O faʻamatalaga o Faʻalavelave o Taavale Tala 18 i Amerika Samoa: Auala Faʻatonuina mo le Togi

Afai o oe poʻo se uo e uiga i se faʻalavelave o taavale tala 18 i Amerika Samoa, e iai sau taimi e sili ona faigata i lou ola. O faʻamaʻi faaletino, faʻalavelave faʻaleagaga, ma faʻalavelave tupe e mafai ona faʻateteleina. I le Ofisa o Loia911, matou te malamalama i mea e te faʻasino ai aua matou te aʻo atu i totonu o le aiga i le Atu Pasifika e faʻasino i auala e tutusa.

Aisea e Faʻapitoa ai Faʻalavelave o Taavale Tala i Amerika Samoa

O auala i Amerika Samoa e faʻaalia ai auala faigata faapitoa mo faiga faʻataavale taliga. E ui lava e leai se faiga auala faʻa-federal i matou atunuu, e iai matou auala faʻataavale taliga e auauna ai i matou uafu, nofoaga faʻasoa, ma galuega faʻalalolagi. O le maualuga o mauga, auala laititi, ma timuga faavaivai e faia ai faʻamaoniga faapitoa e tatau ona faʻamatalaina e kamupani faʻataavale taliga i latou galuega.

Faavae o Faiga Faʻataavale Taliga i Amerika Samoa

O matou motu e faʻamalosi ona faʻatagaina i faiga faʻataavale taliga e faʻasoa ai meaai mai le uafu o Pago Pago i nofoaga faʻasoa ma nofoaga faʻatau i Tutuila ma Manuʻa. O auala faʻataavale taliga sili ona maualuga e aofia ai:

Le auala autu e faʻatasi ai Pago Pago i Tafuna ma Leone
Auala mauga e auauna ai i nofoaga e faia ai faʻatoaga
Auala e maua ai le uafu e maua ai faʻamaumauga faʻapipiʻi
Auala faʻamaumauga e maua ai faʻamaumauga faʻapipiʻi

O nei auala e iai ai vaega e faʻavae ai faʻamatalaga, maualuga, ma le faʻaititia o le vaʻaia – faʻamaoniga e manaʻomia ai le faʻaeteete faʻapitoa mai tagata faʻataavale taliga.

Faʻafitauli Faʻapitoa o Faʻalavelave o Taavale Tala 18 i Amerika Samoa

Gasegase ma Faʻalavelave o Taimi o Auaunaga

O tagata faʻataavale taliga i Amerika Samoa e galue i taimi umi e tutusa ai ma faʻamatalaga o mea e tatau ona tuʻuina atu. O tulafono faʻavae o taimi o auaunaga (49 CFR Vaega 395) e faʻaaoga i tagata faʻataavale taliga uma i Amerika Samoa, e faʻatapulaʻa le taimi o taavale i 11 itula pe a uma le 10 itula o le taimi e le galue ai. E ui lava, matou te vaʻaia faʻalavelave i le taimi e:

Sili atu le 14 itula o le taimi o galuega
Faʻalavelave i le 30-minute malologa e manaʻomia
Faʻalavelave i le faʻamatalaga o le mea faʻamaumauga faʻataʻitaʻiga (ELD)
Taavale i tua atu o le 60/70 itula o le vaiaso

A o le gasegase e amata, o taimi o tali e faaitiitia. E mafai ona le vaai se tagata faʻataavale i se taavale i le taimi e faʻatali ai e taofi, poʻo le faʻalavelave i le ala e maua ai faʻalavelave faʻapitoa.

Faʻamauina Le Faʻapitoa o Mea Faʻatau

O maualuga o mauga ma faʻamalosi o Amerika Samoa e faia ai le faʻamauina saʻo o mea faʻatau e sili ona manaia. O tulafono faʻavae (49 CFR Vaega 393) e manaʻomia ai e faʻamauina mea faʻatau e mafai ona agavaʻa i:

0.8g faʻaitiitia i le faʻamua (taofi faʻafuaseʻi)
0.5g faʻateleina i tua (faʻateleina i tua)
0.5g malosi i le itu tauagavale (gaioiga i le itu)

A e le faʻamauina lelei mea faʻatau, e mafai ona gaioi i le taimi o le taavale, e faia ai le taavale e le maualuga. O lenei mea e mafai ona faia ai faʻalavelave o le taavale e tuʻu i lalo poʻo mea faʻatau e paʻu i le ala e faia ai faʻamaoniga mo taavale ese.

Faʻalavelave o Faʻamalosi i Auala Mauga

O le maualuga o le mauga o matou motu e faia ai le faʻamaoniga sili ona tele i le faiga faʻamalosi. E mafai ona faia ai i taavale faʻataavale taliga i auala maualuga:

Faʻalavelave o faʻamalosi mai le faʻamafanafana
Faʻalavelave o faiga faʻamalosi mai le faʻaleagaina o le faiga
Faʻaleagaina o faʻamalosi
Vaega faʻamalosi e faʻaleagaina

O tulafono faʻavae (49 CFR § 393.48) e manaʻomia ai suʻega ma le faʻaleleia o faiga faʻamalosi, ae e faʻatauina e kamupani faʻataavale taliga e tauave le tupe.

