O ā aʻu mea ua faia i se aʻava o motokā i Amerika Sāmoa: Tusi Faʻatonu Faʻafuaseʻi Faʻatonutonu mo Oe

Afai ua e tīgā i se aʻava o motokā i Amerika Sāmoa, e le o oe tasī. I tausaga taʻitasi, na o auāluma a Amerika Sāmoa afeatoʻa e faʻataʻamilo i faʻamaʻi faʻafitauli, faʻalavelave ma le faʻalapotopotoga o aʻava o motokā, faʻafitauli o kalaka, ma isi mea faʻafuaseʻi o auala. I le Attorney911, matou te malamalama i faʻafitauli faigata e te faʻataʻamilo nei. O lenei mea ai matou te faia ai lenei tusi faʻatonu faʻapitoa e fesoasoani ia te oe e faʻaauau i le tulafono faatonutonu ma puipuia ai au aia tatau.

Aisea e manaʻomia ai se faʻaaloalo faʻapitoa mo aʻava i Amerika Sāmoa

O auala o Amerika Sāmoa e faʻaalia ai faʻafitauli faigata faʻapitoa mo taga fai auala ma tagata fafo. E ui lava e leʻi i ai faʻamatalaga faʻapitoa i le atunuʻu, matou te iloa o aʻava o motokā i atunuʻu o motu e masani ona aofia ai faʻalavelave faigata e pei o:

Faʻalapotopotoga o auala ma auala pupuu, faʻamau
Mafoa tele o tagata fafo i nofoaga faʻapitoa
Faʻalavelave e ono tupu i luga o faʻalavelave o le tau
Faʻalapotopotoga o faʻamaoniga faʻafuaseʻi
Tulaga faʻapitoa o polokalama faʻaofuina mo atunuʻu o motu

O nei mea e faʻaopoopo ai i le faʻalagolago i avoka e malamalama i tulafono faʻapitoa o aʻava o motokā ma faʻalavelave faigata o tulaga faapitoa o Amerika Sāmoa.

Le Faʻalagaga o Attorney911: 25+ Tausaga o Aafiaga mo Tagata Tīgā i Aʻava

I le Attorney911, matou te faia ai le faʻataʻitaʻiga o le 25+ tausaga i mea uma e aʻafia ai aʻava o motokā i Amerika Sāmoa. O loʻo i ai la matou avoka faʻavae, Ralph Manginello, ua tautua i tagata tīgā mai le 1998, ma o loʻo i ai foi la matou taimi o Lupe Peña, avoka puipui o polokalama faʻaofuina, e aumaia ai malamalama i le auala e faʻatonutonu ai ma puipui ai polokalama faʻaofuina.

Pe a e valaau le 1-888-ATTY-911, e le o se avoka e te maua ai – o se ‘au fesoasoani faʻafuaseʻi faatonutonu e malamalama i le auala e puipuia ai au aia tatau ma faʻateleina ai lau faʻamau.

Le Faʻavae o Aʻava o Motokā i Amerika Sāmoa

E mafai ona tupu aʻava o motokā i soʻo se mea, i soʻo se taimi. I Amerika Sāmoa, o tulaga masani o aʻava e aofia ai:

Faʻafitauli i auala pupuu o motu
Aʻava o tagata fafo i nofoaga faʻapitoa
Aʻava e aofia ai kalaka faʻapitoa
Faʻafitauli i faʻamau e leʻi faʻaalia lelei
Aʻava e aʻafia ai i le tau

E ui lava e faia pe faapefea lou aʻava, o le Attorney911 ua i ai le malamalama e faʻatonutonu lau tulaga.

Mea e Tatau ona Faia Pea Aʻe o se Aʻava i Amerika Sāmoa

O taimi pea aʻe o se aʻava o motokā e sili ona taua. O mea nei e tatau ona e faia:

Puipuia le Saogalemu: Faʻaauau i mea saogalemu pe a mafai ma valaau le au faʻafuaseʻi
Sui Tau Togafuafua: E ui lava e te manatu e leai ni faʻamaʻi, o nisi faʻamaʻi e leʻi faʻaalia ni faʻailoga pea aʻe
Faʻamaumau le Mea Tupu: Aumai ata o le faʻaleagaina o motokā, faʻamaʻi, ma tulaga o auala
Sui Faʻamatalaga: Maua faʻamatalaga ma faʻamatalaga o polokalama faʻaofuina mai tagata uma e aʻafia
Faʻamaonia le Aʻava: Faʻamaonia le lipoti a leoleo pe sili ona vave
Valaau le Attorney911: Valaau le 1-888-ATTY-911 aʻo leʻi tautala i se kamupani faʻaofuina

Ituaiga o Aʻava o Motokā Masani i Amerika Sāmoa

Aʻava o Motokā

O aʻava o motokā o le aʻava masani o motokā i Amerika Sāmoa. E mafai ona i ai mai faʻafitauli faigata i aʻava matuia tele e maua ai faʻamaʻi sili ona leaga.

