Faʻalavelave Taʻavale i Amerika Samoa: Lau Taʻiala Atoa mo le Toe Faʻaleleia

Afai na e manuʻa i se faʻalavelave taʻavale i luga o auala o Amerika Samoa, e te le o toʻatasi. E taʻi 57 sekone uma, e tupu se faʻalavelave i luga o auala a le Iunaite Setete, ma a e feagai ma manuʻa, pili faʻafomaʻi, ma faʻalavelave inisiua i lo tatou teritori o motu, e mafai ona lagona le lofituina. Ua matou i ai e taʻu atu o loʻo avanoa fesoasoani. I le Attorney911, matou te aumaia le tele o tausaga o le poto masani mai Texas e fesoasoani i tagata manuʻa i Amerika Samoa e faʻatautaia le tulaga tulafono lavelave ma tauivi mo le taui e tatau ona latou maua.

Malamalama i Faʻalavelave Taʻavale i Amerika Samoa

O auala tulaga ese a Amerika Samoa—mai i ala feliuliuaʻi o Tutuila i le gataifale lata ane i Pago Pago—e tuʻuina mai ni luʻitau faʻapitoa mo avetaavale. Faatasi ai ma le fefiloi o feoaiga turisi, tagata faimalaga i le lotoifale, ma taʻavale faapisinisi, e mafai ona tupu faʻalavelave i se taimi vave. A tupu, e te manaʻomia se vaega faʻaletulafono poto masani e malamalama i le tulaga faʻalotoifale ma mataupu faavae lautele o le tulafono e puipuia oe.

O Ralph Manginello, na faavaeina le Attorney911, e silia ma le 25 tausaga le poto masani i le taulimaina o mataupu tau taʻavale afi, e aofia ai faʻalavelave lavelave e tele taʻavale, faʻalavelave loli, ma mataupu e aofia ai manuʻa mataʻutia. O la matou kamupani e aofia ai le loia muamua o le puipuiga inisiua o Lupe Peña, o le na faʻaalu tausaga e galue mo kamupani inisiua ma o loʻo faʻaaoga nei lena malamalama i totonu e tau ai mo tagata manuʻa. Ua matou toe maua le faitau miliona o tupe mo tagata faʻatau, e aofia ai se mataupu talu ai nei lea na iʻu ai i le tipiina o se vaega o le vae o se tagata faʻatau mai se manuʻa i se faʻalavelave taʻavale ona o siama a le aufaigaluega—na faʻamalieina lena mataupu i le faitau miliona.

Le Mea Moni o Auala o Amerika Samoa

Pe o e ave taʻavale i luga o le Auala Numera 1 e ui atu i Tafuna pe faʻatautaia mauga i luga aʻe o Fagatogo, o auala o Amerika Samoa e iai uiga tulaga ese e mafai ona saofagā i faʻalavelave:

O auala mauga feliuliuaʻi ma le vaʻaiga faʻatapulaʻa
O ala i gataifale e faigofie ona aʻafia i tulaga o le tau
Fefiloi o feoaiga faʻalotoifale ma taʻavale mautotogi
Gaioiga o taʻavale faapisinisi e fesoʻotaʻi ma galuega i le uafu ma le malaevaalele

A tupu faʻalavelave iinei, e mafai ona ogaoga manuʻa. Ua matou vaʻaia tagata faʻatau e iai manuʻa tau māfaufau, faʻaleagaina o le ivi, ivi gau e manaʻomia ai taotoga, ma manuʻa faalemafaufau e umi se taimi pe a uma ona malolo manuʻa faaletino.

Ituaiga Masani o Faʻalavelave Taʻavale Afi i Amerika Samoa

E vaʻaia e lo tatou teritori le tele o ituaiga faʻalavelave, e manaʻomia taʻiala faʻaletulafono faʻapitoa. O mea nei e tatau ona e iloa e uiga i feteʻenaʻiga masani i luga o auala o Amerika Samoa.

Faʻalavelave Taʻavale i Amerika Samoa

O faʻalavelave taʻavale o faʻalavelave taʻavale afi e sili ona taatele i Amerika Samoa, e amata mai i faʻalavelave laiti i Pago Pago e oʻo atu i feteʻenaʻiga matuiā i luga o a tatou auala tele. O nei faʻalavelave e masani ona aofia ai:

Turisi e le masani i tulaga o auala i le lotoifale
Avetaavale faʻalotoifale e faimalaga i galuega poʻo aʻoga
Taʻavale faapisinisi e laʻu uta
Faʻalavelave e fesoʻotaʻi ma le tau i taimi o timuga

Manuʻa masani mai faʻalavelave taʻavale i Amerika Samoa e aofia ai le whiplash, faʻamaʻi o le pito i tua, ponaivi gau, manuʻa tau māfaufau, ma i tulaga ogaoga, faʻaleagaina o le ivi poʻo le maliu. O le tulaga o inisiua iinei e mafai ona lavelave, ma faiga faʻavae e ono aofia ai kamupani i le lotoifale ma i le laueleele tele.

Pe a feagai ma faʻamatalaga o faʻalavelave taʻavale i Amerika Samoa, o le iai o se loia e malamalama i le tulafono faʻateritori ma feterale e taua tele. O le taliaina o Ralph Manginello i le faamasinoga feterale ma lona poto masani i moliaga i le tele o setete e maua ai ia i tatou le vaaiga e manaʻomia e taulima mataupu e sopoia laina faʻafaamasinoga.

E pei ona faʻasoa mai e le tagata faʻatau o Chavodrian Miles e uiga i lona poto masani ma i matou: “Na ave aʻu e Leonor i le fomaʻi i le aso lava e tasi…e na o le 6 masina e ofoofogia.” O lenei tulaga vave o le gauai ma le faʻamalieina lelei o mataupu o le mea lea matou te taumafai i ai mo tagata faʻatau uma a Amerika Samoa.

Faʻalavelave 18-Uili ma Loli Faapisinisi

E ui e leai ni auala tetele e pei o le laueleele tele i Amerika Samoa, ae o loʻo iai pea le sao taua a le laʻu loli i le tamaoaiga o lo tatou teritori. Mai i galuega i le uafu i Pago Pago i le tilivaina i Tutuila, o taʻavale lapopoa e tuʻuina mai ni lamatiaga tetele i luga o a tatou auala vaapiapi.

Pe a fetoʻai se 18-uili poʻo se loli faapisinisi ma se taʻavale pasese i Amerika Samoa, e masani ona mataʻutia taunuuga ona o le eseesega tele o le mamafa—e oʻo atu i le 80,000 pauna faʻatusatusa i le 4,000 pauna mo se taʻavale masani. O nei faʻalavelave e masani ona aofia ai:

O loli laʻu uta o loʻo tautuaina pisinisi i le lotoifale
Taʻavale faufale mo galuega tetele
Felaʻuaiga faapisinisi e fesoʻotaʻi ma le uafu
Loli mautotogi e faʻaaogaina e pisinisi ma tagata taʻitoʻatasi

O tulafono faatonutonu a le Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) e faʻaoga i taʻavale faapisinisi o loʻo faʻagaioi i Amerika Samoa, e pei lava o le laueleele tele. O nei tulafono faatonutonu e pulea:

Tapulaʻa o Itula o le Auaunaga (HOS) e puipuia ai le vaivai o le avetaavale
Manaoga masani o le tausiga o taʻavale
Tulaga faʻamaonia o avetaavale faapisinisi
Faiga suʻega o fualaau faasaina ma ava malosi

Pe a solia e kamupani laʻu loli nei tulafono faatonutonu i Amerika Samoa, e mafai ona latou noatia mo faʻalavelave e tupu mai. O lo matou kamupani loia e iai le poto masani i le tuliloaina o nei mataupu, e pei ona faʻaalia i la matou faʻamaumauga: “I le Attorney911, o a matou loia tau manuʻa a le tagata lava ia ua fesoasoani i le tele o tagata manuʻa ma aiga o loʻo feagai ma mataupu o le oti sese e fesoʻotaʻi ma le laʻu loli e toe maua le faitau miliona o tala i taui.”

O masini faʻaeletoroni e teu ai faʻamaumauga (ELD) i taʻavale faapisinisi e faʻasaoina ai faʻamatalaga taua e mafai ona faʻamaonia ai soliga, ae e mafai ona toe tusia lenei faʻamaoniga i totonu o le 30-180 aso. O le mafuaʻaga lena e taua ai le faʻafesoʻotaʻi vave i se loia pe a uma se faʻalavelave loli i Amerika Samoa e faʻasaoina ai lenei faʻamaoniga.

Faʻalavelave Taʻavale Ona o le Inu Ava i Amerika Samoa

O le ave taʻavale oona o loʻo tumau pea o se popolega ogaoga i Amerika Samoa, e pei lava i le Iunaite Setete atoa. A ave e avetaavale oona o tatou auala, latou te tuʻuina tagata uma i se tulaga lamatia—tagata i le lotoifale ma tagata asiasi. O nei faʻalavelave e masani ona iʻu i manuʻa sili ona ogaoga ma maliu ona o le leiloa o le avetaavale o le taimi e tali atu ai, le faaiuga, ma le pulea lelei o le taʻavale.

I Amerika Samoa, o faʻalapotopotoga e avatua ava malosi i tagata o loʻo faʻaalia manino le onaina e mafai ona tutusa le noataga i lalo o mataupu faavae o le dram shop. O faʻailoga o le onaina manino e aofia ai:

Leo faʻaseʻe
Mata mūmū poʻo mata tioata
Savali le mautu poʻo le tautevateva
Faʻatasi le faʻamaopoopoina
O le manogi malosi o le ava malosi
Amio faʻamalosi poʻo le faʻaletonu

O pa, faleaiga, ma nofoaga faʻaagafesootai i le lotoifale i Amerika Samoa e iai le tiute e avatua ava malosi ma le faʻaeteete. A latou le faia faapea ma o se tagata onaina e mafua ai se faʻalavelave, atonu latou te tali faatasi ma le avetaavale.