Faʻafitauli o Tulaga o Tagata Faʻataavale

E tatau ona faʻaauauina e kamupani faʻataavale taliga le Faʻamaumauga o Tulaga o Tagata Faʻataavale (49 CFR § 391.51) mo tagata faʻataavale taʻitasi, e aofia ai:

Fomaʻi o galuega
Faʻamaumauga o taavale
Faʻamaoniga o suʻega i le ala
Faʻamaoniga a le faʻatonu faʻamalosi
Faʻamaoniga o le sui o le au fai le faʻamasinoga

I Amerika Samoa, matou te vaʻaia e kamupani faʻataavale taliga e le faia le faʻamatalaga saʻo o tagata faʻataavale, e faia ai faʻalavelave e mafua mai i tagata faʻataavale e le agavaʻa poʻo e le aʻoaʻoina.

Faʻamaoniga o Timuga Faavaivai

O le timuga faavaivai o Amerika Samoa e faia ai faʻamaoniga faapitoa mo faiga faʻataavale taliga:

Timuga tele e faaitiitia ai le vaaia ma e faia ai auala faʻamaʻalili
Malosi o matagi e mafai ona aʻafia ai le maualuga o taavale, e faʻapitoa i totonu o taavale maualuga
Le lelei o le le leo e mafai ona faʻateleina ai le faʻaleagaina o mea faigaluega
Timuga faʻafuaseʻi e mafai ona faia ai le faʻamalosi o auala

E tatau ona faʻaauauina e kamupani faʻataavale taliga tagata faʻataavale e malamalama ma tali atu i nei faʻamaoniga e faʻavaivai.

Faʻamaʻi Faʻapitoa mai Faʻalavelave o Taavale Taliga i Amerika Samoa

O le leo ma le maualuga o se taavale tala 18 (e aofia ai le 80,000 pauna) ma se taavale faʻapitoa (e aofia ai le 3,500-4,000 pauna) e faia ai o faʻalavelave o taavale taliga i Amerika Samoa e mafai ona aʻafia ai faʻamaʻi faʻapitoa:

Faʻamaʻi o le Ulu Faʻapitoa (TBI)

O TBI o se tasi o faʻamaʻi e sili ona maualuga ma sili ona faʻapitoa i faʻalavelave o taavale taliga. E ui lava e iai nei mea faigaluega faʻaolaola, o malosi o le faʻalavelave i se taavale tala 18 e mafai ona faia ai le ulu e paʻu i totonu o le ulu. O faʻamaoniga e mafai ona aofia ai:

Ulu ma le faʻafefe
Faʻalavelave o le manatu ma le faʻalavelave
Suiga o le finagalo ma le le mautonu o le finagalo
Faʻalavelave o le mafaufau
Faʻalavelave moe
Faʻalavelave faʻalua (vaʻai, faʻalogo, tausia)

E mafai ona aʻafia ai TBI maualuga i le le mautonu maualuga, e manaʻomia ai le faʻaolaola maualuga ma le lagolago.

Faʻamaʻi o le Tui ma le Faʻamaoniga

O le tui e le lelei i faʻalavelave o taavale taliga, e faʻapitoa pe a uma ona faʻamalosi poʻo le toʻesea o tagata. E mafai ona aʻafia ai faʻamaʻi o le tui i:

Faʻamaoniga (le le mautonu i lalo o le tino)
Faʻamaoniga (le le mautonu i uma vaega e fa)
Faʻamaoniga e aunoa ma le le mautonu e tutusa
Maʻi ma gaioiga o le tino

O nei faʻamaʻi e manaʻomia ai le faʻaolaola faigaluega, suiga o fale, ma le faʻaolaola maualuga.

Faʻamalosi

O malosi o le faʻalavelave i faʻalavelave o taavale taliga e mafai ona aʻafia ai faʻamalosi faʻapitoa i le va o le faʻalavelave poʻo faʻamalosi faʻapitoa pe a uma ona leaga tele le lima e le mafai ona faʻaolaola. E faʻafitaia ai tagata faʻamalosi:

Faʻamalosi ma faʻaolaola i le falemaʻi
Lima faʻapitoa (e mafai ona totogi le $5,000-$50,000 taʻitasi)
Faʻaolaola faaletino ma le faʻaleleia
Faʻalavelave faʻaleagaga ma le suiga o le olaga
Faʻafitauli o galuega ma le le mautonu

Faʻamaʻi Maualuga

E mafai ona aʻafia ai faʻalavelave o taavale taliga i Amerika Samoa i timuga pe a:

Faʻalavelave i fagu suauʻu
Faʻalavelave ma le faʻafuaseʻi o mea faigaluega faʻapitoa
Faʻalavelave o faiga eletise
Faʻalavelave i mea faʻatau

E manaʻomia ai faʻamalosi faigaluega tele e faʻapipiʻi, faʻaolaola faʻapitoa, ma e mafai ona tuʻuina ai faʻamaoniga ma le faʻaleagaina maualuga.