Faʻafitauli Masani:

Faʻataʻitaʻiga o le faʻataʻitaʻiga
Faʻaitiitia le auala pupuu
Le faʻatagaina o le aia tatau
Tulaga o le tau
Puipuiga le lelei o auala

Faʻamaʻi Masani:

Faʻamaʻi o le ua
Faʻamaʻi o le tua ma le ua
Faʻamau maʻi
Faʻamaʻi o le ulu
Faʻamaʻi i totonu

Faʻamatalaga o Tulaga a Attorney911:
“I se tulaga lata mai, ua tīgā le vae o la matou kili i se aʻava o motokā. Ua maua e ia faʻamaʻi o le tino i le faʻamaʻi. O lenei tulaga na maua ai le faʻamau i le miliona.”

Aʻava o Kalaka

E ui lava e masani ona itiiti aʻava o kalaka i Amerika Sāmoa i vaega o Amerika, e mafai ona tupu aʻava o kalaka ma kalaka faʻapitoa. O nei aʻava e masani ona maua ai faʻamaʻi sili ona leaga ona o le tele ma le mamafa o kalaka.

Matuā Faʻapitoa:

Faʻavae o tulafono o motokā faʻapitoa e mafai ona faʻaaogaina
E tele tagata e mafai ona faia le sese (tagata faʻataʻitaʻi, kamupani o kalaka, tagata faʻaofi)
Faʻamau faʻaofuina tele
Faʻamatalaga faigata e manaʻomia

Malamalama a Attorney911:
“I le Attorney911, o avoka faʻamaʻi a matou tagata tīgā ua fesoasoani i tagata ma aiga tīgā e maua ai miliona tala i faʻamau mo aʻava o kalaka.”

Aʻava o Tagata Fafo

O nofoaga faʻapitoa ma le mafoa o tagata fafo i Amerika Sāmoa e faia ai faʻafitauli tele mo tagata fafo. O nei aʻava e masani ona maua ai faʻamaʻi sili ona leaga ona o le leai o puipuiga mo tagata fafo.

Faʻafitauli Masani:

Taga fai auala e le faʻatagaina i faʻamau
Faʻataʻitaʻiga o le faʻataʻitaʻiga
Faʻaitiitia i nofoaga o tagata fafo
Tulaga le malamalama lelei

Faʻamaʻi Masani:

Faʻamaʻi o le ulu
Faʻamaʻi o le ua
Faʻamau maʻi
Faʻamaʻi i totonu
Oti

Faʻamatalaga Faʻatonutonu Taua:
E masani ona i ai le aia tatau o tagata fafo i faʻamau ma faʻamau. Afai na e sasaʻe pe a e fafo i Amerika Sāmoa, e mafai ona i ai se tulaga faʻatonutonu faigata.

Aʻava o Motopaika

E mafai ona sili ona leaga aʻava o motopaika i Amerika Sāmoa ona o le leai o puipuiga mo tagata faʻataʻitaʻi. O nei aʻava e masani ona maua ai faʻamaʻi sili ona leaga poʻo oti.

Faʻafitauli Masani:

Taga fai auala e le malamalama i motopaika
Faʻasologa o auala (e ui lava e le faʻatagaina i Amerika Sāmoa)
Faʻalavelave o auala
Faʻaitiitia
Faʻamaʻi o le faʻalauiloa

Matuā Faʻapitoa:

Faʻavae o tulafono o le pusa
Kamupani faʻaofuina e masani ona faʻaoso i tagata faʻataʻitaʻi o motopaika
Tulafono o le le faʻatagaina e faʻateleina ai lau maua

Isi Ituaiga o Aʻava Masani i Amerika Sāmoa

Aʻava o Paiki: Masani i nofoaga e faʻaauau ai paiki ma taga fai auala
Aʻava o Faʻalavelave: O lea ua taʻavale ai tagata faʻataʻitaʻi mai le mea na tupu ai
Aʻava e Aʻafia ai i le Tau: Ua tele le timuga ma tulaga leaga o auala
Aʻava i Faʻamau: Masani i faʻamau matuia o Amerika Sāmoa

Malamalama i le Faʻavae Faʻatonutonu o Amerika Sāmoa

Tulafono o le Taimi

I Amerika Sāmoa, e masani ona i ai 2 tausaga mai le aso o lou aʻava e faʻamaonia ai se tulafono faʻamaʻi. O lenei aso e faigata tele, ma pe a e misia, e mafai ona e le mafai ai ona maua se faʻamau.

Le Faʻatagaina Faʻasolosolo

E faʻaauau Amerika Sāmoa i le faiga o le le faʻatagaina faʻasolosolo. O lenei mea e faʻamatalaina ai:

Afai e maua oe e sese i se vaega o le aʻava, o lau faʻamau e faʻaitiitia e ala i lau vaega o le sese
Afai e maua oe e sese i le 50% poʻo itiiti ifo, e mafai ona e maua ai faʻamau
Afai e maua oe e sese i le 51% poʻo sili atu, e leai se faʻamau e mafai ona e maua

Tulaga o Polokalama Faʻaofuina

E ui lava e masani ona faʻateleina tulaga o polokalama faʻaofuina i Amerika Sāmoa, e manaʻomia e taga fai auala ona maua le silia o le faʻamau faʻaofuina. O le malamalama i nei tulaga e sili ona taua mo le mafai ai ona e maua ai le faʻamau e tatau mo oe.

