critical Urgency: Evidence Deterioration Timeline

Every day that passes significantly impairs your case value.

• Day 1-7: Witness memories begin to fade and details become uncertain. Crucial physical evidence like skid marks and debris are cleared from the scene.
• Day 7-30: This is the critical window for video surveillance. Gas stations typically keep footage for 7-14 days; retail stores and traffic cameras for 30 days. Once deleted, this invaluable evidence is gone forever.
• Month 1-2: Insurance companies define their defense. Your vehicle may be repaired, destroying physical evidence.
• Month 2-6: Trucking Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data can be overwritten. Cell phone records become harder to obtain.
• Month 6-12: Gaps in medical treatment (even legitimate ones) are used against you. Mounting bills may make you vulnerable to accepting a low settlement.
• Month 12-24: You approach the absolute 2-year statute of limitations deadline. Evidence is severely degraded, and case value is diminished.

Why Attorney911 Moves Fast

We understand this urgent timeline. Within 24 hours of retaining Attorney911 in American Samoa, we send preservation letters to all parties potentially involved. These letters legally require them to preserve critical evidence, from surveillance footage to trucking logs. Our immediate investigation includes canvassing the scene, ordering official reports, securing photographs, and interviewing witnesses while their memories are fresh. Every day you wait means evidence is lost. Call Attorney911 NOW: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Understanding Texas Motor Vehicle Law: Your Rights in American Samoa

Navigating the legal aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be daunting, especially when trying to decipher complex legal terminology. Whether your accident occurred on one of American Samoa’s main roads or a smaller village thoroughfare, the essential laws governing your claim are rooted in a clear framework. At Attorney911, we ensure our clients in American Samoa fully understand how Texas law applies to their case, providing clarity and strength to their pursuit of justice.

The Statute of Limitations: A Critical Deadline

One of the most crucial elements of Texas personal injury law is the statute of limitations. This legal deadline dictates how long you have to file a lawsuit after an accident. According to Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, for most personal injury and property damage claims, you generally have:

• 2 Years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims.
• 2 Years from the date of death for wrongful death claims.

Missing this two-year deadline is catastrophic; your case will be permanently barred, and you will lose your right to seek compensation forever. While there are some narrow exceptions, such as for minors (where the clock is tolled until they turn 18) or if the injury was not immediately discoverable (Discovery Rule), these are rare and complex. Insurance companies are well aware of this deadline and may use delay tactics, hoping you will run out of time. This is why calling Attorney911, your emergency legal response team, at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately after an accident in American Samoa is vital.

Comparative Negligence: The 51% Bar Rule

Texas operates under a modified comparative negligence system, often referred to as the “51% Bar Rule.” This rule fundamentally impacts how much compensation you can recover if you are found to be partially at fault for an accident:

• If you are 50% or less at fault: You can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 10% responsible, you would receive $90,000.
• If you are 51% or more at fault: You recover absolutely nothing. Your claim is completely barred.

This rule is a primary weapon for insurance companies. They will aggressively try to assign as much fault as possible to you to reduce or completely eliminate their payout. Even small percentages can drastically reduce your compensation. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for national defense firms, where he regularly used these comparative fault arguments to benefit insurance companies. Now, he uses that invaluable insider knowledge to expertly counter their tactics and protect our clients’ rights, ensuring that accident victims in American Samoa are not unfairly blamed.

Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage (30/60/25)

Texas law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, often referred to as “30/60/25” coverage:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person.
• $60,000 for bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage per accident.

While these are the minimums, they are often insufficient to cover serious injuries in a major accident. Given that around 15.4% of U.S. motorists are uninsured, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes incredibly important. Texas allows for inter-policy stacking of UM/UIM coverage, which means you may be able to combine coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy to increase your available compensation.

Texas Legal Terms Dictionary: Clarity in Crisis

We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge. Here are key legal terms you may encounter:

• Negligence: The failure to act as a reasonably prudent person would, resulting in harm. We must prove four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
• Duty of Care: The legal obligation to act responsibly, which all drivers have on the roads of American Samoa.
• Economic Damages: Quantifiable financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. There are no caps on economic damages in Texas.
• Non-Economic Damages: Intangible losses like pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, and loss of consortium. There are generally no caps on non-economic damages in Texas, except in medical malpractice cases.
• Punitive/Exemplary Damages: Awarded to punish gross negligence or malice, typically capped in Texas. Drunk driving cases often qualify.
• Dram Shop Liability: Holds establishments liable for over-serving obviously intoxicated individuals who then cause accidents (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02).
• UM/UIM Coverage: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, which protects you if the at-fault driver has no or insufficient insurance.

Whether you’re in American Samoa or any other part of the state, these laws form the foundation of your personal injury claim. For a comprehensive review of your rights after a motor vehicle accident, call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free and confidential consultation.

Proving Liability and Building Your Case in American Samoa

Securing justice after a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa hinges on proving liability – demonstrating that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello, we possess the tenacity and investigative prowess to meticulously build a strong case for you. Our goal is not just to prove fault, but to establish it so unequivocally that insurance companies have no option but to pay fair compensation.

The Four Elements of Negligence: Our Foundation

To succeed in a motor vehicle accident claim in Texas, we must prove all four elements of negligence:

1. Duty of Care: Every driver in American Samoa has a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely, obey traffic laws, maintain proper lookout, and control their speed. Commercial drivers, such as those operating 18-wheelers or delivery vehicles, have an even higher duty of care due governed by federal regulations such as FMCSA.
2. Breach of Duty: This occurs when the at-fault driver violates their duty of care. Examples include speeding, running a red light, texting while driving, driving under the influence, or failing to yield.
3. Causation: We must prove that the other driver’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries. This is often referred to as the “but for” test: “But for” the defendant’s negligent actions, you would not have been injured. Your injuries must be a foreseeable result of their conduct.
4. Damages: You must have suffered actual harm – physical, financial, or emotional losses. These must be quantifiable, such as medical bills and lost wages, or demonstrable, such as pain and suffering.