Faʻalavelave i Mea Faʻapitoa

O malosi o le faʻalavelave i faʻalavelave o taavale taliga e mafai ona aʻafia ai faʻamaʻi i totonu e le mafai ona vaʻaia i le taimi nei. E mafai ona aofia ai:

Faʻaleagaina o le ate ma le toto
Faʻaleagaina o le fatu
Faʻalavelave o le mama
Faʻalavelave o toto i totonu
Faʻaleagaina o le manava ma le manava

E mafai ona aʻafia ai faʻamaʻi i totonu i le ola ma e manaʻomia ai le taotoga faʻafuaseʻi.

Molia e Le Tali

E le gata i lea, e tele faʻalavelave o taavale taliga i Amerika Samoa e aʻafia ai le oti. Pe a oti se uo i le faʻalavelave a kamupani faʻataavale taliga i le faʻaleagaina, e mafai ona maua e le aiga faʻamalologa se togiga mo:

Tupe e le maua mai le lumanaʻi ma le avanoa
Le leiloa o le soifua maloloina ma le aʻoaʻoga
Tupe o le faʻafoʻi ma le tanu
Tupe o le faʻaolaola i le taimi o le maʻi
Le tiga ma le faʻalavelave o le oti
Le tiga faʻaleagaga ma le faʻalavelave

O ai e mafai ona faia le faʻaleagaina i Faʻalavelave o Taavale Taliga i Amerika Samoa

O se tasi o mea sili ona manaia i faʻasalaga o taavale taliga o le faʻamalamalamaga i tagata uma e mafai ona faʻalagaina. E le o faʻalavelave o taavale e faʻapitoa i le taavale e tasi e faia le leaga, o faʻalavelave o taavale taliga e aofia ai tagata e tele e faia le leaga:

Le Tagata Faʻataavale

E mafai ona faia le faʻaleagaina o le tagata faʻataavale mo:

Le taavale vave poʻo le taavale faʻapitoa
Le taavale i le taimi e le lelei ai (faʻaaogaina o telefoni, faʻasalaga faʻataʻitaʻi)
Taavale gasegase i tua atu o le tulaga e faʻatapulaʻaina ai
Taavale gasegase (vao poʻo le ula)
Le faia le suʻega saʻo i le taimi o le taavale
Faʻalavelave i tulafono o le auala

Le Kamupani Faʻataavale Taliga

E mafai ona faia le faʻalavelave o kamupani faʻataavale taliga i le taimi e tele:

Faʻalavelave Faʻapitoa (Respondeat Superior):
O le kamupani e faia le leaga o galuega faʻaleagaina a tagata galuega i totonu o le galuega.

Faʻalavelave Tautino:

Faʻalavelave i le faʻasaoina (le faʻamalamalamaga o le faʻamaumauga o le tagata faʻataavale)
Faʻalavelave i le faʻaauauina (faʻaauauina le lelei)
Faʻalavelave i le faʻatonuina (le malamalama i le faiga o le tagata faʻataavale)
Faʻalavelave i le faʻaleleia (faʻaleleia le lelei o taavale)
Faʻalavelave i le faʻatulagaina (faʻamalosia tagata faʻataavale e faʻalavelave i tulafono o taimi o auaunaga)

Tagata Faʻatau ma Tagata Faʻatau

O le kamupani o le aiga o mea faʻatau e mafai ona faia le leaga pe a:

Tuʻuina atu faʻatonuga e le saʻo e faʻapipiʻi
Le faʻamatalaina le tulaga faʻapitoa o mea faʻatau
Faʻamalosia le maualuga o le maualuga
Faʻamalosia le kamupani e faʻateleina le saʻo

Kamupani Faʻapipiʻi Mea Faʻatau

O kamupani faʻapipiʻi e faia le leaga mo:

Faʻamauina le lelei o mea faʻatau (49 CFR 393 faʻalavelave)
Faʻasaoina le lelei o mea faʻatau
Sili atu le maualuga o le maualuga o taavale
Le faʻaaogaina o mea faigaluega saʻo e faʻamauina, faʻamauina, poʻo le faʻamauina

Tagata Fai Mea ma Kamupani Faʻapipiʻi

E mafai ona faia le leaga o tagata fai mea mo mea faʻaleagaina e aofia ai:

Mea faʻaleagaina i le faiga faʻamalosi
Mea faʻaleagaina i le faʻataʻitaʻiga (faiga faʻamalosi, faʻamalosi faigata)
Le faʻamatalaina o mea sili ona leaga
Mea faigaluega faʻapitoa e le lelei (ABS, ESC, faʻamatalaga o le faʻalavelave)

Tagata Fai Mea Faʻapipiʻi

O kamupani e faia mea faʻapipiʻi (faiga faʻamalosi, uila, vaega o le taavale) e mafai ona faia le leaga mo:

Vaega faʻamalosi e le lelei
Uila e le lelei e mafai ona faia ai le faʻalavelave
Faiga faʻatonu e le lelei
Vaega faʻamalama e le lelei

Kamupani Faʻaleleia

O kamupani faʻaleleia e faia le leaga mo:

Faʻaleleia le lelei e le faʻaleleia ai mea e le lelei
Le malamalama i faʻamaoniga faʻapitoa e le lelei
Faʻaleagaina o faiga faʻamalosi
Faʻaaogaina o vaega poʻo mea e le saʻo
Faʻataliina taavale i le auala e iai ai mea e le lelei