O mataupu o le ave taʻavale oona i Amerika Samoa e masani ona agavaa mo taui faʻasalaga, lea e faʻamoemoe e faʻasalaina amioga faʻatauvaʻa faapitoa ma taofia ai amioga faapena i le lumanaʻi. O le poto masani o le matou kamupani loia e aofia ai le taulimaina o mataupu na i ai le onaina o se mea, ma matou iloa le auala e suʻesuʻe maeʻaeʻa ai nei faʻalavelave e iloa ai tagata uma e ono mafai ona noatia.

Faʻalavelave Uila Afi i Amerika Samoa

O le tietie uila afi i Amerika Samoa e maua ai ni vaaiga matagofie o la tatou laufanua motu, ae e iai foʻi ni tulaga mataʻutia tulaga ese. O a tatou auala feliuliuaʻi, faʻalavelave i luga o le auala i nisi taimi, ma le fefiloi o ituaiga taʻavale e faia ai ni luʻitau mo tagata tietie. A tupu faʻalavelave, e masani ona mafatia tagata tietie uila afi i manuʻa ogaoga ona o le leai o se puipuiga.

Mafuaʻaga masani o faʻalavelave uila afi i Amerika Samoa e aofia ai:

Avetaavale ua le mafai ona tuʻuina atu le aia tatau i uila afi
Faʻalavelave i le liliu agavale lea e liliu ai taʻavale i luma o uila afi
result
Faʻalavelave i luga o le auala e pei o lua poʻo otaota e sili atu ona mataʻutia i taʻavale e lua uili
Vaʻaiga faʻatapulaʻa i luga o auala piʻo
Tagata tietie le poto masani e le masani i tulaga faʻalotoifale

I Amerika Samoa, e pei foʻi o isi pulega, e masani ona taumafai kamupani inisiua e tuʻuaʻia tagata tietie uila afi mo faʻalavelave. Atonu latou te finau o le tagata tietie na saoasaoa, vaelua laina, poʻo le leai o ni ofu talafeagai. E malamalama la matou kamupani loia i nei togafiti ona o Lupe Peña sa ia faʻaaogaina ia togafiti a o galue mo kamupani inisiua—o lea ua ia faʻaaogaina lena malamalama e tetee atu ai i nei finauga ma puipuia aia tatau a tagata tietie.

Faʻalavelave Savali i Amerika Samoa

O le saogalemu o tagata savali e matua taua lava i nuu o Amerika Samoa, lea e masani ai le savali i nuu ma taulaga. O a tatou auala vaapiapi, ala savali faʻatapulaʻa i nisi o eria, ma le maualuga o gaioiga turisi e faʻatupuina ai tulaga e faigofie ai ona fetoʻai tagata savali ma taʻavale.

O tagata savali i Amerika Samoa e iai le aia tatau i ala savali ua faailogaina ma fetaulaiga, ae e toʻatele avetaavale ua le mafai ona iloa lenei mea. Faʻaaliga masani o faʻalavelave savali e aofia ai:

Faʻalavelave i ala savali i Pago Pago ma isi eria faapisinisi
Faʻalavelave i tafatafa o le auala i luga o auala e leai ni ala savali talafeagai
Eria turisi lea e ono le masani ai tagata asiasi i faiga feoaʻi faʻalotoifale
Faʻalavelave i le po ma le vaʻaiga faʻatapulaʻa

O faʻalavelave savali i Amerika Samoa e masani ona iʻu i manuʻa mataʻutia ona o le tino o le tagata e leai se puipuiga mai le aʻafiaga o le taʻavale. Ua matou vaʻaia tagata faʻatau e iai manuʻa tau māfaufau, faʻaleagaina o le ivi, e tele ivi gau, ma le faʻaleagaina o totoga i totonu mai nei feteʻenaʻiga. O le faagasologa o le toe malosi e mafai ona umi ma taugata, e manaʻomia ai se sui faaletulafono atoatoa e faʻamautinoa ai o loʻo ufiufi uma tau faʻafomaʻi ma isi faʻaleagaina.

Faʻalavelave taʻavale lavea ma sola i Amerika Samoa

O faʻalavelave lavea ma sola e matua faʻanoanoa ona o le sola ese o le avetaavale na sese, ma tuua ai le tagata manua ma manuʻa faaletino, mea totino ua faʻaleagaina, ma leai se tali atu vave. I totonu o nuu vavalalata o Amerika Samoa, e mafai ona matua faateʻia nei mea.

A tupu se lavea ma sola i Amerika Samoa, e taua le taimi. O ata mataʻituina mai pisinisi lata ane, mea pueata faʻatautaia feoaʻiga, poʻo faiga o le puipuiga o nofoaga e nonofo ai e mafai ona puʻeina le taʻavale, ae o lenei faʻamaoniga e masani ona tapeina i totonu o le 7-30 aso. O le faia vave o se tagi faaletulafono e mafai ona faʻamautinoa le faʻasaoina o lenei faʻamaoniga aʻo leʻi leiloa e faʻavavau.

Afai e le mafai ona iloa le avetaavale na sese i se lavea ma sola i Amerika Samoa, o lau lava inisiua avetaavale e leʻi inisiua (UM) e mafai ona maua ai se taui. Ua manuia le matou kamupani loia i le tulituliloaina o faamatalaga UM mo tagata faʻatau ina ua sola ese le itu na sese. E matou te malamalama i manaoga faʻapitoa ma faiga mo nei talosaga i la tatou teritori.

Faʻalavelave Taʻavale Faʻasoa (Uber/Lyft) i Amerika Samoa

E ui atonu e faʻatapulaʻaina le i ai o auaunaga faʻasoa taʻavale i Amerika Samoa pe a faʻatusatusa i eria taulagi i le laueleele tele, ae o loʻo latou faʻagaioia pea iinei ma tuʻuina mai ni luʻitau inisiua tulaga ese pe a tupu faʻalavelave. O le inisiua o loʻo avanoa e faʻalagolago i le mea na faia e le avetaavale i le taimi tonu o le faʻalavelave:

Vaitaimi 0 – Le Faʻaogaina: O le talosaga ua tape, faʻaaoga mo le tagata lava ia—o inisiua a le tagata lava ia
Vaitaimi 1 – Faʻatalitali: O le talosaga ua ki, leai se talosaga mo se tietiega—inisiua faʻalagolago (e masani ona faʻatapulaʻaina)
Vaitaimi 2 – Ua Talia: Ua talia le tietiega, o loʻo agaʻi atu e piki—inisiua faapisinisi atoatoa
Vaitaimi 3 – Faʻatautaia: O loʻo i totonu o le taʻavale le pasese—inisiua faapisinisi atoatoa

O le fuafuaina po o le a le vaega na faʻaaoga i le taimi o se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa e manaʻomia ai se suʻesuʻega vave. O faʻamatalaga o le talosaga a le avetaavale, faʻamaumauga GPS, ma faʻamatalaga o totogi e tatau ona faʻamautinoa aʻo leʻi mafai ona suia pe tapeina. O le poto masani o le matou kamupani loia i mataupu faʻasoa tietiega i le tele o pulega e fesoasoani ia i matou e faʻatautaia lenei lavelave mo tagata faʻatau a Amerika Samoa.

Faʻaaliga Faʻapitoa mo Faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa

O le tulaga tulaga ese o Amerika Samoa o se teritori a le Iunaite Setete e faʻatupuina ai ni manatu faʻaletulafono faʻapitoa mo tagata na afaina i faʻalavelave:

Lavelave o Puleaga Faʻafaamasinoga: O mataupu e ono aofia ai faamasinoga faʻateritori, faamasinoga feterale, poʻo mea uma e lua
ʻUpega Tafaʻilagi o Inisiua: Kamupani faʻalotoifale faʻatasi ma kamupani i le laueleele tele
Punaoa Fomaʻi: O togafitiga e ono aofia ai nofoaga faʻalotoifale poʻo felauaiga i Hawaii poʻo le laueleele tele
Fua Faʻatatau o le Tamaoaiga: Faʻatusatusaga o totogi e iloiloina ai le tamaoaiga faʻalotoifale
Vaega Faʻalenuu: O nuu vavalalata lea e ono iai ai itu faʻaagafesootai i mataupu

E faʻaaloalo ma malamalama la matou kamupani loia i nei itu tulaga ese o Amerika Samoa a o faʻaaoga la matou poto masani tele i faʻatalatalanoaga o faʻalavelave taʻavale afi. Ua matou taulimaina mataupu e aofia ai mataupu lavelave o puleaga faafaamasinoga, faiga faʻavae inisiua e tele, ma manuʻa mataʻutia e manaʻomia ai togafitiga faʻapitoa faafomaʻi.

Mea e Fai i le Taimi Lava e uma ai se Faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa

O taimi ma aso e mulimuli atu i se faʻalavelave taʻavale afi i Amerika Samoa e taua tele. O au gaioiga e mafai ona aʻafia tele lou soifua maloloina, ou aia tatau faaletulafono, ma lou toe faʻaleleia mulimuli. Mulimuli i lenei taʻiala faʻasolosolo e puipuia ai oe ma lau mataupu.