The Power of Evidence: What We Gather

The strength of your case rests on compelling evidence. We know exactly what evidence matters and how to secure it quickly.

• Physical Evidence: This includes photographs of all vehicle damage (from every angle), skid marks, debris, and road damage at the scene. We ensure this is documented before it disappears.
• Documentary Evidence: Police accident reports, 911 call recordings, traffic camera footage, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses in American Samoa are crucial. We also gather your medical records, employment records (for lost wages), and if applicable, the at-fault driver’s cell phone records (to prove distraction).
• Electronic Evidence: In commercial vehicle accidents, we immediately seek Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data from trucks or Event Data Recorder (EDR) (“black box”) data from vehicles, which can be overwritten rapidly. GPS data and dashcam footage are also vital.
• Testimonial Evidence: Witness statements are incredibly important as their memories are sharpest right after the event. We also call upon the expertise of a network of professional experts, including medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and vocational experts.

Multiple Liable Parties: Expanding the Net

Many motor vehicle accidents in American Samoa involve more than just two drivers. Identifying all potentially liable parties dramatically increases the chances of securing full compensation.

• Trucking Accidents: Beyond the truck driver, the trucking company (for negligent hiring or maintenance), the cargo loader, or even a vehicle manufacturer could be responsible.
• Rideshare Accidents: Liability can extend to the rideshare driver, the rideshare company (Uber/Lyft), or other at-fault drivers.
• Drunk Driving Accidents: The intoxicated driver may be personally liable, but establishments that over-served them (under Texas’s Dram Shop Act) can also be held accountable.

The presence of more liable parties means more insurance policies are often involved, which translates to a higher potential for recovery. Lupe Peña, with his background in insurance defense, is particularly skilled at uncovering all available insurance policies and identifying all possible defendants.

The Role of Expert Witnesses: Scientific Proof

In complex cases, expert witnesses provide the scientific and technical foundation needed to prove liability and the extent of your damages.

• Accident Reconstructionists: These experts can analyze the collision to determine how it occurred, speeds, angles, and who was at fault.
• Medical Experts: They clarify the extent of your injuries, future treatment needs, and permanent impairments.
• Life Care Planners: For catastrophic injuries, they detail the lifetime cost of care.
• Vocational Experts: They assess your lost earning capacity, particularly if you can no longer perform your previous job.

At Attorney911, we leverage a network of highly respected experts to strengthen our clients’ cases. Our meticulous approach to evidence gathering and expert testimony showcases our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation for accident victims in American Samoa. Don’t let valuable evidence disappear. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, free consultation to begin building your strong case.

Understanding Damages & Compensation in American Samoa

When you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa, you’re not just dealing with physical pain and emotional distress; you’re often facing significant financial burdens. At Attorney911, we believe you deserve full and fair compensation for all the damages you’ve suffered. Our decades of experience recovering multi-million dollar settlements for clients ensure that we meticulously account for every aspect of your loss.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

In Texas, damages are generally categorized into economic, non-economic, and punitive. We fight to maximize your recovery in each category.

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas)

These are quantifiable financial losses that can be proven with receipts, bills, and wage statements. Texas places no cap on the amount of economic damages you can recover.

• Medical Expenses (Past & Future): This includes everything from emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor appointments, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment you’ve already incurred, to the projected costs of your ongoing and future medical care, which a life care planner can meticulously detail for catastrophic injuries.
• Lost Wages (Past & Future): This covers any income you’ve lost from being unable to work since the accident, as well as your lost earning capacity—the reduction in your ability to earn money in the future due to your injuries.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Other costs directly related to your injuries, such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications for accessibility, or hiring help for household tasks you can no longer perform.

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap Except Medical Malpractice)

These are non-quantifiable, intangible losses that deeply impact your quality of life, but are just as real and compensable. Texas places no cap on these damages in motor vehicle accident cases, unlike some other states.

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you’ve endured and will continue to endure.
• Mental Anguish: This includes emotional distress, anxiety, depression, fear, and PTSD resulting from the accident.
• Physical Impairment: Compensation for any loss of physical function, disability, or limitations your injuries impose on your daily life.
• Disfigurement: Damages for scarring, permanent visible injuries, or alterations to your appearance.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact your injuries have had on your marital or family relationships, including loss of companionship and intimacy.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for your inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social engagements you previously enjoyed due to your injuries.

Punitive/Exemplary Damages (Capped)

These damages are awarded in cases of extreme negligence, fraud, or malice. Their purpose is not to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant and deter similar reckless behavior from others. Drunk driving cases, for instance, frequently qualify for punitive damages due to the conscious disregard for safety involved. In Texas, punitive damages are capped at the greater of $200,000 OR twice the economic damages plus the non-economic damages (with the non-economic portion capped at $750,000).

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type: What to Expect

Understanding that every case is unique, these ranges illustrate potential compensation based on injury severity:

• Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash, Sprains): Ranges from $15,000 to $60,000, higher if chronic.
• Broken Bone (Simple, Single): Around $35,000 to $95,000.
• Broken Bone (Surgery Required – ORIF): Substantially higher, from $132,000 to $328,000, covering surgical costs, extensive therapy, and lost wages.
• Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment): $70,000 to $171,000.
• Herniated Disc (Surgery Required): Can reach $346,000 to $1,205,000, accounting for surgical costs, prolonged recovery, and potentially lost earning capacity.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate to Severe): Ranges from $1,548,000 to $9,838,000, reflecting the profound, lifelong impact. Our firm has achieved “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”
• Spinal Cord Injury/Paralysis: The most severe, with lifetime costs ranging from $2.5 million to over $13 million, leading to settlement ranges of $4,770,000 to $25,880,000.
• Amputation: Settlements can range from $1,945,000 to $8,630,000, considering the extraordinary costs of prosthetics, rehabilitation, and profound lifestyle changes. Our firm successfully secured a multi-million dollar settlement when our “client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.”
• Wrongful Death: Can range from $1,910,000 to $9,520,000, covering lost financial support, funeral expenses, and deep emotional losses for family members. Attorney911 has “helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.”