Tagata Faʻatau Faʻatau

O tagata faʻatau faʻatau e mafai ona faia le leaga mo:

Faʻalavelave i le filifiliga o kamupani e le lelei le faʻamaoniga
Le faʻamalamalamaga o le faʻapipiʻi ma le maliega
Le suʻesuʻeina o faʻamaumauga CSA o le kamupani
Filifili le kamupani sili ona taugofie e ui lava e le lelei le faʻamaoniga

Tulafono o le Faʻaauauina o Faʻamaumauga i le 48 Itula

I faʻasalaga o taavale taliga i Amerika Samoa, o faʻamaumauga e le toe maua vave. O kamupani faʻataavale taliga e iai latou au faʻamalosi e amata ai le puipuia o latou agavaʻa i le taimi nei o le faʻalavelave. Afai e te le faia se mea vave, o faʻamaumauga faʻapitoa e le toe maua.

Aisea e Manaia ai le 48 Itula

Ituaiga Faʻamaumauga	Faʻafitauli o le Faʻaleagaina
ECM/Black Box Data	E toe faʻaleagaina i le 30 aso poʻo mea faigaluega faʻataavale fou
ELD Data	E mafai ona toe faʻaleagaina i le 6 masina
Footage o le Dashcam	E masani ona tapeina i le 7-14 aso
Vidio Faʻasalaga	E masani ona tapeina e kamupani i le 7-30 aso
Manatu o Tagata Vaʻaia	E faʻaitiitia i le taimi
Faʻamaumauga Faaletino	E mafai ona faʻaleleia, faʻatauina, poʻo le tapeina taavale
Suʻega o Vao/Ula	E tatau ona faia i totonu o faʻataʻitaʻiga

O le Tusi o le Faʻaleagaina

O se tusi faʻaleagaina o se tusi faʻatonuina saʻo e tuʻuina atu i le kamupani faʻataavale taliga, le polokalama faʻamalologa, ma tagata uma e mafai ona faia le leaga e faʻamauina uma faʻamaumauga e uiga i le faʻalavelave.

Mea e Matou Manaʻomia:

Faʻamaumauga o le Engine Control Module (ECM)
Faʻamaumauga o le Event Data Recorder (EDR)
Faʻamaumauga o le Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
Faʻamaumauga GPS ma le telematics
Footage o le dashcam ma le kamera e alu i luma
Faʻasalaga ma le faʻasalaga
Faʻamaumauga o telefoni ma tusitusiga
Faʻamaumauga Faʻapitoa o Tagata Faʻataavale
Fomaʻi o galuega ma suʻega o le lumanaʻi
Faʻamaumauga o taavale ma faʻamaumauga o le lumanaʻi
Lipoti o suʻega (i le taimi o le taavale, i tua, faʻapitoa)
Faʻatonuga ma le faʻaleleia
Faʻamaumauga o uila ma le faʻaleleia
Le taavale ma le taavale
Vaega faʻaleagaina poʻo mea e le lelei
Mea faʻatau ma mea faʻamauina

Faʻamatalaga ECM/Black Box

O taavale taliga e iai faiga eletise e faʻamaumauina ai faʻamaumauga o galuega:

Faiga	Mea e Faʻamaumauina
ECM (Engine Control Module)	Faiga o le engine, le taavale, le faʻatonu, RPM, le faʻatonuina, faʻamaumauga o mea e le lelei
EDR (Event Data Recorder)	Faʻamaumauga i le taimi o le faʻalavelave e mafua mai i le faʻaitiitia faʻafuaseʻi poʻo le faʻalavelave o le faʻamafanafana
ELD (Electronic Logging Device)	Taimi o le tagata faʻataavale, tulaga o le galuega, nofoaga GPS, taimi o le taavale
Telematics	Suivi GPS i le taimi nei, le taavale, le ala, le amio o le tagata faʻataavale
Dashcam	Vidio o le ala i luma, o nisi e faʻamaumauina ai totonu o le taavale

Faʻamaumauga Faʻapitoa:

Le taavale i le taimi o le faʻalavelave
Taimi o le faʻaaogaina o le faʻamalosi
Tulaga o le faʻatonu
Taavale i tua
Faʻatapulaʻaina o taimi o auaunaga
Nofoaga GPS ma le ala

O lenei faʻamaumauga e le faʻalavelaina e faia ai le leaga o mea na tupu ma e mafai ona avea ma mea sili ona manaia e faʻamaonia ai lou faʻasalaga.

Mea e Faia e le Faiga Faʻatonuina o Amerika Samoa i Faʻasalaga o Taavale

E mulimulitaʻi le faiga faʻatonuina o Amerika Samoa i tulafono e faʻaaloalo i tulafono faʻavae a le Iunaite Setete ma tulafono faʻavae o le atunuʻu. E i lenei mea e te manaʻomia ai e faʻamalamalama i mea e tatau ona e faia e uiga i le faʻasalaga o faʻalavelave o taavale i Amerika Samoa:

Tulafono o Taimi

E mulimulitaʻi Amerika Samoa i se tulafono o le 2 tausaga mo faʻasalaga o faʻamaʻi, e aofia ai faʻalavelave o taavale taliga. O lenei mea e faʻaaogaina ai le 2 tausaga mai le aso o le faʻalavelave e faia ai le faʻasalaga. E ui lava, e te le tatau ona faʻatali i le taimi nei. E le toe maua vave ai faʻamaumauga. O le vave e amata ai lou faʻasalaga, o le malosi o lou faʻasalaga.