I le Vaaiga o le Faʻalavelave

Faʻamautinoa le Saogalemu Muamua: Afai e mafai ona e fealuai ma le saogalemu, alu i se nofoaga saogalemu e mamao ese mai feoaiga. Ki moli lamatia pe afai e mafai ona faʻaogaina lau taʻavale.
Valaau le 911: Lipoti atu le faʻalavelave i pulega faʻalotoifale. Talosagaina fesoasoani faʻafomaʻi pe a iai se tasi ua manuʻa. O se lipoti aloaia a leoleo e faia ai ni faʻamaumauga taua mo lau mataupu.
Saʻili Togafitiga Fomaʻi: E tusa lava pe te lagona “lelei,” e mafai ona ufiufi e le adrenaline ni manuʻa ogaoga. O faʻailoga o le manuʻa tau māfaufau, toto i totonu, poʻo le faʻaleagaina o le ivi e ono le aliali mai vave. Talia le iloiloga faafomaʻi i le vaaiga poʻo le alu i le LBJ Tropical Medical Center poʻo se isi nofoaga faʻalotoifale.
Faʻamaumau Mea Uma:
- Ave ata o mea UMA ua faʻaleagaina o le taʻavale mai tulimanu eseese
- Pueina ata o le vaaiga o le faʻalavelave, tulaga o le ala, faʻailoga o feoaiga, ma soʻo se mea iloga e taua
- Puʻeina ata o manuʻa e iloa atu
- Pueina vitio pe afai e fesoasoani e faʻaalia ai tulaga
Fetufaaʻi Faʻamatalaga:
- Igoa o le isi avetaavale, numera telefoni, ma le tuatusi
- Kamupani inisiua ma le numera o le inisiua
- Numera o le laisene avetaavale
- Numera o le laisene laisene
- Faʻailoga, faʻataʻitaʻiga, ma lanu o le taʻavale
Aoina Faʻamatalaga Molimau: Maua igoa ma numera telefoni o soʻo se tasi na vaʻaia le mea na tupu. Fesili pe latou te naunau e tuʻuina atu se faʻamatalaga.
Aua le Taʻutino atu e te Sese: E oʻo lava i le fai atu “Ou te faamalie atu” e mafai ona faauigaseseina o se taʻutinoga o le matafaioi. Ia tumau i le fefaʻatauaʻiga o faʻamatalaga moni naʻo.
Faʻafesoʻotaʻi le Attorney911: Vili le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se taʻiala faaletulafono vave aʻo leʻi talanoa i soʻo se kamupani inisiua.

I totonu o le 24 Itula

Faasao Faʻamaoniga Faʻatekinolosi:
- Faasaoina uma feau tusitusia, telefoni, ata, ma vitio e fesoʻotaʻi ma le faʻalavelave
- Aua le tapeina se mea mai lau telefoni
- Imeli kopi ia te oe lava mo le faaleoleo
Faʻamautu Faʻamaoniga Faaletino:
- Taofi lavalava ua faʻaleagaina, matatioata, poʻo mea totino
- Faasaoina lisiti mo soʻo se tupe faʻaalu (lalaga, taʻavale mautotogi, vailaʻau)
- Aua le toe faʻaleleia lou taʻavale—faʻasao le faʻaleagaina e fai ma faʻamaoniga
Faʻaauau i le Fomaʻi:
- Vaʻai i se fomaʻi e tusa lava pe na e teena togafitiga i le vaaiga
- Mulimuli i FAʻATONU uma a le fomaʻi
- Taofi se api talaaga o faʻailoga e faʻamaumau ai le tiga, tapulaʻa, ma le alualu i luma o le toe malosi
Taulimaina Fesoʻotaʻiga Inisiua:
- Afai e valaau mai kamupani inisiua, fai mai “E tatau ona ou talanoa muamua i laʻu loia”
- Aua le tuʻuina atu faʻamatalaga na pueina e aunoa ma se sui faaletulafono
- Aua le sainia se mea
- Aua le taliaina ni ofo faʻamalieina
Faʻamautu au Social Media:
- Fai OMA faʻamatalaga faʻapitoa i le taimi lava e tasi
- Aua le faʻasalalau e uiga i le faʻalavelave
- Aua le faʻasalalau ata o manuʻa poʻo gaioiga
- Taʻu i uo/aiga e aua le faʻailogaina oe i faʻasalalauga

Aisea e Taua ai le Gaoioiga Vave i Amerika Samoa

E vave ona mou atu faʻamaoniga pe a uma faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa:

Ata mai mataʻituina mai pisinisi lata ane e masani ona tapeina i le 7-30 aso
Ua vave ona mou atu manatua o molimau ma ua faigata ona maua molimau
Faʻamaoniga faaletino i le vaaiga e faʻamamaina pe suia
Faʻamatalaga faʻaeletoroni mai taʻavale e mafai ona toe tusia
Ua amata loa ona fausia e kamupani inisiua a latou puipuiga

E pei ona matauina e le tagata faʻatau o Nina Graeter e uiga i la matou kamupani loia: “E matua fautuaina! Na latou faʻavavevave ma taulimaina lelei laʻu mataupu.” E taua lenei faʻanatinati ona o aso uma e te faʻatali ai, ua mou atu faʻamaoniga ma ua faigata ai ona faʻamaonia lau mataupu.

Malamalama i Togafiti a Kamupani Inisiua i Mataupu a Amerika Samoa

E faʻaaogaina e kamupani inisiua togafiti faʻataʻatia e faʻaitiitia ai totogi, pe o oe i Amerika Samoa poʻo se isi lava mea i le Iunaite Setete. O le malamalama i nei togafiti o lau puipuiga muamua lea mai le totogi maualalo mo ou manuʻa.

O le Mailei o le Faʻamalieina Vave

E masani ona faʻafesoʻotaʻi e tagata fetuutuunai inisiua tagata na afaina i faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa i totonu o aso—o nisi taimi aʻo i ai pea i latou i le falemaʻi—ma ofo atu ni tupe faʻamalieina “vave”. O nei ofo e masani ona amata mai i le $2,000-$15,000 ma e oʻo mai ma le faʻamalosi e talia i le taimi lava e tasi.

O le Mailei: E te le iloa le tulaga o ou manuʻa. O le tele o tulaga ogaoga—faʻamaʻi o le pito i tua, manuʻa tau māfaufau, faʻaleagaina o totoga i totonu—atonu e le faʻaalia ai faʻailoga mo vaiaso poʻo masina. Afai e te talia se faʻamalieina ma sainia se faʻamalologa, e le mafai ona e toe talosagaina se isi tupe mulimuli ane, e tusa lava pe e te manaʻomia se taotoga e tau $100,000.

La matou Auala: Matou te le faʻamalieina mataupu aʻo leʻi oʻo a matou tagata faʻatau i le Maualuga o le Toe Faʻaleleia Fomaʻi (MMI)—le tulaga lea e mafai ai e fomaʻi ona fuafua le tulaga atoa o manuʻa ma manaʻoga mo togafitiga i le lumanaʻi. Atonu e 6-24 masina e faʻalagolago i le ogaoga o manuʻa. Matou te iloa o nei ofo vave e faʻatusalia na o le 10-20% o le tau moni o le mataupu ona o Lupe Peña na ia fuafuaina nei ofo maualalo mo tausaga a o avea ma loia puipui.

Faʻaogaina o Faʻamatalaga na Puʻeina

E masani ona talosagaina e kamupani inisiua ni faʻamatalaga na pueina i se taimi lata mai pe a uma faʻalavelave. Latou te faʻatulagaina lenei mea e pei o le “na o le manaʻomia o lau itu o le tala e faʻagasolo ai le talosaga.”

O le Mea Moni: O nei faʻamatalaga e faʻainisinia ma le faʻaeteete i fesili taʻitaʻi ua fuafuaina e faʻaitiitia ai ou manuʻa, taʻutino atu ai se vaega o le sese, pe fai atu se mea e mafai ona faʻaaogaina faasaga ia te oe mulimuli ane.

Faaaliga o fesili ma mea moni o loʻo fesiligia:

“Ua e lagona lelei i le taimi nei, a ea?” → Faʻamalieina oe e fai atu ua e faaleleia
“E leʻi ogaoga le lavea, a ea?” → Faʻaitiitia le ogaoga o le feteʻenaʻiga
“Na mafai ona e savali ese mai le vaaiga?” → Fautua atu e le ogaoga manuʻa
“Na e faʻalavelaveina?” → Faʻamalieina oe e taʻutino lou sese

O la matou Puipuiga: A e faʻafaigaluegaina le Attorney911, matou te taulimaina uma fesoʻotaʻiga ma kamupani inisiua. Afai e matua manaʻomia se faʻamatalaga, matou te saunia oe ma le atoatoa ma nofo faʻatasi ma oe i le faagasologa. Matou te iloa a latou fesili ona o Lupe na fesili i ai mo tausaga.

O le Faʻatauvalea o le Suʻega Fomaʻi “Tutoʻatasi”

E masani ona talosagaina e kamupani inisiua i mataupu a Amerika Samoa se “Suʻega Fomaʻi Tutoʻatasi” (IME) ma se fomaʻi latou te filifilia.

O le Upu Moni: O nei fomaʻi e le o tutoʻatasi. E totogi i latou e kamupani inisiua le $2,000-$5,000 i le suʻega ma e iai faʻamalosi tau tupe e faʻaitiitia ai mea na maua. E filifilia e kamupani inisiua fomaʻi e faʻavae i luga o le tagata e tuʻuina atu pea ia i latou lipoti lelei.

O Saʻiliga Masani a le IME e Faʻaleagaina ai lau Mataupu:

“O loʻo i ai i le tagata maʻi ni suiga o le tino ua leva ona i ai” (O tagata uma ua silia ma le 40 e iai sina maʻi gout)
“O manuʻa e fetaui ma manuʻa laiti”
“E mafai e le tagata maʻi ona toe foʻi i galuega atoatoa”
“O faʻamatalaga a le tagata lava ia e le tutusa ma mea na maua” (O le tautala faafomaʻi mo le taʻua o oe o se pepelo)

O la matou Puipuiga: Matou te saunia tagata faʻatau ma le atoatoa aʻo leʻi faia suʻega IME, auina atu faʻamaumauga atoa o fomaʻi e faʻamalosia ai le iloiloga moni, ma luʻitauina lipoti faʻaituau ma a matou lava tagata poto faafomaʻi. E iloa e Lupe nei fomaʻi ma o latou faʻaituau ona sa ia faʻafaigaluegaina i latou a o galue mo kamupani inisiua.