The Nuclear Verdict Trend: A Critical Leverage Point

Texas is an epicenter for “nuclear verdicts” – jury awards exceeding $10 million. From 2009-2023, Texas saw 207 such verdicts, totaling over $45 billion, making it the #1 state nationally for these large awards. A significant portion, 23.2%, stems from auto accidents. Recent examples include an $81.7 million verdict in a car accident wrongful death case and a $105 million verdict against an Amazon DSP. This trend means insurance companies increasingly fear going to trial against a firm with a proven track record. Attorney911’s readiness to go to trial, supported by our multi-million dollar results and Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience, gives us significant leverage in negotiating the best possible settlement for our clients in American Samoa.

Factors That Maximize Your Case Value

Several factors increase the potential value of your claim: clear liability, severe injuries (especially those requiring surgery or resulting in permanent impairment like TBI or spinal cord damage), high medical bills, significant lost wages, strong evidence (video, multiple witnesses), and egregious defendant conduct (e.g., drunk driving). Conversely, factors like disputed liability, gaps in medical treatment, or social media mistakes can decrease your case value. This is why immediate action and experienced legal counsel from Attorney911 (1-888-ATTY-911) are crucial from day one after an accident in American Samoa.

Attorney911’s Insurance Counter-Intelligence System: Your Advantage in American Samoa

After a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa, you’re hurting, confused, and overwhelmed. Meanwhile, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is already working against you. Their objective isn’t your well-being; it’s to minimize their payout. This is where Attorney911’s unique “insurance counter-intelligence system” becomes your strongest asset. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national defense firm, gaining firsthand, invaluable insight into how large insurance companies value claims and, more importantly, how they fight claims. He knows their playbook because he helped write it, and now he uses that knowledge to relentlessly fight for you in American Samoa.

Tactic #1: Quick Contact & Recorded Statement

Their Play: Within days, often hours, of your accident, an insurance adjuster will call you. They sound friendly, concerned, and helpful, and they’ll press you for a “routine” recorded statement. They’ll say it’s just to “process your claim.”
Our Counter-Intelligence: They are not trying to help you. They are trained to ask subtle, leading questions designed to elicit statements that minimize your injuries, shift blame, or trap you into contradictions. Everything you say will be used against you. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without your attorney present.
Our Strategy: When you hire Attorney911, we become your shield. We handle all communications with the insurance company. We know their questions and how to answer them without jeopardizing your claim, thanks to Lupe’s insider perspective. As client Brian Butchee shares, “Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.” This level of careful attention protects you from these predatory tactics.

Tactic #2: The Quick Settlement Offer

Their Play: Within weeks, or sometimes days, the insurance company will make a quick, lowball settlement offer. It sounds appealing because you’re stressed, have mounting bills, and just want the ordeal to end. They often put artificial deadlines on these offers “This offer expires in 48 hours.”
Our Counter-Intelligence: Early offers are always a fraction of what your case is truly worth. You cannot know the full extent of your injuries—or your future medical needs—so soon after an accident. Accepting and signing a release means you forever waive your right to seek more compensation, even if an MRI later reveals a herniated disc requiring $100,000 surgery.
Our Strategy: We never advise clients to settle before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point where your condition can no longer improve. Lupe knows how insurance companies value claims; he used to calculate them. He can immediately identify a lowball offer and knows how much leverage we have to demand full and fair compensation.

Tactic #3: The “Independent” Medical Exam (IME)

Their Play: The insurance company may require you to undergo an “Independent Medical Examination” (IME) with a doctor of their choosing.
Our Counter-Intelligence: This doctor is not independent. This doctor is chosen and paid by the insurance company to minimize your injuries. Lupe Peña knows these doctors; he hired them for years as a defense attorney. Their reports almost invariably state that your injuries are “pre-existing,” “exaggerated,” or “not related to the accident.” They perform cursory exams and cherry-pick information against you.
Our Strategy: We prepare you thoroughly for any IME. We send all your complete and detailed medical records to the IME doctor, forcing a comprehensive review. If their report is biased, we challenge it with our own network of reputable medical experts. Lupe’s unique perspective allows us to anticipate their findings and proactively dismantle their arguments.

Tactic #4: Delay and Financial Pressure

Their Play: Insurance companies have unlimited resources and time. They will often drag out the claims process, hoping you’ll become desperate. “Still investigating,” “waiting for records,” “reviewing file”—these are just excuses to wear you down until you accept a lower settlement.
Our Counter-Intelligence: They count on your mounting bills forcing you to cave. We understand this pressure.
Our Strategy: We don’t play their game. We file lawsuits to impose deadlines, demand discovery, and prepare every case for trial. This signals to insurance companies that we are serious and will not back down. Lupe understands delay tactics because he deployed them for years; now he knows exactly when and how to push back to ensure a timely resolution for our clients in American Samoa.

Tactic #5: Surveillance & Social Media Monitoring

Their Play: Insurance companies routinely hire private investigators to watch you, filming your activities. They also meticulously scour your social media profiles, screenshotting posts, photos, and comments—from you and your friends—to find anything that contradicts your injury claims. One photo of you bending over can be twisted into “proof” you’re not seriously injured.
Our Counter-Intelligence: “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as defense attorney,” states Lupe Peña. “Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the 10 minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life – they’re building ammunition against you.”
Our Strategy: We advise all clients to immediately make their social media profiles private and never post about the accident, their injuries, or their activities. We prepare you for the reality of surveillance and scrutinize any evidence they present to expose its biased context.

Tactic #6: Comparative Fault Arguments

Their Play: Insurance companies will relentlessly try to assign you a percentage of fault for the accident, even if you clearly believe the other driver was solely responsible. They’ll argue you were speeding, distracted, or could have avoided the accident.
Our Counter-Intelligence: Texas’s 51% Modified Comparative Negligence Rule is a powerful motivation for them. If they can pin 51% (or more) of the blame on you, they pay nothing. Even a smaller percentage can reduce their payout by thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Our Strategy: Having Lupe on our side is a massive advantage here. He knows precisely how these arguments are constructed because he made them himself for years. We aggressively investigate to prove the other driver’s sole negligence, using accident reconstructionists, witness statements, and police reports to protect your claim.