Faʻasalaga Faʻapitoa

E mulimulitaʻi Amerika Samoa i se faiga faʻasalaga faʻapitoa. O lenei mea e faʻaalia ai:

Afai e faʻamaonia oe e 50% poʻo le sili atu i le leaga, e mafai ona e maua ai togiga
E faʻaitiitia lau togiga e ala i lau faʻasalaga o le leaga
Afai e faʻamaonia oe e sili atu i le 50% i le leaga, e le mafai ona e maua se mea

Faataitaiga, afai e faʻamaonia oe e 20% i le leaga ma e totogi le $100,000 mo lau faʻamaoniga, e mafai ona e maua le $80,000.

Tulafono o Togiga

E le iai i Amerika Samoa ni tulafono e faʻatapulaʻa ai togiga faʻamauina mo faʻasalaga o faʻamaʻi. O lenei mea e faʻaaogaina ai le leai se tulaga faʻapitoa mo mea e mafai ona e maua mo:

Tupe o le faʻaolaola (i le taimi ua mavae ma le lumanaʻi)
Tupe o le galuega ma le malosi o le galuega
Le tiga ma le faʻalavelave
Le tiga faʻaleagaga
Le leiloa o le fiafia i le ola
Le le mautonu faaletino

E mafai ona maua togiga faʻapitoa i faʻalavelave e aofia ai le faʻalavelave tele poʻo le faʻalavelave faʻapitoa.

Tulafono o Polokalama Faʻamalologa

O tulafono faʻavae e manaʻomia ai kamupani faʻataavale taliga e iai polokalama faʻamalologa e sili ona maualuga:

Ituaiga o Mea Faʻatau	Tulaga Laititi
Mea Faʻatau e Le Faʻapitoa	$750,000
Suauʻu/Laupapa	$1,000,000
Mea Faigaluega Tele	$1,000,000
Mea Faʻapitoa	$5,000,000
Tagata (16+ tagata)	$5,000,000

E iai kamupani tele i Amerika Samoa e iai le $1-5 miliona poʻo le sili atu. O le maualuga o nei polokalama e faʻaaogaina ai le mafai ona faʻamauina ai faʻamaoniga faʻapitoa.

Mea e Tatau ona E Faia Pe a Uma ona Faʻalavelave se Taavale Tala 18 i Amerika Samoa

Afai ua e uiga i se faʻalavelave o taavale taliga i Amerika Samoa, faʻaauau i nei vaega faʻapitoa:

1. Suʻe Faʻaolaola Faigaluega Vave Mai

O lau soifua maloloina o mea sili ona manaia. E ui lava e te faʻanoanoa lelei, faʻamolemole suʻe se faʻaolaola faigaluega. E tele faʻamaʻi, e aofia ai le faʻamaʻi o le ulu ma le toto i totonu, e le mafai ona faʻaalia faʻamaoniga vave.

2. Vili le Polisi

Faʻasalaga le faʻalavelave i le Ofisa o le Soifua Maloloina o Amerika Samoa. O le lipoti a le polisi e faʻamaumauina ai le va o le faʻalavelave, e faʻamaonia ai tagata vaʻaia, ma e masani ona aofia ai le faʻamalamalamaga a le ofisa e uiga i le leaga.

3. Faʻamaumauina le Va o le Faʻalavelave

Afai e mafai, ave vitio ma ata o:

Taavale uma e uiga i le faʻalavelave
Faʻaleagaina o taavale (toʻatasi ma totonu)
Le va o le faʻalavelave (tulaga o le ala, faʻamalosi o taavale, mea e paʻu)
Ou faʻamaʻi
Faʻailoga ma faʻamalamaga o le auala
Tulaga o le timuga

4. Suʻesuʻeina Faʻamaumauga

Suʻesuʻe mea nei mai tagata uma e uiga i le faʻalavelave:

Igoa, faʻamatalaga e faʻafesootai, ma le numera o CDL o le tagata faʻataavale
Igoa ma faʻamatalaga e faʻafesootai o kamupani faʻataavale taliga
Faʻamatalaga o le polokalama faʻamalologa
Numera o le laupepa
Numera o DOT mai le taavale
Igoa ma faʻamatalaga e faʻafesootai o tagata vaʻaia

5. Aua Le Tuʻuina Atu Faʻamatalaga

Aua neʻi tuʻuina atu faʻamatalaga faʻamaonia i soo se kamupani faʻamalologa e aunoa ma le faʻamalamalamaga mai se loia. O tagata suʻesuʻe o polokalama faʻamalologa e aʻoaʻoina e faʻaitiitia faʻasalaga, ma mea uma e te fai e mafai ona faʻaaogaina ia te oe.