Mataʻituina ma Mataʻituina Social Media

E masani ona faʻafaigaluegaina e kamupani inisiua tagata suʻesuʻe tumaoti e faʻatautaia mataʻituina ma mataʻituina social media i mataupu a Amerika Samoa.

Mea latou te Faia:

Vitioina oe o faia ni gaoioiga masani mai nofoaga faitele
Suʻe soʻo se gaioiga e feteenai ma faʻamatalaga o manuʻa
Mataʻituina uma social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, ma isi
Pueina uma: ata, faʻasalalauga, siaki-i totonu, faʻamatalaga
Faʻaaoga le iloa foliga e suʻe ata ua e faʻailogaina ai

Faaaliga na matou Puipuia:

O se ata tuai mai le 3 tausaga talu ai na tuʻuina atu o se ata lata mai
O le siaki-i totonu o se faleaiga na taʻua o se “patī ma fiafia” a o nofo filemu le tagata faʻatau
O le ataata i se ata o le aiga na faʻaaogaina e fai ma faʻamaoniga e “leai se tiga”

O le Malamalama a Lupe i totonu: “Ua ou iloiloina le faitau selau o vitio mataʻituina ma faʻasalalauga social media a o avea ma loia puipui. O le mea moni: E ave ese e kamupani inisiua gaioiga mama i se talaaga. Latou te taofi le TAITASI e tasi o oe o loʻo gaoioi ‘masani’ ma le amanaiaina le 10 minute o loʻo e tauivi ai i luma ma mulimuli ane. Latou te le o faʻamaumauina lou olaga—o loʻo latou fausia ni auupega e faasaga ia te oe.”

Togafiti Faʻatuai ma Faʻamalosi Tupe

Ua faʻatuai ma le loto i ai e kamupani inisiua talosaga, ma le faamoemoe o le malosi o mea tau tupe e faʻamalosia ai tagata na afaina e talia ni faʻamalieina maualalo.

Fuafuaga: Toso mataupu i le 6-12+ masina ma faʻatuai faifaipea: “O loʻo suʻesuʻe pea,” “Faʻatalitali mo faʻamaumauga,” “Manaʻomia nisi faʻamatalaga.” I le taimi nei, e te feagai ma pili faʻaopoopo e aunoa ma se tupe maua.

Aisea e Aoga ai: E iai taimi e le gata ma punaoa a kamupani inisiua. E iai ou manaʻoga vave tau tupe. O le faʻanoanoa e faʻaoso ai tagata e talia mea itiiti.

O la matou Tali: Matou te failaina tagi e faʻamalosia ai aso faʻagata, faia ni faʻamatalaga tauto e faʻamalosia ai gaioiga, ma sauniuni mo le faamasinoga e faʻaalia ai ua matou faʻamaoni. E malamalama Lupe i nei togafiti faʻatuai ona sa ia faʻaaogaina—o lea ua ia iloa le taimi ma le auala e tulei ai i tua.

Fuafuaina o le Tau o lau Mataupu i Amerika Samoa

O le malamalama i le mea e ono aoga ai lau mataupu e fesoasoani e faʻatulaga faʻamoemoega moni. E ui ina eseese uma mataupu faʻalavelave a Amerika Samoa, ae o nisi mea e faʻaaafia pea faʻamalieina ma le aofaʻiga o faʻaiuga.

Faʻaleagaina Faʻaletamaoaiga (Gau e Mafai ona Fuaina)

Ituaiga Faʻaleagaina	Mea e Ufiufia ai	Faʻataʻitaʻiga
Tupe Faʻaalu Fomaʻi	Tau o togafitiga i le taimi ua mavae ma le lumanaʻi	Pili o falemaʻi, taotoga, faiga faʻamalositino, vailaʻau, meafaigaluega faafomaʻi
Totogi Leiloa	Tupe maua ua leiloa ona o le manuʻa	Galuega ua misia i le taimi e toe malosi ai, itula faʻaitiitia
Gafatia e Maua ai Tupe ua Leiloa	Faʻaitiitia o le gafatia e maua ai tupe i le lumanaʻi	Le mafai ona toe foʻi i le galuega muamua, manaʻomia le suia o galuega
Faʻaleagaina o Meatotino	Toe faʻaleleia poʻo le suiina o le taʻavale	Tau toe faʻaleleia, tau faʻaititia, tupe faʻaalu mo taʻavale mautotogi
Tupe Faʻaalu i fafo	Tupe faʻaalu eseese e fesoʻotaʻi ma le faʻalavelave	Felauaiga i tofiga, suiga o le fale, fesoasoani a le aiga

Faʻaleagaina e le o Faʻaletamaoaiga (Aʻafiaga i le Tulaga Lelei o le Olaga)

Ituaiga Faʻaleagaina	Mea e Ufiufia ai
Tiga ma Mafatia	Tiga faaletino mai manuʻa
Faʻapopoleina o le Mafaufau	Faʻapopoleina faʻalagona, popole, faʻavaivai, PTSD
Le atoatoa o le Tino	Leiloa o galuega faaletino, le atoatoa
Faʻaleagaina o Foliga	Maʻila, manuʻa e iloa atu e aʻafia ai foliga
Leiloa o le Fiafia	Le mafai ona auai i gaoioiga sa fiafia i ai muamua
Leiloa o le Faʻatasi	Aʻafiaga i mafutaga faaleaiga/faʻaipoipoga

Tulaga o Faʻamalieina e tusa ai ma Ituaiga o Manuʻa

Manuʻa Aano Vaivai (Whiplash, Faʻatuai):

Fomaʻi: $6,000-$16,000
Tulaga o Faʻamalieina: $15,000-$60,000

Ponaivi Gau (Ponaivi Gau Faigofie):

Fomaʻi: $10,000-$20,000
Tulaga o Faʻamalieina: $35,000-$95,000

Ponaivi Gau e Manaʻomia ai Taotoga:

Fomaʻi: $47,000-$98,000
Tulaga o Faʻamalieina: $132,000-$328,000

Faʻamaʻi o le Pito i Tua (Togafitiga Faʻasao):

Fomaʻi: $22,000-$46,000
Tulaga o Faʻamalieina: $70,000-$171,000

Faʻamaʻi o le Pito i Tua (Manaʻomia Taotoga):

Fomaʻi: $96,000-$205,000
Tulaga o Faʻamalieina: $346,000-$1,205,000

Manuʻa Tau Mafaufau (Feololo i Ogaoga):

Fomaʻi: $198,000-$638,000+
Tulaga o Faʻamalieina: $1,548,000-$9,838,000+

Manuʻa i le Ivi Faʻasaga/Palasi:

Tau i le Olaga Atoa: $2,500,000-$13,000,000+
Tulaga o Faʻamalieina: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

O nei tulaga o loʻo faʻaalia ai le mafuaʻaga e toetoe lava a le lava i taimi uma ofo vave a kamupani inisiua e $5,000-$15,000 mo manuʻa ogaoga. E pei ona iloa e le tagata faʻatau o Donald Wilcox: “Na fai mai se tasi kamupani latou te le taliaina laʻu mataupu. Ona ou maua ai lea o se telefoni mai ia Manginello…Na ou maua se telefoni e sau e piki lenei siaki aulelei.”

Mea e Faʻateleina ai le Tau o le Mataupu

Noataga Manino: O le isi avetaavale na sese manino (moʻomia moli mūmū, ave taʻavale oona, ma isi)
Manuʻa Ogaoga: E manaʻomia taotoga, le atoatoa tumau, maʻila tele
Pili Fomaʻi Maualuga: Togafitiga tele, manaʻoga mo tausiga i le lumanaʻi
Totogi Leiloa Tele: Tagata maua maualuga, aʻafiaga tumau i galuega
Tagata Faʻamalosia Alofa: Tamaiti, tagata matutua, tagata maʻaleʻale faapitoa
Amio Mataʻutia: Ave taʻavale oona, lavea ma sola, faʻatauvaʻa tele
Faʻamaoniga Malosi: Vitio puʻeina, molimau e tele, lipoti lelei a leoleo

Mea e Faʻaititia ai le Tau o le Mataupu

Noataga e Finauina: Tala feteʻenaʻi, leai ni molimau, mataupu o le faʻatusatusaina o le sese
Vaeluaga i Togafitiga: Tofiga ua misia, taofi togafitiga
Tulaga ua i ai muamua: Manuʻa muamua i le vaega lava e tasi o le tino
Sese i le Social Media: Faʻasalalauga e feteenai ma faʻamatalaga o manuʻa
Faʻamatalaga na Puʻeina: Na fai atu se mea e afaina ai e aunoa ma se loia
Faʻatuai i le Faʻafaigaluegaina o le Loia: Faʻamaoniga ua leiloa, ua mou atu manatuaga

Aisea e Filifilia ai le Attorney911 mo lau Mataupu a Amerika Samoa

A e manuʻa i se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa, e te manaʻomia se loia e tuʻufaʻatasia le malamalama faʻalotoifale ma le poto masani tele. O mea nei e faia ai le Attorney911 o le filifiliga saʻo mo tagata nonofo i le teritori.

O la matou Avanoa Tulaga ese o le Puipuiga Inisiua

“Na galue Lupe Peña mo ni nai tausaga i se kamupani loia puipui a le atunuʻu, ma aʻoaʻoina lava pe faʻapefea ona faʻatauaina e kamupani inisiua tetele faʻamatalaga.”

O lenei malamalama i totonu o la matou avanoa sili ona malosi mo tagata faʻatau a Amerika Samoa. Na faʻaalu e Lupe tausaga e galue MO kamupani inisiua, ma aʻoaʻoina ai:

Pe faʻapefea ona latou fuafua le tau o talosaga e faʻaaoga ai polokalama e pei o Colossus
O fea upu faafomaʻi e faʻaoso ai faʻatauga maualuga pe maualalo
Pe faʻapefea ona latou filifilia fomaʻi IME e faʻaititia ai mea na maua
A latou fuafuaga faʻatuai, teena, ma puipuia
Faʻatulagaina o tupe faʻaagaga ma tapulaʻa o le pule faʻamalie

O lea ua ia faʻaaogaina lena malamalama MO tagata manuʻa, ae le o le tetee atu ia i latou. E leai se isi kamupani loia e tautuaina Amerika Samoa o loʻo i ai lenei vaaiga i totonu.