Colossus & Claim Valuation Software: We Beat Their Algorithms

Insurance companies don’t just guess at settlement offers; they use sophisticated software systems like Colossus. Lupe knows this system intimately because he used it during his time in defense. This software inputs injury codes, treatment types, and costs, then outputs a recommended settlement range—often programmed to undervalue serious injuries. Adjusters are trained to use the lowest possible injury codes, dramatically reducing the “value” of your injuries.

Lupe’s experience means we understand how to correctly present medical records with specific terminology that triggers higher valuations within their own system. He knows when their Colossus valuation is artificially low and how to challenge it, ensuring our clients in American Samoa receive a fair assessment that truly reflects their severe injuries and long-term needs.

Tactic #7: The Medical Authorization Trap

Their Play: The insurance company will ask you to sign a broad medical authorization to “process your claim.”
Our Counter-Intelligence: They want full access to your entire medical history, not just records related to the accident. They’re searching for any pre-existing conditions, even minor aches and pains from years ago, to argue that your current injuries aren’t their fault.
Our Strategy: We limit medical authorizations to only accident-related records and specific date ranges. We protect your privacy and ensure they only see what is relevant to your current injuries. If you have pre-existing conditions, we hire medical experts to prove that the accident aggravated or worsened them, which is fully compensable under Texas’s “eggshell plaintiff” rule.

Tactic #8: Gaps in Treatment Attacks

Their Play: Insurance companies meticulously scrutinize your medical records for any “gaps in treatment”—missed appointments, delays between seeing doctors, or stopping therapy. They will argue these gaps prove you weren’t seriously injured or that your injuries resolved.
Our Counter-Intelligence: These gaps often occur for legitimate reasons, such as financial hardship, transportation issues, or doctor availability. Insurance companies don’t care about your reasons; they only see an opportunity to devalue your claim.
Our Strategy: We work with you to ensure consistent treatment and help you find medical providers, including those who accept liens (treat now, pay from settlement). If gaps do occur, we actively document the legitimate reasons behind them and communicate these effectively to the insurance company and, if necessary, to a jury. Lupe knows this tactic all too well and how to counter it effectively.

Tactic #9: Policy Limits Bluff

Their Play: They’ll often claim the at-fault driver only has a minimal liability policy, insisting they “can’t pay more” than, for example, $30,000.
Our Counter-Intelligence: This is frequently a bluff. They hope you won’t investigate further. In many cases, there are hidden layers of coverage, such as umbrella policies (potentially $1 million to $5 million), commercial policies (if the driver was working), or corporate policies (for employees).
Our Strategy: We conduct thorough investigations to uncover all available insurance coverage. We demand full policy disclosures and, if necessary, subpoena insurance files. Lupe’s extensive insurance knowledge allows us to identify hidden policies that other attorneys might miss. In one real example, an insurance company claimed a $30,000 policy limit, but we uncovered over $8 million in additional coverage, allowing our client to recover $3.2 million instead of just $30,000. This is the power of experienced legal representation in American Samoa.

For over 25 years, Attorney911 has been exposing and defeating these insurance tactics for accident victims in American Samoa and across Texas. We fight for you, using our insider knowledge and proven track record to secure maximum compensation. If you’ve been in an accident, don’t face these powerful companies alone. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for emergency legal assistance.

Medical Knowledge Encyclopedia: Understanding Your Injuries

A motor vehicle accident can inflict a wide range of injuries, from the immediately obvious to those with delayed or subtle symptoms that can profoundly impact your life. At Attorney911, we don’t just understand the legal aspects of your case; we also have a deep understanding of the medical realities. This integrated approach allows us to effectively communicate the severity of your injuries to insurance companies and juries, ensuring you receive compensation that truly reflects your pain, suffering, and long-term needs.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most devastating consequences of a motor vehicle accident. It can range from a mild concussion to a severe, life-altering injury.

• Immediate Symptoms: Loss of consciousness (even for seconds), confusion, vomiting, severe headache, slurred speech.
• Delayed Symptoms (Crucially Important): Worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, seizures, personality changes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to light/noise, and memory problems that emerge hours or even days later. Insurance companies often try to deny claims based on delayed symptoms, but we work with medical experts to explain the normal progression of TBI.
• Severity: TBIs are classified as mild (concussion), moderate, or severe. Even a “mild” TBI can lead to chronic post-concussive syndrome, increasing the risk of future neurological issues like dementia and permanent cognitive impairments.
• Long-Term Complications: These can include chronic headaches, depression (affecting 40-50% of TBI patients), anxiety, anger, cognitive deficits (memory, concentration), and even seizure disorders that manifest years later.
  Our firm secured a “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company,” demonstrating our ability to secure substantial compensation for severe TBIs.

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most catastrophic injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident, often leading to partial or complete paralysis.

• Injury Levels: Injuries are classified by their location on the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar).
  • Cervical (Neck): High cervical injuries (C1-C4) often result in quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) and ventilator dependence. Lower cervical injuries (C5-C8) still cause quadriplegia but may allow some arm/hand function.
  • Thoracic (Mid-Back): Leads to paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body).
  • Lumbar (Lower Back): Results in varying degrees of leg weakness or paralysis, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.
• ASIA Impairment Scale: This scale grades the completeness of the injury, from ‘A’ (complete loss of function) to ‘E’ (normal function). Our approach recognizes that even a partial disruption can devastate a family’s future.
• Secondary Complications: SCIs lead to a host of lifelong complications, including pressure sores, respiratory problems, infections, sexual dysfunction, autonomic dysreflexia, and depression, often shortening life expectancy. The lifetime cost of care for a severe SCI can exceed $13 million.

Amputation

Amputation, whether traumatic at the scene of an American Samoa accident or surgically necessary later due to crush injuries or uncontrollable infections, represents an profound and life-altering consequence.