6. Vili se Loia o Faʻalavelave o Taavale Tala 18 Vave Mai

O le vave e vili ai se loia, o le sili atu. Matou te mafai ona:

Tuʻuina atu tusi faʻaleagaina e puipuia ai faʻamaumauga
Amata le suʻesuʻega o matou lava vave
Fesootai ma kamupani faʻamalologa i lau maoa
Fesoasoani ia te oe e maua ai le faʻaolaola faigaluega e te manaʻomia
Fausia le faʻasalaga sili ona malosi mo le maualuga o le togiga

Aisea e Filifili ai le Ofisa o Loia911 mo Lou Faʻasalaga o Faʻalavelave o Taavale Taliga i Amerika Samoa

25+ Tausaga o Aʻoaʻoga e Tutu i Kamupani Faʻataavale Taliga

O lo matou loia faʻatonu, Ralph Manginello, ua tutuina mo tagata faʻamaʻi mai le tausaga 1998. Na ia maua ai togiga tele ma togiga i le miliona mo kamupani faʻataavale taliga tele i le lalolagi atoa.

Aʻoaʻoga i le Faʻamasinoga Faʻavae

Ua faʻatagaina Ralph e galulue i le Faʻamasinoga Faʻavae o Iunaite Setete, Faʻasalalauga i Matu, e mafai ona matou aʻoaʻoina ai faʻasalaga faʻapitoa o taavale taliga e aofia ai tulafono faʻavae ma le tele o nofoaga.

Iloiloga o le Puipuiga o Polokalama Faʻamalologa

O lo matou au e aofia ai loia o kamupani faʻamalologa i le taimi ua mavae e iloa lelei mea uma e faia e kamupani faʻataavale taliga ma latou polokalama faʻamalologa. Matou te iloa latou amio aua ua matou faia i latou – ma o lenei iloiloga matou te faʻaaogaina e tau i lau agavaʻa.

Faʻamaumauga Faʻamaonia

Ua maua e matou miliona o tālā mo tagata ua aʻafia i faʻalavelave o taavale taliga, e aofia ai:

$5+ miliona mo se togiga o faʻamaʻi o le ulu
$3.8+ miliona mo se togiga o faʻamalosi
$2.5+ miliona mo togiga o faʻalavelave o taavale
Miliona o tālā ua maua mo aiga i faʻalavelave e uiga i le oti

Suʻesuʻega Faʻapitoa

Matou te suʻesuʻeina mea uma e aʻafia ai lou faʻasalaga:

Puipuia o faʻamaumauga vave
Tagata aʻoaʻo e faʻafouina ai le faʻalavelave
Tagata aʻoaʻo o tulafono FMCSA
Tagata aʻoaʻo faigaluega e faʻamaumauina ai au faʻamaʻi
Tagata aʻoaʻo o galuega e faʻamatalaina ai le leiloa o le malosi o le galuega
Tagata faʻapipiʻi mo le faʻaolaola maualuga

Faʻasalaga e Ala i le Faʻatauina

Matou te galulue e ala i le faʻatauina – e te le totogi se mea seʻi vagana ua matou manuia lou faʻasalaga. Matou te faʻatau uma tupe o le suʻesuʻega ma le faʻasalaga. E te le maua se tusi tupe mai matou. A matou manuia, o matou totogi e sau mai le togiga, e le o mai lau pusa.

Iloiloga Faʻapitoa ma Mea Faʻapitoa Faʻapitoa

E ui lava e iai matou aʻoaʻoga i Texas, o matou aʻoaʻoga i faʻasalaga o taavale taliga i Iunaite Setete e mafai ona matou faʻaaogaina mo faʻasalaga i Amerika Samoa. Matou te malamalama i mea e faigata ai i faiga faʻataavale taliga i motu ma matou te iloa pe faʻafefea ona fausia ai faʻasalaga malosi mo matou tagata.

Fesili Faʻapitoa e uiga i Faʻalavelave o Taavale Taliga i Amerika Samoa

O le a mea e tatau ona ou faia vave pe a uma ona faʻalavelave se taavale tala 18 i Amerika Samoa?

Afai ua e uiga i se faʻalavelave o taavale taliga i Amerika Samoa, faia nei vaega vave pe a mafai:

Vili le 911 ma faʻasalaga le faʻalavelave
Suʻe faʻaolaola faigaluega, e ui lava e faʻalagona leaga
Faʻamaumauina le va o le faʻalavelave ma ata ma vitio pe a mafai
Maua le igoa o kamupani faʻataavale taliga, numera o DOT, ma faʻamatalaga o le tagata faʻataavale
Suʻesuʻe faʻamatalaga o tagata vaʻaia
Aua neʻi tuʻuina atu faʻamatalaga faʻamaonia i soo se kamupani faʻamalologa
Vili se loia o faʻalavelave o taavale tala 18 vave

E fia le taimi e tatau ona ou tuʻuina atu se faʻasalaga o faʻalavelave o taavale taliga i Amerika Samoa?

E mulimulitaʻi Amerika Samoa i se tulafono o le 2 tausaga mo faʻasalaga o faʻamaʻi, e aofia ai faʻalavelave o taavale taliga. E ui lava, e te le tatau ona faʻatali i le taimi nei. E le toe maua vave ai faʻamaumauga i faʻasalaga o taavale. O le vave e amata ai lou faʻasalaga, o le malosi o lou faʻasalaga.

E fia le tau o lou faʻasalaga o faʻalavelave o taavale taliga i Amerika Samoa?