Faʻamaonia le Sese i Lau Tulaga o Aʻava i Amerika Sāmoa

Ina ia maua ai le faʻamau, e tatau ona e faʻamaonia o se isi tagata na sese. E manaʻomia le faʻamaonia o faʻataʻitaʻiga e fa:

Tiutetau o le Puipuiga: Na ia i ai le tiutetau faatonutonu e faia mea e tatau ona faia
Faʻaleagaina o le Tiutetau: Na ia le faia lenei tiutetau
Faʻafitauli: O le faʻaleagaina na faia ai au faʻamaʻi
Faʻaleagaina: Ua e maua ai ni faʻaleagaina moni

Faʻamaumauga o loʻo Faʻaaogaina e Faʻamaonia Lau Tulaga

I le Attorney911, matou te faʻamaumau faʻamaumauga faʻapitoa e faia ai lau tulaga, e aofia ai:

Lipoti o leoleo mo le aʻava
Ata ma ata vitio mai le mea na tupu ai
Faʻamatalaga o sui
Faʻamaumauga ma faʻamaumauga o faʻamaʻi
Faʻamatalaga a sui (faʻafouina o le aʻava, sui o faʻamaʻi)
Faʻamatalaga eletise (faʻamaumauga o le pusa uliuli, faʻamaumauga o telefoni feaveaʻi)
Ata vitio faʻamauina mai nofoaga e pito i luga

Ituaiga o Faʻamau E Mafai ona Maua i Tulaga o Aʻava i Amerika Sāmoa

Afai ua e tīgā i se aʻava o motokā i Amerika Sāmoa, e mafai ona i ai ni ituaiga o faʻamau e mafai ona e maua:

Faʻamau Faʻapitoa

Faʻataʻitaʻiga faʻamaʻi (i le taimi ua tuanaʻi ma le lumanaʻi)
Faʻamau o totogi e leʻi maua ma le mafai ona maua
Faʻaleagaina o mea
Mea faʻapitoa

Faʻamau Faʻapitoa

Tīgā ma le faʻalavelave
Faʻamaʻi o le mafaufau
Faʻaleagaina faʻapitoa
Faʻamau
Le le mafai ona faʻaaogaina o le ola

Faʻamau Faʻafuaseʻi

I tulaga o le faʻaleagaina sili ona leaga poʻo le sese faʻapitoa, e mafai ona maua faʻamau faʻafuaseʻi e faʻasalaina ai le tagata sese ma le faʻaitiitia ai le faʻaosoina o faʻalavelave faigata.

Aisea E Le Faʻatagaina Kamupani Faʻaofuina i Lau Talafeagai

O kamupani faʻaofuina o pisinisi, ma o latou sini sili ona faʻavae i le faʻaitiitia o faʻamau. O mea nei e leai se mea e manaʻomia e te iloa:

Tautala #1: O le Faʻamau Faʻatapulaʻa Vave

E masani ona faia e kamupani faʻaofuina faʻamau faʻatapulaʻa vave i le taimi e itiiti lava pea aʻe o se aʻava, e faʻamoemoe ai e te taliaina aʻo leʻo e te malamalama i le faʻateleina o au faʻamaʻi.

Malamalama a Attorney911:
Matou te le faʻamoemoe e te taliaina se faʻamau aʻo leʻo e te oo i le faʻateleina o le faʻamaʻi. O faʻamau vave e masani ona itiiti ifo i le mea e tatau ai lau tulaga.

Tautala #2: Faʻamatalaga Faʻamaumauina

E mafai ona faia e sui o polokalama faʻaofuina e faʻamatalaina ai lau tala, e faʻamatalaina ai o se mea “masani.” I le mea moni, latou te suʻesuʻe i mea uma e mafai ona latou faʻaaogaina e faʻaitiitia poʻo le faʻasalaina o lau tulaga.

Puipuiga a Attorney911:
Matou te faia uma talanoaga ma kamupani faʻaofuina i lau talafeagai. E le tatau ona e tuʻuina atu se faʻamatalaga faʻamaumauina aʻo leʻi talanoa i se avoka muamua.

Tautala #3: Suʻesuʻega Faʻamaʻi Faʻapitoa (IMEs)

E mafai ona manaʻomia e kamupani faʻaofuina e te vaʻai i se fomaʻi a latou filifilia mo se suʻesuʻega faʻamaʻi “faʻapitoa.” O nei fomaʻi e masani ona filifilia e faʻaitiitia ai au faʻamaʻi.