• Types: Can be traumatic (limb severed instantly) or surgical (removal due to damage or infection). Our firm successfully secured a multi-million dollar result for a “client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.”
• Phantom Limb Pain: A significant majority (80%) of amputees experience phantom limb pain—intense pain felt in the limb that is no longer there. This can be severe, debilitating, and often permanent, requiring lifetime pain management.
• Lifetime Costs: Beyond the initial surgeries and rehabilitation, amputees face the extraordinary, ongoing cost of prosthetic limbs (which need replacement every 3-5 years and can cost up to $100,000 for advanced models), home modifications, and specialized therapy.

Burn Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents in American Samoa, especially those involving fuel spills or vehicle fires, can result in severe burn injuries.

• Classifications: Burns are categorized by degree, from first-degree (superficial like a sunburn) to fourth-degree (extending to muscle and bone, often requiring amputation).
• Severity: The percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned dictates the severity. Burns over 20% TBSA require specialized burn center care and multiple surgeries, while those over 40% are extremely life-threatening.
• Long-Term Impact: Burn injuries lead to extensive medical treatment, painful skin grafting, lifelong scarring, disfigurement, chronic pain, and severe psychological trauma, including PTSD. Our firm’s involvement in the BP explosion litigation provides us with direct experience handling catastrophic burn injury claims against major corporations.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is a common yet painful injury sustained in motor vehicle accidents, particularly from whiplash or sudden impact.

• Progression: Treatment often begins conservatively with medication and physical therapy. If that fails, interventional procedures like epidural steroid injections may be tried. If still unsuccessful, surgery (microdiscectomy or fusion) may be necessary, with costs ranging from $50,000 to $120,000.
• Long-Term Impact: Many individuals face permanent restrictions, inability to return to physical jobs, and ongoing pain management, leading to significant lost earning capacity. Settlements for herniated discs requiring surgery can range from $346,000 to over $1.2 million.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, sprains, and strains, are among the most frequently diagnosed injuries after an accident. Insurance companies often try to undervalue these, claiming they are “minor” because they don’t show up on X-rays.

• The Reality: While not always visible, soft tissue injuries can be excruciatingly painful and debilitating. A significant percentage (15-20%) develop into chronic pain conditions, leading to long-term physical limitations and an inability to perform certain jobs or daily activities.
• Crucial Documentation: Consistent medical treatment without gaps, detailed reports of pain and limitations to your doctors, and MRI results proving the injury are vital to counter insurance company tactics. Lupe Peña, from his defense background, knows precisely how insurance companies attempt to devalue these claims and how to fight back effectively.

Psychological Injuries

The trauma of a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa extends beyond physical injuries to profound psychological impacts.

• PTSD: Many accident victims (32-45%) develop symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), leading to anxiety about driving, panic attacks, flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors.
• Other Injuries: Depression, anxiety, and mental anguish are common. These conditions are compensable and significantly impact a victim’s quality of life and ability to heal.

At Attorney911, we integrate expert medical opinions, life care plans, and vocational analyses to fully document the immediate and long-term impact of your injuries. This comprehensive approach is vital for recovering the multi-million dollar settlements our American Samoa clients deserve. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Why Choose Attorney911: Five Unique Advantages for American Samoa Accident Victims

When your life has been turned upside down by a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa, selecting the right legal representation is the most critical decision you will make. You need more than just a lawyer; you need an advocate with an unparalleled understanding of the legal system and the deceptive tactics of insurance companies. At Attorney911, a trade name of The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, we don’t just promise results – we deliver them, backed by unique advantages that set us apart.

Advantage 1: Insurance Defense Insider – Lupe Peña’s Unique Edge

This is our firm’s most powerful competitive differentiator, an advantage no other firm in American Samoa can claim. As our firm states, “Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.” This isn’t just experience; it’s insider knowledge.

• We Know Their Playbook: Lupe helped write it. He knows their strategies for lowballing, denying claims, and using “independent” medical exams to minimize injuries.
• We Anticipate Their Moves: Because he used to deploy these tactics, we can predict their next steps and proactively counter them, giving our clients an unfair advantage.
• We Speak Their Language: Lupe understands their internal valuation software (like Colossus), their settlement authority limits, and the exact weaknesses in their defense arguments.
  This means for our clients in American Samoa, we not only fight hard, but we fight smarter. We don’t just react; we strategize with foresight.

Advantage 2: Multi-Million Dollar Results – We Don’t Settle Cheap

Our track record speaks volumes. We have consistently achieved significant compensation for clients suffering severe injuries.

• Brain Injuries: We secured a “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss.”
• Amputations: Our firm resolved a challenging personal injury case in the “millions” after a car accident led to a client’s leg amputation due to staff infections.
• Trucking Wrongful Death: “At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.”
• Maritime Injuries: We obtained a “significant cash settlement” for a client who injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship.
  These results prove that we are tenacious, prepared for trial, and effective. Insurance companies know our reputation for not backing down, which gives us immense leverage in negotiations for our clients in American Samoa.

Advantage 3: Federal Court Experience – Ready for the Most Complex Cases

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, a distinction many attorneys do not hold.

• Complex Litigation: Many high-stakes cases, especially those involving commercial trucking (FMCSA regulations), product liability (like Tesla accidents), or out-of-state corporate defendants, proceed in federal court. Our experience here means we are ready for the most complex challenges.
• Taking on Giants: Our firm was “one of the few firms in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation.” This demonstrates our capacity and willingness to take on even billion-dollar multinational corporations—a level of experience critical for large-scale accident claims in American Samoa.

Advantage 4: Personal Attention – You Are Family

We hear countless stories from clients who felt abandoned by other firms, treated like a case number. That’s not how we operate.

• Direct Access: You work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, not solely with paralegals in an “assembly line” approach.
• Consistent Communication: As client Dame Haskett attests, “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.”
• Genuine Care: “I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on,” says Ambur Hamilton. Chad Harris powerfully states, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
  This compassionate, client-focused approach means you’ll never feel alone as you navigate your recovery in American Samoa.

Advantage 5: Contingency Fee – No Financial Risk to You

We understand that after an accident, the last thing you need is more financial burden. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis.