O tau o faʻasalaga e faʻavae i faʻamatalaga tele:

Le lelei o au faʻamaʻi
Tupe o le faʻaolaola (i le taimi ua mavae ma le lumanaʻi)
Tupe o le galuega ma le malosi o le galuega
Le tiga ma le faʻalavelave
Tulaga o le leaga o le kamupani faʻataavale taliga
Polokalama faʻamalologa e maua

O kamupani faʻataavale taliga e iai polokalama faʻamalologa e sili atu ($750,000 i le taimi sili ona maualuga, e masani ona $1-5 miliona), e mafai ona faia ai togiga sili atu nai lo faʻalavelave o taavale masani. Ua matou vaʻaia togiga mai le tasi selau tausaga i le tasi selau miliona.

E mafai ona ou maua togiga pe a ou faia se vaega o le leaga o le faʻalavelave?

Ioe. E mulimulitaʻi Amerika Samoa i se faiga faʻasalaga faʻapitoa. Peitai, e tatau ona e 50% poʻo le sili atu i le leaga e mafai ona e maua ai togiga. E faʻaitiitia lau togiga e ala i lau faʻasalaga o le leaga.

Faataitaiga, afai e faʻamaonia oe e 20% i le leaga ma e totogi le $100,000 mo lau faʻamaoniga, e mafai ona e maua le $80,000.

O le a mea pe a fai e le tagata faʻataavale e fai e le o le leaga o le faʻalavelave?

E mulimulitaʻi Amerika Samoa i se faiga faʻasalaga faʻapitoa. E ui lava e te faia se vaega o le leaga, e mafai ona e maua togiga. O matou galuega o le suʻesuʻe faʻapitoa, faʻamaumauina faʻamaumauga (e aofia ai ECM ma ELD), ma faʻamaonia mea na tupu. E masani ona talaʻaga tagata faʻataavale e puipuia ai latou galuega – o faʻamaumauga o mea na tupu e faʻaalia ai le faʻamaoniga.

O a faʻamaumauga e tatau ona maua e lo matou loia mai le kamupani faʻataavale taliga?

Matou te suʻesuʻeina faʻamaumauga faʻapitoa e aofia ai:

Faʻamaumauga ECM/Black box
Faʻamaumauga ELD
Faʻamaumauga Faʻapitoa o Tagata Faʻataavale
Faʻamaumauga o le faʻaleleia
Lipoti o suʻega
Faʻamaumauga o le faʻasalaga
Suʻega o vao ma ula
Faʻamaumauga o telefoni
Polokalama faʻamalologa
Le taavale ma le taavale

Pe faʻafefea ona ou iloa pe iai se faʻamaoniga leaga o le kamupani faʻataavale taliga?

O FMCSA e faʻamauina faʻamaumauga o le saogalemu i safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Matou te maua:

Faʻamaumauga CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability)
Tala o suʻega ma faʻamaumauga o le leai o galuega
Tala o faʻalavelave
Faʻamaoniga o le saogalemu

O se faʻamaoniga leaga o le saogalemu e mafai ona faʻamaonia ai le kamupani ua latou iloa e tuʻuina atu tagata faʻataavale leaga i le auala.

O le a mea pe a faʻaleagaina le kamupani faʻataavale taliga?

E ui lava e faʻaleagaina le kamupani faʻataavale taliga, o polokalama faʻamalologa a latou e mafai ona faʻaauau e faʻamauina ai oe. Matou te suʻesuʻeina mea uma e mafai ona maua ai togiga, e aofia ai:

Polokalama o le le faʻalavelave o le kamupani faʻataavale taliga
Faʻatauina o le taavale
Polokalama o mea faʻatau
Polokalama o le tagata faʻataavale
Polokalama faʻapitoa/faʻapitoa

E fia le taimi e mafai ai ona tapunia ai faʻasalaga o faʻalavelave o taavale?

O taimi e faʻavae i faʻamatalaga:

Faʻasalaga faigofie ma le leaga e faʻamaonia: 6-12 masina
Faʻasalaga faʻapitoa ma tagata e tele: 1-3 tausaga
Faʻasalaga e alu i le faʻamasinoga: 2-4 tausaga

Matou te galulue e tapunia ai faʻasalaga e vave pei ona mafai e faʻaleleia ai lau togiga.

E alu i le faʻamasinoga lou faʻasalaga o faʻalavelave o taavale?

E masani ona tapunia le tele o faʻasalaga i le taimi muamua o le faʻamasinoga, ae matou te faʻaauauina mea uma o faʻasalaga e pei o le alu i le faʻamasinoga. O kamupani faʻamalologa e iloa ai ni loia e mafai ona alu i le faʻamasinoga – ma latou te tuʻuina atu togiga sili atu i tagata ua faʻaauauina e faʻamasino. Matou te iai ni mea faigaluega ma le aʻoaʻoga e mafai ai ona matou faʻasalaga uma pe a manaʻomia.

E fia le polokalama faʻamalologa e iai i kamupani faʻataavale taliga?