O Iʻuga e Fia Miliona Tala

O la matou faʻamaumauga e faʻamaonia ai matou te le faʻamalieina i mea e itiiti ifo nai lo le tau o mataupu:

“O se faʻamalieina e fia miliona tala mo le tagata faʻatau na mafatia i se manuʻa o le mafaufau ma le leiloa o le vaai ina ua paʻu se ogalaau ia te ia i se kamupani laʻu ogalaau.”

“I se mataupu talu ai nei, na manuʻa ai le vae o le matou tagata faʻatau i se faʻalavelave taʻavale. O siama a le aufaigaluega i le taimi o togafitiga na iʻu ai i le tipiina o se vaega. Na faʻamalieina lenei mataupu i le faitau miliona.”

“I le Attorney911, o a matou loia tau manuʻa a le tagata lava ia ua fesoasoani i le tele o tagata manuʻa ma aiga o loʻo feagai ma mataupu o le oti sese e fesoʻotaʻi ma le laʻu loli e toe maua le faitau miliona o tala i taui.”

O nei iʻuga e faʻaalia ai lo matou gafatia e taulima mataupu ogaoga o manuʻa e manaʻomia ai le taui aupito maualuga.

Poto Masani i le Faamasinoga Feterale

Ua talia Ralph Manginello e galue i le Faamasinoga Faaitumalo a le Iunaite Setete, Itumalo i Saute o Texas. E taua lenei poto masani feterale mo mataupu a Amerika Samoa e ono aofia ai:

Puleaga faʻafaamasinoga o feterale fesili
Puleaga eseese mo tagata ua molia i fafo atu o le setete
Mataupu faasaga i kamupani faʻavaomalo
Mataupu lavelave e tele puleaga

O la matou kamupani loia sa i ai foi i nai toʻaitiiti na aafia i moliaga o le pa o le BP, e faʻaalia ai lo matou gafatia e tetee atu i kamupani e faitau piliona tala.

Le Uiga Faʻapitoa e te le Maua i se Isi Mea

O faamatalaga a tagata faʻatau e faʻaauau pea ona faʻailoa mai le mea e ese ai:

“E le o oe o se faʻalavelave ia i latou ma e le o oe o se isi tagata faʻatau…O oe o se AIGA ia i latou.” – Chad Harris

“Ou te leʻi lagona lava o ‘se isi mataupu’ na latou galulue ai.” – Ambur Hamilton

“Na faʻafesoʻotaʻi mai e Ralph lava ia.” – Dame Haskett

“Fesootaʻiga faifaipea ma e leai se taimi na ou valaau ai ma ou le maua se tali manino.” – Dame Haskett

O le a e galulue saʻo ma loia poto masani, ae le o se laina faʻapipiʻi o le pule o mataupu. E pei ona faʻamatalaina e le tagata faʻatau o Jamin Marroquin: “Na taʻitaʻia aʻu e Mr. Manginello i le faagasologa atoa ma le poto sili…malosi, avanoa, ma naunau i le 19 masina atoa.”

Totogi Faʻalagolago – Leai se Tulaga lamatia Tau Tupe

“Matou te le totogia seʻiloga matou te manumalo i lau mataupu.”

Faufautua fua e aunoa ma se noataga
Leai ni tau muamua poʻo ni tupe taofi
Matou te muamua atu i tupe faʻaalu uma o mataupu
E te le totogia se mea sei vagana ua matou toe maua se taui mo oe
Totogi masani: 33.33% aʻo leʻi faia le faamasinoga, 40% pe a manaʻomia le faamasinoga

E faʻamautinoa e lenei faʻatulagaga o loʻo ogatasi mea uma e fiafia i ai—e naʻo matou manuia pe a manuia foi oe.

Auaunaga i Amerika Samoa mai o matou Ofisa i Texas

E ui o a matou ofisa autu o loʻo i Houston, Austin, ma Beaumont, Texas, matou te tautuaina tagata faʻatau i Amerika Samoa atoa ma malamalama i itu tulaga ese o mataupu faʻateritori. O la matou faʻataʻitaʻiga i Texas atoa ua maua ai e i matou le poto masani i ituaiga eseese o faʻalavelave, mamanu o manuʻa, ma le lavelave o inisiua e faʻaoga tutusa i mataupu a Amerika Samoa.

Matou te ofoina atu faufautua mamao ma femalagaaʻi pe a manaʻomia mo mataupu a Amerika Samoa. O mataupu faavae faaletulafono e puipuia ai tagata na afaina i faʻalavelave e tutusa, ma o lo matou poto masani i puleaga uma ua faʻaosofia ai i matou e faapitoa lava e taulima mataupu i Amerika Samoa.

Fesili e Masani ona Fesiligia e uiga i Faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa

Popolega vave

O le a le mea e tatau ona ou faia i le taimi lava e uma ai se faʻalavelave taʻavale i Amerika Samoa?
Valaau le 911, saili togafitiga faafomaʻi, faʻamaumau mea uma i ata, fetufaaʻi faʻamatalaga ma le isi avetaavale, maua fesoʻotaʻiga molimau, Aua le taʻutino atu e te sese pe tuʻuina atu se faʻamatalaga i le inisiua, ma valaau le Attorney911 i le 1 888 ATTY 911.

E tatau ona ou alu i le fomaʻi e tusa lava pe ou te lagona lelei?
IOE. O le tele o manuʻa ogaoga e le faʻaalia faʻailoga i le taimi lava e tasi. O manuʻa tau māfaufau, toto i totonu, ma le faʻaleagaina o le ivi e ono aliali mai i aso. E faʻaaogaina e kamupani inisiua le tuai o togafitiga e tetee atu ia te oe.

E faʻapefea ona ou maua se kopi o le lipoti a leoleo i Amerika Samoa?
Faʻafesoʻotaʻi le ofisa o leoleo na tali atu. E mafai e la matou kamupani loia ona maua lenei mea mo oe o se vaega o la matou suʻesuʻega.

Feagai ai ma Inisiua

E tatau ona ou tuʻuina atu se faʻamatalaga na pueina i le kamupani inisiua?
LEAI. Aua e aunoa ma se loia. O le au fetuutuunai inisiua e fai fesili taʻitaʻi ua fuafuaina e faʻaititia ai manuʻa pe taʻutino atu ai lou sese. Fai mai “E tatau ona ou talanoa muamua i laʻu loia.”

Faʻapefea pe a faʻafesoʻotaʻi aʻu e le inisiua a le isi avetaavale?
Tuʻuina atu na o faʻamatalaga faavae: lou igoa, aso o le faʻalavelave, e te aafia ai. Faʻasino uma isi fesili i lau loia. Aua le talanoaina manuʻa, sese, po o le taliaina o so o se ofo faʻamalieina.

E tatau ona ou talia le ofo muamua a le kamupani inisiua?
LEAI. E toetoe lava a maualalo i taimi uma nei ofo—e masani lava o le 10-20% o le tau moni o le mataupu. A e talia ma sainia se faʻamalologa, e le mafai ona e toe talosagaina se tupe e sili atu e tusa lava pe e te manaʻomia mulimuli ane se taotoga.

Faagasologa Faaletulafono

O le a le umi e tatau ona ou faila ai se tagi i Amerika Samoa?
E eseese le tulafono faʻatapulaʻa e faʻatatau i le ituaiga o tagi ae e masani lava e 2 tausaga mai le aso o le faʻalavelave mo manuʻa a le tagata lava ia. O le misia o lenei aso e tapunia ai lou mataupu e faʻavavau.

Faʻapefea pe a ou i ai se vaega o le sese?
E mulimuli Amerika Samoa i mataupu faavae o le faʻatusatusaina o le faʻatamala. Afai e 50% pe itiiti ifo lou sese, e mafai lava ona e toe maua tupe faʻaleagaina e faʻaititia i lou pasene o le sese. Afai e 51% pe sili atu lou sese, e te le toe maua se mea.

O le a alu lau mataupu i le faamasinoga?
O le tele o mataupu e faʻamalieina aʻo leʻi oʻo i le faamasinoga, ae matou te sauniuni uma mataupu E PEI o le a alu i le faamasinoga. O lenei sauniuniga e maua ai ia i matou le malosi i feutagaiga ona ua iloa e kamupani inisiua ua matou sauni e tuʻuina atu lau mataupu i le au faʻamasino pe a manaʻomia.

Tau o le Mataupu

E fia le tau o laʻu mataupu?
E faʻalagolago i: ogaoga o manuʻa, tau faafomaʻi, tupe maua ua leiloa, tumau o manuʻa, aʻafiaga i lou olaga, inisiua o loʻo avanoa, ma le manino o le noataga. E amata mai i le faitau afe mo manuʻa laiti i le faitau miliona mo manuʻa mataʻutia.

O a mea e faʻaleagaina e mafai ona ou toe maua?
Tupe faʻaalu faafomaʻi (i le taimi ua mavae ma le lumanaʻi), totogi ua leiloa, gafatia e maua ai tupe ua leiloa, tiga ma mafatia, popolega faalemafaufau, le atoatoa o le tino, faʻaleagaina o foliga, leiloa o le fiafia i le olaga, ma le faʻaleagaina o meatotino.

O le a le umi o laʻu mataupu?
Seʻia oʻo atu oe i le Maualuga o le Toe Faʻaleleia Fomaʻi (MMI)—le taimi e mafai ai e fomaʻi ona fuafua le tulaga atoa o manuʻa ma manaʻoga mo le lumanaʻi. Atonu e 6 masina mo manuʻa laiti poʻo le 18-24+ masina mo manuʻa ogaoga e manaʻomia ai togafitiga tele.