• No Upfront Costs: You pay absolutely nothing out of pocket to hire us.
• We Advance Expenses: We cover all case costs, from investigations to expert witness fees.
• We Only Get Paid If We Win: Our promise is simple: “We don’t get paid unless we win your case.” If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. This removes financial risk and ensures that justice is accessible to all in American Samoa.

For over two decades, Ralph Manginello and the entire Attorney911 team have tirelessly fought for the rights of accident victims. We combine local understanding with national-level expertise and an insider’s view of the insurance industry. If you need emergency legal response after an accident in American Samoa, choose the firm with the unique advantages. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

American Samoa Motor Vehicle Accident FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Experiencing a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa can be incredibly disorienting. You likely have countless questions about what to do next, your rights, and how to protect your future. We’ve compiled answers to common questions our clients ask, providing you with clear, actionable information.

Immediate After Accident

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in American Samoa?
If you’ve been in an accident in American Samoa, prioritize safety first. Call 911 to report the collision and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. Seek medical attention promptly, even if you don’t feel hurt, as adrenaline can mask injuries. Document everything by taking photos of vehicle damage, the scene, and your visible injuries. Exchange information with the other driver and gather contact details from any witnesses. Crucially, do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Then, call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance.

2. Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes, always call the police. The official police report serves as critical documentation for your case. In Texas, you are legally required to report accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000. For a clearer understanding, obtain the police report from the responding agency or the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) in American Samoa.

3. Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
Absolutely. It’s common for serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, or herniated discs to have delayed symptoms. Adrenaline at the accident scene in American Samoa can mask pain and prevent you from realizing the full extent of your injuries. Insurance companies will use any delay in seeking medical treatment against you, arguing your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Get checked immediately to protect your health and your potential claim.

4. What information should I collect at the scene?
Collect every detail you can:

• Other Driver: Name, phone, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information (company and policy number).
• Vehicles: Make, model, color, and license plate of all vehicles involved.
• Witnesses: Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident.
• Photos: Extensive photos of all vehicle damage, your injuries, the accident scene, road conditions, and traffic signals in American Samoa.
• Police: Name and badge number of the responding officer, and the police report number.

5. Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?
Only exchange essential contact and insurance information with the other driver. Do NOT discuss fault, apologize, or say “I’m sorry,” as even an act of kindness can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault and used against you by the insurance company. Stick strictly to the facts.

6. How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
In American Samoa, you can typically obtain the police report from the specific law enforcement agency that responded to your accident. Alternatively, many reports are available through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) online.

Dealing With Insurance

7. Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?
To the other driver’s insurance: NO. You are not obligated to give them a recorded statement, and doing so without legal counsel almost always harms your case. To your own insurance: You have a contractual duty to cooperate, but it is still highly advisable to consult Attorney911 first. We can advise you on what to say and protect you from tactics that could jeopardize your claim.

8. What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?
Politely state, “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Provide only your name and the date of the accident. Do NOT discuss your injuries, the accident details, or their fault. Refer them to Attorney911, as our legal team in American Samoa will handle all further communications on your behalf.

9. Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
No. The insurance company’s initial estimate is simply an offer, and it is almost always significantly lower than the actual value of your claim. Attorney911 has extensive experience fighting for what your case is truly worth in American Samoa, often securing multi-million dollar results.

10. Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
Never accept an early settlement offer without first knowing the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact. Once you sign a settlement release, you legally forfeit your right to seek any additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen or new complications arise years later. These quick offers are always lowball attempts by the insurance company.

11. What if the other driver is uninsured/underinsured?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can provide compensation. It’s a critical protection. Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance strategies is invaluable in maximizing your UM/UIM recovery. Learn more in our video: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8.

12. Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?
Insurance companies request broad medical authorizations to gain access to your entire medical history, not just accident-related records. They scour these records for any pre-existing conditions or prior injuries to use against you, attempting to argue that your current injuries are not their responsibility. Never sign any authorization without legal review from Attorney911.

Legal Process

13. Do I have a personal injury case?
You may have a personal injury case if another party’s negligence caused an accident in American Samoa, resulting in your injuries or damages, and there is an insurance policy or other assets from which to recover. For a detailed assessment, we encourage you to watch our video: “Do I Have a Good Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-PMMP5Jims.

14. When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
You should hire an attorney immediately after an accident in American Samoa. Evidence disappears rapidly (e.g., surveillance footage is often deleted within 7-30 days), and insurance companies begin building their defense against you from day one. Prompt legal action protects your rights and preserves crucial evidence. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911.

15. How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury and wrongful death claims is 2 years from the date of the accident (or date of death). Missing this deadline, even by one day, will permanently bar your right to seek compensation.

16. What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?
Texas uses a “51% Bar Rule” for comparative negligence. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies will aggressively try to assign fault to you. Learn more in our video: “What Is Comparative Negligence?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4.

17. What happens if I was partially at fault?
Even if you were partially at fault for an accident in American Samoa, you can still recover damages as long as your fault is determined to be 50% or less. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are $100,000 and you are found 20% at fault, you will receive $80,000.

18. Will my case go to trial?
While Attorney911 prepares every case for trial, the vast majority of personal injury cases settle before reaching a courtroom. Our readiness for trial, backed by a proven track record of multi-million dollar results, gives us significant leverage in negotiations with insurance companies for cases in American Samoa. Watch our video: “Will Your Case Go to Trial?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc.

19. How long will my case take to settle?
The timeline for settling a personal injury case varies depending on the severity of your injuries and the complexity of your claim. We do not settle until you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), meaning your condition is as good as it’s going to get. This can take anywhere from 6 months for minor injuries to 18-24 months or longer for serious, catastrophic injuries.

20. What is the legal process step-by-step?
The typical legal process following an accident in American Samoa involves:

1. Investigation: Gathering evidence and identifying all liable parties.
2. Medical Treatment: Continuing treatment until Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
3. Demand Letter: Submitting a formal demand to the insurance company.
4. Negotiation: Attempting to reach a fair settlement.
5. Lawsuit (if necessary): Filing a formal lawsuit if negotiations fail.
6. Discovery: Exchanging information and taking depositions.
7. Mediation: Attempting settlement again through a neutral third party.
8. Trial (if needed): Presenting your case to a jury.
   For a deeper dive into the process, watch our video: “What Is the Process for a Personal Injury Claim?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzYymneDVs.