Faʻamatalaga a Attorney911:
O Lupe Peña, lo matou avoka puipui o kamupani faʻaofuina i le taimi ua tuanaʻi, ua malamalama lelei i le auala e faia ai nei suʻesuʻega ma le auala e faʻasao ai tala faʻapitoa.

Tautala #4: Suesuega

E mafai ona faʻaaogaina e kamupani faʻaofuina sui suʻesuʻe e mulimulitaʻi i oe ma faʻamaumau ai au galuega, e faʻamoemoe ai e latou maua ni mea e talafeagai ma lau tala o faʻamaʻi.

Lomia a Attorney911:
“Na galue Lupe Peña mo le tele o tausaga i se kamupani puipui faʻavaomalo, ua aʻoaʻoina ai le malamalama i le auala e faʻatonutonu ai kamupani faʻaofuina tele. Na ou suʻesuʻeina le tele o ata vitio suʻesuʻe ma tusitusiga i le taimi o loʻu galuega o le avoka puipui. O le mea moni: E masani ona faʻaosoina e kamupani faʻaofuina mea masani e talafeagai lelei. Latou te faʻapipii i se ata e te galue ai ‘masani’ ma latou te le faʻaalia le 10 minute e te faigata ai i luma ma tua.”

Tautala #5: Tautala Faʻatapulaʻa

E mafai ona faʻatapulaʻa e kamupani faʻaofuina lau tulaga, e faʻamoemoe ai e te faigata ma talia ai se faʻamau itiiti ifo.

Tali a Attorney911:
Matou te le faʻatapulaʻa e kamupani faʻaofuina i lau tulaga. Matou te faia mea uma e faʻatino ai lau tulaga ma, pe a manaʻomia, faʻamaonia se tulafono e puipuia ai au aia tatau.

Le Faʻavae o Faʻamaʻi o Aʻava o Motokā

Faʻamaʻi o le Ulu (TBI)

O TBI e masani i aʻava o motokā ma e mafai ona i ai aafiaga faʻatatau. O faʻailoga e mafai ona aofia ai:

Ua
Faʻafitauli o le manatu
Suiga o le lototea
Faʻafitauli o le moe
Faʻafitauli faʻapitoa

Faʻamaʻi o le Ua

E mafai ona maua ai faʻamaʻi o le ua faʻapitoa poʻo le faʻamau. O totogi mo le tausiga o se faʻamaʻi o le ua mo le olaga atoa e mafai ona sili atu i le miliona tala.

Faʻamau Maʻi

O faʻamau e masani i aʻava ma e mafai ona manaʻomia le faʻamaʻi, suʻega faʻapitoa, ma le tele o taimi e toe faʻaleleia ai.

Faʻamaʻi o Mea Le Malosi

E ui lava e masani ona le faʻamalosi, o faʻamaʻi o mea le malosi e pei o le faʻamaʻi o le ua e mafai ona faia ai tīgā maualuga ma le le mafai ona galue mo le taimi umi.

Faʻamaʻi Faʻapitoa

E masani ona maua e tagata tīgā i le faʻamaʻi faʻafuaseʻi (PTSD), faʻalavelave, ma le faʻamaʻi i le taimi mulimuli o se aʻava sili ona leaga.

Aisea E Filifilia ai Attorney911 mo Lau Tulaga o Aʻava i Amerika Sāmoa?

1. Malamalama i Toe Puipuia o Polokalama Faʻaofuina

“Na galue Lupe Peña mo le tele o tausaga i se kamupani puipui faʻavaomalo, ua aʻoaʻoina ai le malamalama i le auala e faʻatonutonu ai kamupani faʻaofuina tele i faʻamau.”

O lenei malamalama faʻapitoa e aumaia ai se faʻamatalaga faigata e fesoasoani ai i matou e tauaʻi mo le maualuga o faʻamau mo matou kili.

2. Faʻamatalaga o Miliona Tala

Ua maua e matou miliona tala mo tagata tīgā i aʻava, e aofia ai:

“Faʻamau o miliona tala mo le kili na maua ai le faʻamaʻi o le ulu ma le le malamalama”
“I se tulaga lata mai, ua tīgā le vae o la matou kili i se aʻava o motokā. Ua maua e ia faʻamaʻi o le tino i le faʻamaʻi. O lenei tulaga na maua ai le faʻamau i le miliona.”
“I le Attorney911, o avoka faʻamaʻi a matou tagata tīgā ua fesoasoani i tagata tīgā ma aiga e faʻataʻamilo i aʻava o kalaka e maua ai miliona tala i faʻamau.”

3. Aafiaga i Faʻamasinoga Faʻafederal

O Ralph Manginello ua faʻatagaina e galulue i le Faʻamasinoga Faʻafederal, Faʻasao o Texas, e mafai ai ona matou faʻatonutonu i tulaga faigata e manaʻomia ai le faʻamasinoga faʻafederal.