Galulue ma la matou Kamupani Loia

E fia le tau o se loia?
Matou te galulue i luga o le faʻalagolago: 33.33% aʻo leʻi faia le faamasinoga, 40% pe a fai le faamasinoga. E te le totogia se mea sei vagana ua matou manumalo. Matou te muamua atu i tau uma o mataupu.

O ai o le a taulimaina laʻu mataupu?
O le a e galulue saʻo ma Ralph Manginello poʻo Lupe Peña, ae le o se laina faʻapipiʻi o le pule o mataupu. E pei ona fai mai e Chad Harris: “E le o oe o se tagata faʻatau…O oe o se AIGA ia i latou.”

E faʻafia ona ou maua faʻamatalaga fou?
O fesoʻotaʻiga masani o la matou tulaga masani. E pei ona matauina e Dame Haskett: “Fesootaʻiga faifaipea ma e leai se taimi na ou valaau ai ma ou le maua se tali manino.”

Faʻapefea pe ua i ai se isi loia?
E mafai ona e sui. E pei ona faʻasoa mai e Greg Garcia: “I le amataga sa i ai se isi loia ae na ia lafoaʻi laʻu mataupu e ui ina mafai e le kamupani loia a Mangiello ona fesoasoani mai ia te aʻu.”

Fai Gaoioiga nei: O lou Ala i le Toe Malosi e Amata iinei

O aso uma e te faʻatali ai pe a uma se faʻalavelave i Amerika Samoa, ua mou atu faʻamaoniga. O vitio mataʻituina ua tapeina, ua mou atu manatuaga o molimau, ua faʻamamaina faʻamaoniga faaletino, ma ua fausia e kamupani inisiua a latou puipuiga e faasaga ia te oe. O le tulafono faʻatapulaʻa e 2 tausaga o loʻo faʻaauau pea ona tiʻetiʻe.

Aua e te feagai ma lenei mea na o oe. Aua le talia se faʻamalieina le lava. Aua le tuʻuina atu ia kamupani inisiua e faʻaogaina oe.

Valaau le laina faʻafuaseʻi faaletulafono i le taimi nei: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

E leai se totogi o la matou faufautua fua. O le totogi faʻalagolago o lona uiga e te le totogia se mea sei vagana ua matou manumalo. Matou te muamua atu i tau uma o mataupu. E leai se tulaga lamatia tau tupe ia te oe.

Mea e Tupu pe a e Valaau:

Iloiloga o Mataupu Fua: O le a matou faʻalogologo i le mea na tupu, taliina au fesili vave, ma tuʻuina atu ia te oe se tali faʻamaoni e uiga i lau mataupu.
Faʻasaoina vave o Faʻamaoniga: Afai matou te talia lau mataupu, matou te auina atu i totonu o le 24 itula ni tusi faʻasao e faʻamautu ai vitio mataʻituina, faʻamatalaga faʻaeletoroni, ma isi faʻamaoniga aʻo leʻi mou atu.
Suʻesuʻega Atoatoa: Matou te suʻesuʻe itu uma—toe fausia o faʻalavelave, faʻatalanoaga molimau, iloiloga o lipoti a leoleo, faʻailoaina o faiga faʻavae inisiua.
Taulaʻi i le Fomaʻi: Matou te fesoasoani e faʻafesoʻotaʻi oe ma togafitiga talafeagai ma faʻamautinoa le faʻamaumauina atoa o manuʻa uma.
Fesoʻotaʻiga Atoatoa: O le a e iloa le mea o loʻo tupu i lau mataupu i laʻasaga uma. E pei ona fai mai le tagata faʻatau o Brian Butchee: “Sa lelei tele Melanie. Sa ia faʻailoa mai ia te aʻu ma a ia fai mai o le a ia toe valaau mai, na ia toe valaau mai.”
Sailiga o le Toe Maua Aupito Maualuga: Matou te tauivi mo tala uma e tatau ona e maua, ma sauniuni mo le faamasinoga pe a manaʻomia e maua ai se taui talafeagai.

Aisea e Filifilia ai e Tagata Amerika Samoa O Tatou:

“Latou te faia oe e lagona ai o se aiga ma e ui o le faagasologa atonu e umi se taimi, ae latou te faʻaalia ai e pei o se savili. Sa latou tauivi mo aʻu ina ia ou maua uma sene sa tatau ona ou maua.” – Glenda Walker

“O lenei nofoaga e lagona ai e pei o le i ai o se aiga i luga o lau mataupu. Ma o fesootaiga ma oe i laʻasaga uma. O le ala lena e te iloa ai ua e i lima lelei.” – Kiwi Potato

“O Ralph o se LOIA OFOOFIA. Ua ou faʻaaogaina o ia 2 TAIMI MO 2 mataupu eseese o le mataupu muamua na ia maua ai ia te aʻu se FAʻAMATALAGA O LE FAʻATEʻA! Ma o le isi na o le 10 masina faʻanofovaavaaia. Na te faia le GALOEGA SAʻO!!!!” – Cassie Wright

O lou ala i le toe malosi e amata i se valaau e tasi. Aua le faʻatali aʻo mou atu faʻamaoniga ma latalata mai aso faʻagata.

Valaau le 1-888-ATTY-911 nei. Faufautua fua. Leai se totogi sei vagana ua matou manumalo.

Attorney911 | Le Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Ofisa Autu: Houston, Texas
Auaunaina Tagata Faʻatau i Amerika Samoa
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
https://attorney911.com

O iʻuga ua mavae ma faamatalaga a tagata faʻatau o loʻo faʻamatalaina iʻuga i mataupu patino. E eseese uma mataupu, ma o taunuuga o le a eseese e faʻatatau i mea moni ma tulaga patino. E leai se faʻamaoniga o iʻuga tutusa o loʻo faʻaalia. O loʻo avanoa faufautua fua. Faʻavae totogi faʻalagolago—leai se totogi sei vagana ua matou manumalo. O tau o le faamasinoga ma tupe faʻaalu o mataupu e ono avea ma matafaioi a le tagata faʻatau e tusa lava po o le a le taunuuga.

ENGLISH

Car Accidents in American Samoa: Your Complete Guide to Recovery

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident on the roads of American Samoa, you’re not alone. Every 57 seconds, a crash occurs on U.S. roads, and when you’re facing injuries, medical bills, and insurance complications in our island territory, the situation can feel overwhelming. We’re here to tell you that help is available. At Attorney911, we bring decades of experience from Texas to help injury victims in American Samoa navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for the compensation they deserve.

Understanding Car Accidents in American Samoa

American Samoa’s unique roadways—from the winding routes of Tutuila to the coastal stretches near Pago Pago—present specific challenges for drivers. With a mix of tourism traffic, local commuters, and commercial vehicles, accidents can happen in an instant. When they do, you need an experienced legal team that understands both the local context and the broader legal principles that protect you.

Ralph Manginello, founder of Attorney911, has over 25 years of experience handling motor vehicle cases, including complex multi-vehicle crashes, trucking accidents, and cases involving catastrophic injuries. Our firm includes former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña, who spent years working for insurance companies and now uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims. We’ve recovered millions for clients, including a recent case where a client’s leg injury from a car accident led to a partial amputation due to staff infections—that case settled in the millions.

The Reality of American Samoa Roads

Whether you’re driving on Route 1 through Tafuna or navigating the hills above Fagatogo, American Samoa’s roads have unique characteristics that can contribute to accidents:

Winding mountain roads with limited visibility
Coastal routes susceptible to weather conditions
Mix of local and rental car traffic
Commercial vehicle activity related to port and airport operations

When accidents happen here, the injuries can be severe. We’ve seen clients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones requiring surgery, and psychological trauma that lasts long after physical wounds heal.

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in American Samoa

Our territory sees a variety of accident types, each requiring specific legal strategies. Here’s what you need to know about the most common collisions on American Samoa roads.

Car Accidents in American Samoa

Car accidents are the most common motor vehicle incidents in American Samoa, ranging from minor fender-benders in Pago Pago to serious collisions on our main highways. These accidents often involve:

Tourists unfamiliar with local road conditions
Local drivers commuting to work or school
Commercial vehicles making deliveries
Weather-related incidents during rainy seasons

Common injuries from car accidents in American Samoa include whiplash, herniated discs, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and in severe cases, spinal cord damage or fatalities. The insurance landscape here can be complex, with policies that may involve both local and mainland providers.

When dealing with car accident claims in American Samoa, having an attorney who understands both territorial and federal law is crucial. Ralph Manginello’s admission to federal court and experience with multi-state litigation gives us the perspective needed to handle cases that cross jurisdictional lines.

As client Chavodrian Miles shared about his experience with us: “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.” This level of prompt attention and efficient case resolution is what we strive for with every American Samoa client.

18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Accidents

While American Samoa doesn’t have the extensive highway systems of the mainland, commercial trucking still plays a vital role in our territory’s economy. From port operations at Pago Pago Harbor to deliveries across Tutuila, large vehicles present significant risks on our narrower roads.

When an 18-wheeler or commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle in American Samoa, the results are often catastrophic due to the massive weight disparity—up to 80,000 pounds versus 4,000 pounds for an average car. These accidents frequently involve:

Delivery trucks servicing local businesses
Construction vehicles for infrastructure projects
Port-related commercial transportation
Rental trucks used by businesses and individuals

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations apply to commercial vehicles operating in American Samoa, just as they do on the mainland. These regulations govern:

Hours of Service (HOS) limits to prevent driver fatigue
Regular vehicle maintenance requirements
Commercial driver licensing standards
Drug and alcohol testing protocols

When trucking companies violate these regulations in American Samoa, they can be held liable for resulting accidents. Our firm has experience pursuing these cases, as demonstrated by our track record: “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.”

The electronic logging devices (ELD) in commercial vehicles preserve critical data that can prove violations, but this evidence can be overwritten within 30-180 days. That’s why contacting an attorney immediately after a truck accident in American Samoa is essential to preserve this evidence.