Compensation

21. What is my case worth?
The value of your case depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical costs, lost wages, any permanent impairment you suffer, your pain and suffering, and the available insurance coverage. Cases in American Samoa can range from tens of thousands for soft tissue injuries to multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries like TBI or amputation.

22. What types of damages can I recover?
You can usually recover both economic damages (quantifiable costs like past and future medical bills, lost wages, and property damage) and non-economic damages (intangible losses like pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life). In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded.

23. Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Compensation for pain and suffering is a critical component of personal injury cases in Texas, including American Samoa. There are generally no caps on pain and suffering damages for motor vehicle accident claims, allowing for substantial recovery in severe injury cases.

24. What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You absolutely can still recover if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This legal principle is known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule, meaning the at-fault party is responsible for all injuries they cause, even if you were more susceptible to injury due to a pre-existing condition. Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance tactics is particularly useful here, as he knows precisely how they try to attack pre-existing conditions and how to effectively counter these arguments.

25. Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
Generally, compensation received for physical injuries and medical expenses is NOT taxable under federal law. However, punitive damages and compensation for lost wages (depending on specific circumstances) MAY be taxable. It’s always best to consult with a qualified tax professional regarding your specific settlement.

26. How is the value of my claim determined?
The value of your claim is determined by thoroughly assessing all your damages, including the total cost of past and future medical treatment, lost income and earning capacity, the nature and permanence of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the availability of insurance coverage. We also consider comparable verdicts and settlements in American Samoa and similar jurisdictions.

Attorney Relationship

27. How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fee is a percentage of the final recovery (typically 33.33% before a lawsuit is filed, and 40% if a lawsuit is necessary and the case proceeds to trial). We advance all case costs, and if we don’t win, you owe us nothing. Watch our video: “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

28. What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
It means exactly that: you pay zero legal fees unless we successfully recover money for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our legal services. We also advance all case expenses, ensuring you face no financial burden while seeking justice.

29. How often will I get updates?
At Attorney911, consistent communication is a cornerstone of our service. As client Dame Haskett said, “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.” We pride ourselves on keeping our clients in American Samoa informed every step of the way.

30. Who will actually handle my case?
At Attorney911, you won’t be shuffled off to junior associates. You work directly with experienced attorneys like Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. As Chad Harris shared, “You are NOT just a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” This personal attention defines our firm.

31. What if I already hired another attorney?
You have the right to switch attorneys if you are unhappy with your current legal representation, if they’re not communicating, or if they’re pressuring you to accept a lowball offer. Many of our American Samoa clients come to us after being disappointed by other firms. As Greg Garcia stated, “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to confidentially discuss switching to our firm.

Mistakes to Avoid

32. What common mistakes can hurt my case?
Avoiding common pitfalls is crucial to protecting your claim in American Samoa:

• Giving a recorded statement without legal counsel.
• Accepting a quick, lowball settlement offer.
• Delaying or having gaps in medical treatment.
• Posting about your accident, injuries, or activities on social media.
• Signing any releases or authorizations without attorney review.
• Failing to document everything at the accident scene.
  Learn more by watching our video: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

33. Should I post about my accident on social media?
A resounding NO. Insurance companies will meticulously monitor your social media profiles. Any posts about the accident, your injuries, or activities that appear to contradict your claims can be used as ammunition against you. Set all your profiles to private immediately and refrain from posting anything related to your accident or recovery.

34. Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
Signed documents in legal matters are critical. Releases are permanent and legally bind you, preventing any future claims. Broad medical authorizations grant insurance companies unlimited access to your medical history, which they can exploit. Settlement offers are binding contracts. Once signed, these documents are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to revoke or change. Always have Attorney911 review any document before you sign it.

35. What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
It’s always best to see a doctor immediately after an accident. However, if you didn’t, see one NOW. Explain that the severity of your injuries wasn’t immediately apparent. Delayed symptoms are common, and we can still help you build a strong case by linking your injuries to the accident through proper medical documentation and expert testimony.

Additional Common Questions

36. What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You absolutely can still recover if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition in American Samoa. This is known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule, meaning the defendant “takes the victim as they find them.” For example, if you had mild, occasional back pain before but the accident caused a herniated disc requiring surgery, you can recover for the new injury and the worsening of your prior condition. We work with medical experts to prove the difference. Lupe Peña knows intimately how insurance companies attack pre-existing conditions and how to defeat those arguments effectively.

37. Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
Yes, you have the right to fire your current attorney at any time if you are dissatisfied with their communication, progress, or advice. If you feel your current lawyer is not fighting for you or is pushing for a cheap settlement, you should explore your options. Attorney911 has successfully taken over numerous cases from other law firms. As client Greg Garcia expressed, “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential discussion about switching to our dedicated team.

38. What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?
Even when making an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) claim against your own insurance policy, you should still have legal representation. Your own insurance company will still act as an adversary, trying to minimize their payout. Lupe Peña’s specialized knowledge, gained from years working within the insurance defense industry, is especially critical in these situations as he understands their tactics from the inside.

39. How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Pain and suffering damages are most commonly calculated using a multiplier method, where your medical expenses are multiplied by a factor (typically between 1.5 and 5). The specific multiplier depends on factors like injury severity, permanency, emotional impact, and clear liability. For instance, $100,000 in medical expenses with a multiplier of 4 would result in $400,000 for pain and suffering. Lupe Peña, having calculated these valuations for insurance companies for years, possesses unique insight into how to maximize this component of your claim.

40. What if I was hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, etc.)?
Accidents involving government vehicles in American Samoa come with special legal complexities and shorter deadlines. You typically must file a formal notice of claim within 6 months (significantly shorter than the standard 2-year statute of limitations). Governmental entities are often protected by sovereign immunity, limiting their liability. These cases are highly specialized, and Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience, including federal court litigation, provides the necessary expertise. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately if you’ve been in such an accident, as missing the 6-month deadline is fatal to your claim.