4. Faʻaaloalo Faʻapitoa

I le Attorney911, e le o se numera o tulaga. E ui lava e pei o le mea na fai mai e le kili Chad Harris:

“E LE o se mea e faʻapea ai i latou ma e LE o se kili…E O Oe O LE AIGA ia latou.”

5. Leai se Totogi Pe A Leai se Maua

Matou te galulue i luga o se tulaga faʻatapulaʻa, o lenei mea e faʻamatalaina ai:

E leai sou totogi i le amataga
Matou te maua se totogi pe a maua ai se faʻamau mo oe
O lo matou totogi o se vaega o lau maua
E leai sou faʻafitauli faʻapitoa

Fesili Masani e uiga i Aʻava o Motokā i Amerika Sāmoa

F: O le a mea e tatau ona ou faia pea aʻe o se aʻava o motokā i Amerika Sāmoa?
T: Pe a puipuia le saogalemu ma valaau mo fesoasoani faʻafuaseʻi pe a manaʻomia, e tatau ona e:

Faʻamaumau le mea na tupu ai ma ata
Sui faʻamatalaga ma isi tagata
Faʻamaonia le lipoti a leoleo
Sui tau togafua
Valaau le Attorney911 i le 1-888-ATTY-911 aʻo leʻi tautala i se kamupani faʻaofuina

F: E tatau ona ou tuuina atu se faʻamatalaga faʻamaumauina i le kamupani faʻaofuina?
T: Leai. E le manaʻomia e oe ona tuuina atu se faʻamatalaga faʻamaumauina i le kamupani faʻaofuina o le isi tagata faʻataʻitaʻi. O nei faʻamatalaga e masani ona faʻaaogaina e faʻaitiitia poʻo le faʻasalaina o lau tulaga. Faʻasao uma talanoaga ma kamupani faʻaofuina i le Attorney911.

F: E fia le taimi e i ai e faʻamaonia ai se tulafono pe a tupu se aʻava i Amerika Sāmoa?
T: I Amerika Sāmoa, e masani ona i ai 2 tausaga mai le aso o lou aʻava e faʻamaonia ai se tulafono faʻamaʻi. E ui lava, e sili ona taua le faʻatalanoaina ma se avoka pe sili ona vave e puipuia ai au aia tatau.

F: O le a mea pe a leai se polokalama faʻaofuina o le isi tagata faʻataʻitaʻi?
T: Afai e leai se polokalama faʻaofuina o le isi tagata faʻataʻitaʻi poʻo le itiiti ifo, e mafai ona maua e lau polokalama faʻaofuina lava ia i le faʻaofuina o tagata faʻataʻitaʻi e le i ai se polokalama (UM/UIM). Matou te fesoasoani ia te oe e faʻatonutonu i lenei polokalama faigata.

F: E fia le tau o lau tulaga o aʻava i Amerika Sāmoa?
T: O le tau o lau tulaga e faʻavae i faʻataʻitaʻiga e tele, e aofia ai:

Le le leaga o au faʻamaʻi
Au faʻataʻitaʻiga faʻamaʻi
Au totogi e leʻi maua
Le aafiaga i lau ola faʻapitoa
O polokalama faʻaofuina e maua ai

F: E mafai ona ou faʻatonutonu lau tulaga o aʻava i Amerika Sāmoa e aunoa ma se avoka?
T: E te i ai le aia tatau e faʻatonutonu oe lava, ae o kamupani faʻaofuina e i ai ‘au o sui ma avoka e galulue e faʻaitiitia lau tulaga. O le i ai o se avoka e malamalama i mea uma e fesoasoani ai e faigofie ai le tulaga ma faʻatagaina ai e maua le faʻamau e tatau mo oe.

F: E fia le tau e galue ai le Attorney911 mo lau tulaga o aʻava i Amerika Sāmoa?
T: Matou te galulue i luga o se tulaga faʻatapulaʻa, o lenei mea e faʻamatalaina ai e leai sou totogi pe a leai se mea e maua. O lo matou totogi o se vaega o lau maua, ma matou te tuʻuina atu faʻatalanoaga faʻapitoa e leai se totogi e talanoaina ai lau tulaga.

F: O le a mea pe a ou sese i se vaega o le aʻava?
T: E faʻaauau Amerika Sāmoa i le faiga o le le faʻatagaina faʻasolosolo. Afai na e sese i se vaega, e mafai ona faʻaitiitia lau faʻamau e ala i lau vaega o le sese. E ui lava, afai na e sese i le 50% poʻo itiiti ifo, e mafai ona e maua ai faʻamau.

F: E fia le taimi e faʻamaopoopo ai lau tulaga o aʻava i Amerika Sāmoa?
T: O le taimi e faʻamaopoopo ai lau tulaga e faʻavae i faʻataʻitaʻiga e tele, e aofia ai le le leaga o au faʻamaʻi, le le faigofie o lau tulaga, ma pe manaʻomia ai se tulafono. Matou te galulue e faʻamaopoopo tulaga pe sili ona vave e faʻatagaina ai e maua ai le faʻamau e tatau mo oe.