Drunk Driving Accidents in American Samoa

Drunk driving remains a serious concern in American Samoa, as it does across the United States. When intoxicated drivers take to our roads, they put everyone at risk—locals and visitors alike. These accidents often result in the most severe injuries and fatalities because impaired drivers lose reaction time, judgment, and vehicle control.

In American Samoa, establishments that serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated patrons may share liability under dram shop principles. Signs of obvious intoxication include:

Slurred speech
Bloodshot or glassy eyes
Unsteady gait or stumbling
Impaired coordination
Strong odor of alcohol
Aggressive or erratic behavior

Local bars, restaurants, and social venues in American Samoa have a responsibility to serve alcohol responsibly. When they fail to do so and an intoxicated patron causes an accident, they may be held accountable along with the driver.

Drunk driving cases in American Samoa often qualify for punitive damages, which are intended to punish particularly reckless behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. Our firm’s experience includes handling cases where intoxication was a factor, and we know how to thoroughly investigate these incidents to identify all potentially liable parties.

Motorcycle Accidents in American Samoa

Motorcycle riding in American Samoa offers beautiful views of our island terrain, but it also presents unique dangers. Our winding roads, occasional road hazards, and mix of vehicle types create challenges for riders. When accidents occur, motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries due to their lack of protection.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in American Samoa include:

Drivers failing to yield right of way to motorcycles
Left-turn accidents where cars turn in front of bikes
Road hazards like potholes or debris more dangerous to two-wheeled vehicles
Limited visibility on curved roads
Inexperienced riders unfamiliar with local conditions

In American Samoa, as in other jurisdictions, insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists for accidents. They may argue the rider was speeding, lane-splitting, or not wearing proper gear. Our firm understands these tactics because Lupe Peña used them when he worked for insurance companies—now he uses that knowledge to counter these arguments and protect riders’ rights.

Pedestrian Accidents in American Samoa

Pedestrian safety is particularly important in American Samoa’s communities, where walking is common in villages and towns. Our narrow roads, limited sidewalks in some areas, and high tourist activity create situations where pedestrians are vulnerable to vehicle collisions.

Pedestrians in American Samoa have the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections, but many drivers fail to recognize this. Common pedestrian accident scenarios include:

Crosswalk incidents in Pago Pago and other commercial areas
Roadside accidents on routes without adequate sidewalks
Tourist areas where visitors may be unfamiliar with local traffic patterns
Nighttime incidents with limited visibility

Pedestrian accidents in American Samoa often result in catastrophic injuries because the human body has no protection against vehicle impact. We’ve seen clients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage from these collisions. The recovery process can be long and expensive, requiring comprehensive legal representation to ensure all medical costs and other damages are covered.

Hit and Run Accidents in American Samoa

Hit and run accidents are particularly distressing because the at-fault driver flees the scene, leaving the victim with physical injuries, property damage, and no immediate accountability. In American Samoa’s close-knit communities, these incidents can be especially shocking.

When a hit and run occurs in American Samoa, time is critical. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or residential security systems may capture the vehicle, but this evidence is often deleted within 7-30 days. Immediate legal action can secure preservation of this evidence before it’s lost forever.

If the at-fault driver cannot be identified in an American Samoa hit and run, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may provide compensation. Our firm has successfully pursued UM claims for clients when the responsible party fled the scene. We understand the specific requirements and procedures for these claims in our territory.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft) in American Samoa

While rideshare services may have limited presence in American Samoa compared to mainland urban areas, they still operate here and present unique insurance challenges when accidents occur. The insurance coverage available depends on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash:

Period 0 – Offline: App off, personal use – personal insurance only
Period 1 – Waiting: App on, no ride request – contingent coverage (often limited)
Period 2 – Accepted: Ride accepted, en route to pickup – full commercial coverage
Period 3 – Transporting: Passenger in vehicle – full commercial coverage

Determining which phase applied at the time of an accident in American Samoa requires immediate investigation. Driver app data, GPS records, and payment information must be secured before they can be altered or deleted. Our firm’s experience with rideshare cases across multiple jurisdictions helps us navigate this complexity for American Samoa clients.

Special Considerations for American Samoa Accidents

American Samoa’s unique status as a U.S. territory creates specific legal considerations for accident victims:

Jurisdictional Complexity: Cases may involve territorial courts, federal courts, or both
Insurance Networks: Local providers alongside mainland companies
Medical Resources: Treatment may involve local facilities or transport to Hawaii or mainland
Economic Factors: Wage calculations considering local economy
Community Aspects: Close-knit communities where cases may have social dimensions

Our firm respects and understands these unique aspects of American Samoa while applying our extensive experience with motor vehicle accident litigation. We’ve handled cases involving complex jurisdictional issues, multiple insurance policies, and catastrophic injuries requiring specialized medical care.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in American Samoa

The moments and days following a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa are critical. Your actions can significantly impact your health, your legal rights, and your eventual recovery. Follow this step-by-step guide to protect yourself and your case.

At the Accident Scene

Ensure Safety First: If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights if your vehicle is operable.
Call 911: Report the accident to local authorities. Request medical assistance if anyone is injured. An official police report creates important documentation for your case.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel “fine,” adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Symptoms of traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, or spinal damage may not appear immediately. Accept medical evaluation at the scene or go to LBJ Tropical Medical Center or another local facility.
Document Everything:
- Take photos of ALL vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals, and any relevant landmarks
- Capture images of visible injuries
- Record video if it helps show conditions
Exchange Information:
- Other driver’s name, phone number, and address
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
Gather Witness Information: Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened. Ask if they’d be willing to provide a statement.
Do NOT Admit Fault: Even saying “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as admitting responsibility. Stick to factual information exchange only.
Contact Attorney911: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to any insurance company.

Within 24 Hours

Preserve Digital Evidence:
- Save all texts, calls, photos, and videos related to the accident
- Do NOT delete anything from your phone
- Email copies to yourself for backup
Secure Physical Evidence:
- Keep damaged clothing, glasses, or personal items
- Save receipts for any expenses (towing, rental car, medications)
- Do NOT repair your vehicle yet—preserve the damage as evidence
Follow Up Medically:
- See a doctor even if you refused treatment at the scene
- Follow ALL medical recommendations
- Keep a symptom journal documenting pain, limitations, and recovery progress
Handle Insurance Contacts:
- If insurance companies call, say “I need to speak with my attorney first”
- Do NOT give recorded statements without legal representation
- Do NOT sign anything
- Do NOT accept settlement offers
Secure Your Social Media:
- Make ALL profiles private immediately
- Do NOT post about the accident
- Do NOT post photos of injuries or activities
- Tell friends/family not to tag you in posts

Why Immediate Action Matters in American Samoa

Evidence disappears rapidly after accidents in American Samoa:

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted in 7-30 days
Witness memories fade quickly and witnesses become harder to locate
Physical evidence at the scene is cleaned up or altered
Electronic data from vehicles can be overwritten
Insurance companies begin building their defense immediately

As client Nina Graeter noted about our firm: “Highly recommend! They moved fast and handled my case very efficiently.” This urgency matters because every day you wait, evidence vanishes and your case becomes harder to prove.

Understanding Insurance Company Tactics in American Samoa Cases

Insurance companies use standardized tactics to minimize payouts, whether you’re in American Samoa or anywhere else in the United States. Understanding these tactics is your first defense against being undercompensated for your injuries.

The Quick Settlement Trap

Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims in American Samoa within days—sometimes while they’re still in the hospital—offering “quick cash” settlements. These offers typically range from $2,000-$15,000 and come with pressure to accept immediately.

The Trap: You don’t know the extent of your injuries yet. Many serious conditions—herniated discs, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage—may not show symptoms for weeks or months. If you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot ask for more money later, even if you need surgery that costs $100,000.

Our Approach: We never settle cases before our clients reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—the point where doctors can determine the full extent of injuries and future treatment needs. This might take 6-24 months depending on injury severity. We know these early offers represent only 10-20% of true case value because Lupe Peña calculated these low offers for years as a defense attorney.

Recorded Statement Manipulation

Insurance companies routinely ask for recorded statements shortly after accidents. They frame this as “just needing your side of the story to process the claim.”

Reality: These statements are carefully engineered with leading questions designed to get you to minimize your injuries, admit partial fault, or say something that can be used against you later.

Example questions and what they’re really asking:

“You’re feeling better now though, right?” → Trap you into saying you’re improving
“It wasn’t that bad of an impact, was it?” → Minimize collision severity
“You were able to walk away from the scene?” → Suggest injuries aren’t serious
“Were you distracted at all?” → Get you to admit fault

Our Protection: Once you hire Attorney911, we handle all communication with insurance companies. If a statement becomes absolutely necessary, we prepare you extensively and sit with you during the process. We know their questions because Lupe asked them for years.

The “Independent” Medical Examination Scam

Insurance companies in American Samoa cases often request an “Independent Medical Examination” (IME) with a doctor they choose.

Truth: These doctors are not independent. They’re paid $2,000-$5,000 per exam by insurance companies and have financial incentives to minimize findings. Insurance companies select doctors based on who consistently gives them favorable reports.

Common IME Findings That Harm Your Case:

“Patient has pre-existing degenerative changes” (Everyone over 40 has some arthritis)
“Injuries consistent with minor trauma”
“Patient can return to full duty work”
“Subjective complaints out of proportion to objective findings” (Medical speak for calling you a liar)

Our Defense: We prepare clients extensively before IMEs, send complete medical records to force actual review, and challenge biased reports with our own medical experts. Lupe knows these doctors and their biases because he hired them when he worked for insurance companies.

Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring

Insurance companies routinely hire private investigators to conduct surveillance and monitor social media in American Samoa cases.