41. What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?
If you are a victim of a hit and run in American Samoa, immediately file a police report, as it is a criminal offense. Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is designed to help in such situations. Crucially, act very quickly to secure surveillance footage from gas stations, businesses, or traffic cameras near the scene, as this footage is often deleted within 7-30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to obtain this vital evidence.

42. What if I’m an undocumented immigrant—can I still file a claim?
Yes. Your immigration status in American Samoa does not affect your right to seek compensation for injuries suffered due to another’s negligence. You are entitled to the same legal protections and rights to recovery as any other individual. Your case information is confidential. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our firm is committed to protecting your rights and privacy without prejudice. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation.

43. What if the accident happened in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents in American Samoa are fully compensable. While insurance companies often try to label these as “50/50 fault” (a misleading claim), we can prove liability through surveillance video, witness statements, and vehicle damage analysis, applying Texas’s comparative negligence rules to your advantage. We have a strong track record of winning parking lot collision cases with clear findings of fault.

44. What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?
If you were a passenger in a vehicle that caused an accident in American Samoa, you can and should pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance, even if they are a friend or family member. As an innocent victim, you typically have no comparative fault. The driver’s liability insurance is there to cover injured passengers. These cases often settle smoothly due to clear liability, and we handle the delicate conversations, so you don’t have to.

45. What if the other driver died in the accident?
The tragic death of the at-fault driver in an accident in American Samoa does not extinguish your right to seek compensation. You can still pursue a claim against their estate and their auto insurance policy, as the policy still applies. While emotionally complex, these cases are legally viable, and we approach them with utmost sensitivity to ensure your rights are protected.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Motor Vehicle Accident in American Samoa?

When the unexpected happens, and a motor vehicle accident leaves you injured and uncertain in American Samoa, the choices you make next are critical. You need more than just legal advice; you need a powerful, compassionate advocate who understands local nuances while bringing state-of-the-art legal strategies. Attorney911, a trade name of The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, is not just another law firm; we are your emergency legal response team dedicated to securing justice for you.

Experience That Matters, Results That Speak: Led by Ralph Manginello, with over 25 years of experience in Texas courtrooms and a distinguished federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, our firm has a proven track record of multi-million dollar results. This includes securing a “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss” and achieving a settlement in the “millions” for a car accident client who required a partial amputation. Our involvement in high-stakes cases like the BP explosion litigation further underscores our capability to take on powerful adversaries, from local defendants in American Samoa to major corporations.

The Insider Advantage – Our Unfair Edge: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings a truly unique perspective: years working for a national defense firm, learning the insurance companies’ playbooks firsthand. He understands how they value claims—and how they try to minimize them. This insider knowledge means we anticipate their tactics, expose their schemes, and relentlessly fight back with strategies honed on their side of the table. No other firm in American Samoa offers this unparalleled advantage. As Trae Tha Truth and others in the community will tell you, when he trusts us, you can too.

Personal Attention, Emergency Response: We know you’re not just a case file. As client Chad Harris put it, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” We pride ourselves on direct communication and genuine care. From the moment you call our emergency hotline, 1-888-ATTY-911, your legal emergency becomes our top priority. We offer prompt, accessible service and ensure you understand every step of the process. Our dedicated staff, including Leonor and Zulema, are praised by clients: “Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders,” says Stephanie Hernandez. And for our Spanish-speaking clients in American Samoa, we are fully bilingual: “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates,” notes Celia Dominguez, and “Hablamos Español” is a core part of our commitment.

No Fee Unless We Win – Your Path to Justice: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients in American Samoa pay nothing upfront. We advance all case expenses and only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. This commitment ensures that your financial situation never prevents you from pursuing the justice you deserve.

The roads of American Samoa, though beautiful, carry real risks. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident, don’t navigate the complex legal and insurance landscape alone. Let Attorney911 be your unwavering advocate.

Take the first step toward justice and recovery. Call Attorney911 now for your free, no-obligation consultation.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 – Your Legal Emergency Response in American Samoa

Your fight for justice begins with a single phone call. After a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa, every moment counts. Evidence disappears, insurance companies mobilize against you, and critical deadlines approach rapidly. Don’t let fear, confusion, or financial concerns prevent you from protecting your rights.

At Attorney911, a trade name of The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, we stand ready to provide the emergency legal response you need. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello with over 25 years of experience, and bolstered by Lupe Peña’s invaluable insider knowledge of insurance tactics, is uniquely equipped to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We serve all of Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices, and our commitment extends to clients throughout American Samoa, ensuring you receive the same expert, compassionate, and aggressive representation.

Why Call Now?

• Evidence is Disappearing: Surveillance footage, witness memories, and electronic data vanish quickly. We send preservation letters immediately to secure crucial evidence.
• Insurance Companies Are Already Working Against You: They are building a case to minimize your claim. Do NOT give a recorded statement or sign anything without legal counsel.
• Your Recovery is Our Priority: We manage the complexities of your claim, allowing you to focus on healing.
• No Upfront Costs, No Risk: We operate on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case, and your initial consultation is always free.
• Hablamos Español: Lupe Peña and our bilingual staff ensure language is never a barrier.

Whether you’re dealing with a car accident trauma, an 18-wheeler collision on a main highway, a drunk driving accident, or any other motor vehicle incident in American Samoa, we are here to support you. We fight for multi-million dollar results, and we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial because insurance companies know we’re not bluffing.

Don’t wait. Protect your future. Call Attorney911 for your FREE, confidential consultation today.

1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC | Principal Office: Houston, Texas

Learn more about your rights and our firm at https://attorney911.com or contact us directly at https://attorney911.com/contact/.
Explore our extensive library of legal insights on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Manginellolawfirm.
Listen to Ralph Manginello discuss real-world cases and practical legal tips on Attorney 911 The Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/bj/podcast/attorney-911/id1773141988.

---