F: O le a mea pe a ou le manatu e ou tīgā pea aʻe o le aʻava?
T: O nisi faʻamaʻi, e pei o faʻamaʻi o mea le malosi ma faʻamaʻi o le ulu, e leʻi faʻaalia ni faʻailoga pea aʻe. E sili ona taua le suʻesuʻeina o le fomaʻi pe a tupu se aʻava, e ui lava e te manatu e leai ni faʻamaʻi.

F: E mafai ona ou sui avoka pe a ou le fiafia i laʻu avoka nei?
T: Ioe, e i ai lau aia tatau e sui avoka i soʻo se taimi. Afai e le fiafia i lau avoka nei, matou te suʻesuʻeina lau tulaga ma talanoaina pe faapefea e mafai ona matou fesoasoani.

Matuā Faʻapitoa mo Amerika Sāmoa

Faʻamasinoga Faʻapitoa ma Tulafono Faatonutonu

E i ai Amerika Sāmoa lana faʻamasinoga faʻapitoa, e mafai ona ese mai mea i atunuʻu o Amerika. O loʻo malamalama la matou ‘au i nei tulafono faatonutonu faapitoa ma mafai ona matou faʻatonutonu i ai i lau talafeagai.

Faʻamaoniga Faʻafuaseʻi Faʻapitoa

E mafai ona ese mai le malosi o faʻamaoniga faʻafuaseʻi i Amerika Sāmoa i mea i atunuʻu o Amerika. Matou te fesoasoani e faʻafesoʻotaʻi ia te oe ma le togafuafua faʻapitoa ma faʻamaonia ai e faʻamaumauina lelei lau suʻesuʻega mo lau tulaga.

Suʻesuʻega o Polokalama Faʻaofuina

E mafai ona ese mai le suʻesuʻega o polokalama faʻaofuina i Amerika Sāmoa i mea i atunuʻu o Amerika. Matou te i ai le aʻoaʻoga e galulue ma kamupani faʻaofuina faʻapitoa ma malamalama i matuā faʻapitoa o tulaga i Amerika Sāmoa.

Matuā Faʻapitoa

Matou te faʻaaloalo ma malamalama i le matuā faʻapitoa o Amerika Sāmoa. O loʻo faʻaaloalo la matou ‘au i tulaga faʻapitoa ma faʻaaloalo e tuʻuina atu ai le galuega faʻatonutonu sili ona lelei.

Mea na Fai mai ai Aiga o Matou Kili e uiga i le Attorney911

“Na sili ona lelei Melanie. Na ia tausia aʻu ma pe a fai mai ia e valaau mai ia te aʻu, na ia fai. Na ou mauaina le avanoa e talanoa ai ma Ralph Manginello i se tasi ma sa ou iloa vave le auala na faʻatonutonuina ai lenei Ofisa.” – Brian Butchee

“Pe a ou manatu e leai se faʻamoemoega poʻo se faʻatonuga, na oʻo mai ia Leonor…Na ia ave ese uma le faigata o aʻu manatu mai aʻu.” – Stephanie Hernandez

“O Leonor o le sili!!! Na ia mafai ona fesoasoani ia te aʻu i laʻu tulaga i le 6 masina.” – Tymesha Galloway

“E LE o se mea e faʻapea ai i latou ma e LE o se kili…E O Oe O LE AIGA ia latou.” – Chad Harris

“Latou te faia oe e manatu e o le aiga ma e ui lava e mafai ona faʻatapulaʻa le polokalame, latou te faia ai e faigofie. Latou na tauaʻi mo aʻu e maua ai mea uma na ou tatau ona maua.” – Glenda Walker

Faia Mea nei I Le Taimi nei: Puipuia au Aia Tatau Pe a Tupu se Aʻava i Amerika Sāmoa

Afai na e poʻo se tasi o lou aiga tīgā i se aʻava o motokā i Amerika Sāmoa, o le taimi o le sili ona taua. E le toe faʻalauiloa vave le faʻamaumauga, ma o aso e faigata tele mo le faʻamaonia o tulafono.

I le Attorney911, matou te sauni e fesoasoani ia te oe e faʻatonutonu i lenei taimi faigata ma tauaʻi mo le faʻamau e tatau mo oe. O mea nei e tatau ona e amata ai:

Valaau le 1-888-ATTY-911 mo se faʻatalanoaga faʻapitoa, leai se totogi
Talanoa ma se avoka e malamalama i tulaga o aʻava i Amerika Sāmoa
Maua fesili i au fesili e uiga i au aia tatau ma filifiliga
Tuʻu mai ia matou le faʻatonutonu o mea faʻatonutonu a o e faʻaauau pea lou toe faʻaleleia

Manatua, matou te le maua se totogi pe a leai se mea e maua. E leai sou mea e leiloa ai ma e tele mea e mafai ona e maua pe a e valaau mai ia matou i le taimi nei.

Aua le faʻatali – valaau le 1-888-ATTY-911 nei e puipuia ai au aia tatau ma amata ai lou malaga e toe faʻaleleia mai.