What They Do:

Video you doing daily activities from public places
Look for ANY activity contradicting injury claims
Monitor all social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
Screenshot everything: photos, posts, check-ins, comments
Use facial recognition to find photos you’re tagged in

Examples We’ve Defended:

Old gym photo from 3 years ago presented as recent
Restaurant check-in called “partying and having fun” when client was sitting quietly
Smiling in family photo used as evidence “not in pain”

Lupe’s Insider Knowledge: “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as defense attorney. 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.”

Delay and Financial Pressure Tactics

Insurance companies deliberately delay claims, hoping financial pressure forces victims to accept low settlements.

Strategy: Drag cases out 6-12+ months with constant delays: “Still investigating,” “Waiting for records,” “Need more information.” Meanwhile, you face mounting bills with no income.

Why It Works: Insurance companies have unlimited time and resources. You have immediate financial needs. Desperation makes people accept less.

Our Counter: We file lawsuits to force deadlines, take depositions to compel action, and prepare for trial to show we’re serious. Lupe understands these delay tactics because he used them—now he knows when and how to push back.

Calculating Your Case Value in American Samoa

Understanding what your case might be worth helps set realistic expectations. While every American Samoa accident case is unique, certain factors consistently influence settlement and verdict amounts.

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Damage Type	What It Covers	Examples
Medical Expenses	Past and future treatment costs	Hospital bills, surgery, therapy, medications, medical equipment
Lost Wages	Income lost due to injury	Missed work during recovery, reduced hours
Lost Earning Capacity	Reduced future income potential	Can’t return to previous job, career change required
Property Damage	Vehicle repair or replacement	Repair costs, diminished value, rental car expenses
Out-of-Pocket Costs	Miscellaneous accident-related expenses	Transportation to appointments, home modifications, household help

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Impacts)

Damage Type	What It Covers
Pain and Suffering	Physical pain from injuries
Mental Anguish	Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD
Physical Impairment	Loss of physical function, disability
Disfigurement	Scarring, visible injuries affecting appearance
Loss of Enjoyment	Inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities
Loss of Consortium	Impact on family/marriage relationships

Settlement Ranges by Injury Type

Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash, Sprains):

Medical: $6,000-$16,000
Settlement Range: $15,000-$60,000

Broken Bone (Simple Fracture):

Medical: $10,000-$20,000
Settlement Range: $35,000-$95,000

Broken Bone Requiring Surgery:

Medical: $47,000-$98,000
Settlement Range: $132,000-$328,000

Herniated Disc (Conservative Treatment):

Medical: $22,000-$46,000
Settlement Range: $70,000-$171,000

Herniated Disc (Surgery Required):

Medical: $96,000-$205,000
Settlement Range: $346,000-$1,205,000

Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate to Severe):

Medical: $198,000-$638,000+
Settlement Range: $1,548,000-$9,838,000+

Spinal Cord Injury/Paralysis:

Lifetime Costs: $2,500,000-$13,000,000+
Settlement Range: $4,770,000-$25,880,000

These ranges illustrate why insurance companies’ early offers of $5,000-$15,000 are almost always inadequate for serious injuries. As client Donald Wilcox experienced: “One company said they would not except my case. Then I got a call from Manginello…I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Factors That Increase Case Value

Clear Liability: Other driver clearly at fault (ran red light, drunk driving, etc.)
Severe Injuries: Surgery required, permanent disability, significant scarring
High Medical Bills: Extensive treatment, future care needs
Significant Lost Income: High earner, permanent career impact
Sympathetic Plaintiff: Children, elderly, particularly vulnerable individuals
Egregious Conduct: Drunk driving, hit and run, extreme recklessness
Strong Evidence: Video footage, multiple witnesses, favorable police report

Factors That Decrease Case Value

Disputed Liability: Conflicting accounts, no witnesses, comparative fault issues
Gaps in Treatment: Missed appointments, stopped treating
Pre-existing Conditions: Prior injuries to same body area
Social Media Mistakes: Posts contradicting injury claims
Recorded Statements: Said something harmful without attorney
Delay in Hiring Attorney: Evidence lost, memories faded

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your American Samoa Case

When you’re injured in an accident in American Samoa, you need an attorney who combines local understanding with extensive experience. Here’s what makes Attorney911 the right choice for territory residents.

Our Unique Insurance Defense Advantage

“Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.”

This insider knowledge is our most powerful advantage for American Samoa clients. Lupe spent years working FOR insurance companies, learning:

How they calculate claim values using software like Colossus
Which medical terms trigger higher or lower valuations
How they select IME doctors to minimize findings
Their delay, deny, and defend strategies
Reserve setting and settlement authority limits

Now he uses that knowledge FOR victims, not against them. No other firm serving American Samoa has this inside perspective.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record proves we don’t settle for less than cases are worth:

“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”

“In a recent case, 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.”

“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.”

These results demonstrate our capability to handle serious injury cases that demand maximum compensation.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal experience matters for American Samoa cases that may involve:

Federal question jurisdiction
Diversity jurisdiction for out-of-state defendants
Cases against national corporations
Complex multi-jurisdictional issues

Our firm was also one of the few involved in BP explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability against billion-dollar corporations.

Personal Attention You Won’t Find Elsewhere

Client testimonials consistently highlight what sets us apart:

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” – Chad Harris

“I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” – Ambur Hamilton

“Ralph reached out personally.” – Dame Haskett

“Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.” – Dame Haskett

You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys, not a case manager assembly line. As client Jamin Marroquin described: “Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.”

Contingency Fee – No Financial Risk

“We don’t get paid unless we win your case.”

Free consultation with no obligation
No upfront costs or retainers
We advance all case expenses
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you
Typical fee: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial necessary

This structure ensures everyone’s interests align—we only succeed when you do.

Serving American Samoa from Our Texas Offices

While our principal offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we serve clients throughout American Samoa and understand the unique aspects of territory cases. Our Texas-wide practice has given us experience with diverse accident types, injury patterns, and insurance complexities that apply equally to American Samoa cases.

We offer remote consultations and travel as needed for American Samoa cases. The legal principles protecting accident victims are consistent, and our experience across jurisdictions makes us particularly equipped to handle cases in American Samoa.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Samoa Accidents

Immediate Concerns

What should I do immediately after a car accident in American Samoa?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document everything with photos, exchange information with the other driver, get witness contacts, do NOT admit fault or give a statement to insurance, and call Attorney911 at 1 888 ATTY 911.

Should I go to the doctor even if I feel okay?
YES. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal damage may take days to manifest. Insurance companies use treatment delays against you.

How do I get a copy of the police report in American Samoa?
Contact the responding law enforcement agency. Our firm can obtain this for you as part of our investigation.

Dealing with Insurance

Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
NO. Not without an attorney. Insurance adjusters ask leading questions designed to get you to minimize injuries or admit fault. Say “I need to speak with my attorney first.”

What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?
Provide only basic information: your name, date of accident, that you were involved. Refer all other questions to your attorney. Do NOT discuss injuries, fault, or accept any settlement offers.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
NO. These offers are almost always lowball amounts—typically 10-20% of true case value. Once you accept and sign a release, you cannot ask for more money even if you later need surgery.

Legal Process

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in American Samoa?
The statute of limitations varies by claim type but is typically 2 years from the accident date for personal injury. Missing this deadline means your case is barred forever.

What if I was partially at fault?
American Samoa follows comparative negligence principles. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case AS IF it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in negotiations because insurance companies know we’re ready to present your case to a jury if necessary.

Case Value

How much is my case worth?
Depends on: injury severity, medical costs, lost income, permanency of injuries, impact on your life, insurance available, and liability clarity. Cases range from thousands for minor injuries to millions for catastrophic injuries.

What damages can I recover?
Medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and property damage.

How long will my case take?
Until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)—when doctors can determine the full extent of injuries and future needs. This could be 6 months for minor injuries or 18-24+ months for serious injuries requiring extensive treatment.

Working with Our Firm

How much does an attorney cost?
We work on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all case costs.

Who will handle my case?
You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, not a case manager assembly line. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

How often will I get updates?
Regular communication is our standard. As Dame Haskett noted: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.”

What if I already have another attorney?
You can switch. As Greg Garcia shared: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”

Take Action Now: Your Road to Recovery Starts Here

Every day you wait after an accident in American Samoa, evidence disappears. Surveillance footage is deleted, witness memories fade, physical evidence is cleaned up, and insurance companies build their defense against you. The 2-year statute of limitations continues ticking.

Don’t face this alone. Don’t accept an inadequate settlement. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you.

Call the legal emergency line right now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Our free consultation costs you nothing. Our contingency fee means you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all case costs. You have zero financial risk.

What Happens When You Call:

Free Case Evaluation: We’ll listen to what happened, answer your immediate questions, and give you honest feedback about your case.
Immediate Evidence Preservation: If we take your case, we send preservation letters within 24 hours to secure surveillance footage, electronic data, and other evidence before it disappears.
Comprehensive Investigation: We investigate every angle—accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance policy identification.
Medical Focus: We help connect you with appropriate medical care and ensure thorough documentation of all injuries.
Full Communication: You’ll know what’s happening with your case at every step. As client Brian Butchee said: “Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did.”
Maximum Recovery Pursuit: We fight for every dollar you deserve, preparing for trial if necessary to secure fair compensation.

Why American Samoa Residents Choose Us:

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” – Glenda Walker

“This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.” – Kiwi Potato

“Ralph is an AMAZING ATTORNEY. I have used him 2 TIMES FOR 2 separate cases the first case he got me an OFF DOCKET DISSMISSAL! And the other only 10 months probation. He gets the JOB DONE RIGHT!!!!” – Cassie Wright

Your road to recovery starts with one call. Don’t wait while evidence disappears and deadlines approach.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Principal Office: Houston, Texas
Servicing Clients in American Samoa
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
https://attorney911.com

Past results and client testimonials describe results in specific cases. Every case is unique, and outcomes will vary based on the specific facts and circumstances. No guarantee of similar results is implied. Free consultation available. Contingency fee basis—no fee unless we win. Court costs and case expenses may be the responsibility of the client regardless of outcome.