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Motor Vehicle Accidents in American Samoa: Your Legal Emergency Guide

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of American Samoa residents face the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of car crashes, truck collisions, and other traffic incidents. At Attorney911, we understand the unique challenges you’re facing right now. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

Why American Samoa Accidents Require Special Attention

American Samoa’s roadways present distinct challenges for drivers and pedestrians alike. While specific local statistics aren’t available, we know that traffic accidents in island communities often involve unique factors like:

Limited road infrastructure with narrow, winding roads
High pedestrian traffic in commercial areas
Potential for weather-related hazards like heavy rain
Limited emergency response resources
Unique insurance considerations for island jurisdictions

These factors make it crucial to work with attorneys who understand both general motor vehicle accident law and the specific considerations of American Samoa cases.

The Attorney911 Difference: 25+ Years of Experience Fighting for Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we bring over 25 years of experience to every motor vehicle accident case we handle in American Samoa. Our founding attorney, Ralph Manginello, has been serving accident victims since 1998, and our team includes former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña, who brings insider knowledge of how insurance companies evaluate and defend claims.

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re not just getting a lawyer – you’re getting a legal emergency response team that knows how to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

The Reality of Motor Vehicle Accidents in American Samoa

Motor vehicle accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. In American Samoa, common accident scenarios include:

Collisions on narrow island roads
Pedestrian accidents in high-traffic areas
Accidents involving commercial vehicles
Incidents at intersections with limited signage
Weather-related accidents during heavy rain

No matter how your accident occurred, Attorney911 has the experience to handle your case effectively.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in American Samoa

The moments after a motor vehicle accident are critical. Here’s what you should do:

Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and call emergency services
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately
Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions
Exchange Information: Get contact and insurance details from all parties involved
Report the Accident: File a police report as soon as possible
Contact Attorney911: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company

Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in American Samoa

Car Accidents

Car accidents are the most common type of motor vehicle accident in American Samoa. These can range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions resulting in serious injuries.

Common Causes:

Distracted driving
Speeding on narrow roads
Failure to yield right of way
Weather conditions
Poor road maintenance

Common Injuries:

Whiplash and neck injuries
Back and spinal injuries
Broken bones
Traumatic brain injuries
Internal injuries

Attorney911 Case Result:
“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.”

Trucking Accidents

While less common in American Samoa than in mainland areas, trucking accidents can occur with delivery vehicles and commercial trucks. These accidents often result in more severe injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved.

Unique Considerations:

Federal motor carrier regulations may apply
Multiple potentially liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader)
Higher insurance policy limits
Complex investigation requirements

Attorney911 Capability:
“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.”

Pedestrian Accidents

American Samoa’s commercial areas and pedestrian traffic create significant risks for pedestrians. These accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for pedestrians.

Common Causes:

Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks
Distracted driving
Speeding in pedestrian areas
Poor visibility conditions

Common Injuries:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Internal injuries
Fatalities

Important Legal Point:
Pedestrians generally have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections. If you were struck while walking in American Samoa, you may have a strong legal claim.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents in American Samoa can be particularly devastating due to the lack of protection for riders. These accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Common Causes:

Drivers failing to see motorcycles
Lane splitting (though not legal in American Samoa)
Road hazards
Speeding
Alcohol impairment

Important Considerations:

Helmet laws may apply
Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists
Comparative negligence rules may affect your recovery

Other Common Accident Types in American Samoa

Bicycle Accidents: Common in areas with cyclists sharing the road
Hit and Run Accidents: When drivers flee the scene
Weather-Related Accidents: Heavy rain and poor road conditions
Intersection Accidents: Common at busy American Samoa intersections

Understanding American Samoa’s Legal Framework

Statute of Limitations

In American Samoa, you typically have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict, and missing it could bar you from recovering compensation.

Comparative Negligence

American Samoa follows a comparative negligence system. This means:

If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault
If you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages
If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation

Insurance Requirements

While specific insurance requirements may vary in American Samoa, most jurisdictions require drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. Understanding these requirements is crucial for determining what compensation may be available to you.

Proving Liability in Your American Samoa Accident Case

To recover compensation, you must prove that another party was negligent. This requires establishing four key elements:

Duty of Care: The other party had a legal obligation to act reasonably
Breach of Duty: The other party failed to meet that obligation
Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries
Damages: You suffered actual harm as a result

Evidence We Use to Prove Your Case

At Attorney911, we gather comprehensive evidence to build your case, including:

Police accident reports
Photographs and videos from the scene
Witness statements
Medical records and bills
Expert testimony (accident reconstruction, medical experts)
Electronic data (black box data, cell phone records)
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses

Types of Compensation Available in American Samoa Accident Cases

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa, you may be entitled to various types of compensation:

Economic Damages

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Property damage
Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Physical impairment
Disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.

Why Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side

Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts. Here’s what they don’t want you to know:

Tactic #1: The Quick Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often make lowball settlement offers within days of an accident, hoping you’ll accept before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Attorney911 Insight:
We never recommend accepting a settlement before you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. Early offers are almost always far below what your case is truly worth.

Tactic #2: Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters may ask you to give a recorded statement, claiming it’s “routine.” In reality, they’re looking for anything they can use to minimize or deny your claim.

Attorney911 Protection:
We handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. You should never give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first.

Tactic #3: Independent Medical Exams (IMEs)

Insurance companies may require you to see a doctor of their choosing for an “independent” medical exam. These doctors are often hired to minimize your injuries.

Attorney911 Advantage:
Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, knows exactly how these exams work and how to counter biased reports.

Tactic #4: Surveillance

Insurance companies may hire private investigators to follow you and document your activities, hoping to catch you doing something that contradicts your injury claims.

Attorney911 Warning:
“Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims. 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.”

Tactic #5: Delay Tactics

Insurance companies may drag out your claim, hoping you’ll become desperate and accept a lower settlement.

Attorney911 Response:
We don’t let insurance companies delay your case. We take action to move your claim forward and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to protect your rights.

The Medical Reality of Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBIs are common in motor vehicle accidents and can have long-lasting effects. Symptoms may include:

Headaches
Memory problems
Mood changes
Sleep disturbances
Cognitive difficulties

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. The lifetime costs of caring for a spinal cord injury can exceed millions of dollars.

Broken Bones

Fractures are common in accidents and may require surgery, physical therapy, and extensive recovery time.

Soft Tissue Injuries

While often dismissed as “minor,” soft tissue injuries like whiplash can cause chronic pain and long-term disability.

Psychological Injuries

Many accident victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression following a serious accident.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your American Samoa Accident Case?

1. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

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

This insider knowledge gives us a unique advantage in fighting for maximum compensation for our clients.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We have recovered millions of dollars for accident victims, including:

“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss”
“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”

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex cases that may require federal court jurisdiction.

4. Personal Attention

At Attorney911, you’re not just a case number. As client Chad Harris said:

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

5. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

You pay nothing upfront
We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
You take no financial risk

Frequently Asked Questions About American Samoa Motor Vehicle Accidents

Q: What should I do immediately after a car accident in American Samoa?
A: After ensuring your safety and calling for medical help if needed, you should:

Document the scene with photos
Exchange information with other parties
File a police report
Seek medical attention
Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company

Q: Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
A: No. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. These statements are often used to minimize or deny your claim. Refer all insurance communications to Attorney911.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an accident in American Samoa?
A: In American Samoa, you typically have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Q: What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
A: If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own insurance policy may provide coverage through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We can help you navigate this complex process.

Q: How much is my American Samoa accident case worth?
A: The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

The severity of your injuries
Your medical expenses
Your lost wages
The impact on your daily life
The available insurance coverage

Q: Can I handle my American Samoa accident claim without an attorney?
A: While you have the right to represent yourself, insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to minimize your claim. Having an experienced attorney on your side levels the playing field and helps ensure you receive fair compensation.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911 for my American Samoa accident case?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, and we offer free consultations to discuss your case.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: American Samoa follows a comparative negligence system. If you were partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you were 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages.

Q: How long will my American Samoa accident case take to resolve?
A: The timeline for resolving your case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, and whether a lawsuit is necessary. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Q: What if I don’t feel hurt immediately after the accident?
A: Some injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries and traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms immediately. It’s important to seek medical attention after any accident, even if you feel fine.

Q: Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
A: Yes, you have the right to change attorneys at any time. If you’re unhappy with your current representation, we can review your case and discuss how we might be able to help.

American Samoa-Specific Considerations

Local Courts and Legal Processes

American Samoa has its own court system, which may differ from those in the continental United States. Our team understands these local legal processes and can navigate them effectively on your behalf.

Emergency Medical Services

American Samoa’s medical facilities may have different capabilities than those on the mainland. We can help connect you with appropriate medical care and ensure your treatment is properly documented for your claim.

Insurance Landscape

The insurance landscape in American Samoa may differ from that in the continental U.S. We have experience working with local insurance providers and understand the unique considerations of American Samoa cases.

Cultural Considerations

We respect and understand the cultural context of American Samoa. Our team is sensitive to local customs and practices while providing top-quality legal representation.

What Our Clients Say About Attorney911

“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.” – Brian Butchee

“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” – Stephanie Hernandez

“Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.” – Tymesha Galloway

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

“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

Take Action Now: Protect Your Rights After an American Samoa Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in American Samoa, time is of the essence. Evidence disappears quickly, and there are strict deadlines for filing claims.

At Attorney911, we’re ready to help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here’s how to get started:

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation
Speak with an experienced attorney who understands American Samoa accident cases
Get answers to your questions about your legal rights and options
Let us handle the legal details while you focus on your recovery

Remember, we don’t get paid unless we win your case. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by calling us today.

Don’t wait – call 1-888-ATTY-911 now to protect your rights and start your journey to recovery.