O tulafono faʻavae e manaʻomia ai kamupani faʻataavale taliga e iai polokalama faʻamalologa i le taimi sili ona maualuga:

$750,000 mo mea faʻatau e le faʻapitoa
$1,000,000 mo suauʻu, mea faigaluega tele
$5,000,000 mo mea faʻapitoa

E iai kamupani tele i Amerika Samoa e iai le $1-5 miliona poʻo le sili atu. O le maualuga o nei polokalama e faʻaaogaina ai le mafai ona faʻamauina ai faʻamaoniga faʻapitoa.

O le a mea pe a faʻaaoga ni polokalama faʻamalologa e tele i laʻu faʻalavelave?

E masani ona aofia ai faʻasalaga o taavale i polokalama e tele:

Polokalama o le le faʻalavelave o le kamupani faʻataavale taliga
Faʻatauina o le taavale
Polokalama o mea faʻatau
Polokalama o le tagata faʻataavale
Polokalama faʻapitoa/faʻapitoa

Matou te faʻamalamalamaina uma polokalama e maua ai e faʻamalosi ai lau togiga.

E te faʻamalosia e le polokalama faʻamalologa o le kamupani faʻataavale taliga e tapunia vave?

E masani ona – ma o lenei mea o se faʻailoga. O togiga vave e faʻatulagaina e totogi ai oe i sili atu nai lo le tau o lau faʻasalaga i le taimi e te le malamalama ai i le maualuga o au faʻamaʻi. Aua neʻi talia se togiga e aunoa ma le faʻamalamalamaga mai se loia o faʻalavelave o taavale taliga.

Vili le Ofisa o Loia911 I Le Aso Nei

Afai o oe poʻo se uo ua aʻafia i se faʻalavelave o taavale tala 18 i Amerika Samoa, aua le faʻatali. E le toe maua vave ai faʻamaumauga i le taimi nei. O kamupani faʻataavale taliga e iai latou loia e galulue e puipuia ai latou agavaʻa – e te manaʻomia se tasi e tau i lau agavaʻa.

Vili le Ofisa o Loia911 i le taimi nei i le 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) mo se faʻatalanoaga faʻalauiloa. Matou te tuʻuina atu se tusi faʻaleagaina i le aso nei e puipuia ai lau faʻamaumauga ma amata ai le fausiaina o lau faʻasalaga.

Manatua:

Faʻatalanoaga faʻalauiloa
Aua le totogi seʻi vagana ua matou manuia
24/7 maualuga
Puipuia o faʻamaumauga vave
Loia o kamupani faʻamalologa i le taimi ua mavae i le au
25+ tausaga o aʻoaʻoga e tutu i kamupani faʻataavale taliga

E le o se mea e te faia i matou – o oe o aiga. Ia matou tau mo le togiga ma le togiga e te agavaʻa. Vili le 1-888-ATTY-911 i le aso nei.

ENGLISH

18-Wheeler Accidents in American Samoa: Your Legal Guide to Justice

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in American Samoa, you’re facing one of the most challenging experiences of your life. The physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens can feel overwhelming. At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through because we’ve helped countless families across the Pacific navigate these same challenges.

Why American Samoa Trucking Accidents Are Unique

American Samoa’s roadways present unique challenges for commercial trucking operations. While our islands don’t have the interstate highway system found in the continental United States, we do have critical trucking corridors that serve our ports, distribution centers, and essential industries. The steep grades, narrow roads, and tropical weather conditions create special hazards that trucking companies must account for in their operations.

American Samoa’s Trucking Landscape

Our islands rely heavily on commercial trucking to transport goods from the port of Pago Pago to distribution centers and retail locations throughout Tutuila and the Manu’a Islands. Key trucking routes include:

The main highway connecting Pago Pago to Tafuna and Leone
Mountain roads serving our agricultural areas
Port access roads with heavy container traffic
Airport cargo routes

These roads often feature sharp curves, steep inclines, and limited visibility – conditions that require extra caution from commercial drivers.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in American Samoa

Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers in American Samoa often work long hours to meet delivery deadlines. Federal hours of service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) apply to all commercial drivers operating in American Samoa, limiting driving time to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. However, we frequently see violations where drivers:

Exceed the 14-hour on-duty window
Skip required 30-minute breaks
Falsify their electronic logging device (ELD) records
Drive beyond the 60/70-hour weekly limits

When fatigue sets in, reaction times slow dramatically. A fatigued driver may not see a vehicle in time to stop or may drift out of their lane, causing catastrophic accidents.

Improper Cargo Securement

American Samoa’s steep roads and sharp turns make proper cargo securement absolutely critical. Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 393) require that cargo be secured to withstand:

0.8g deceleration in the forward direction (sudden stops)
0.5g acceleration in the rearward direction
0.5g force in the lateral direction (side-to-side movement)

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable. This often leads to rollover accidents or spilled cargo that creates hazards for other vehicles.

Brake Failures on Mountain Roads

Our island’s mountainous terrain puts tremendous stress on braking systems. Trucks descending steep grades can experience:

Brake fade from overheating
Brake system failures from poor maintenance
Improper brake adjustments
Worn brake components

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.48) require regular brake inspections and maintenance, but many trucking companies cut corners to save money.

Driver Qualification Issues

Trucking companies must maintain complete Driver Qualification Files (49 CFR § 391.51) for each driver, including:

Employment application
Motor vehicle record
Road test certificate
Medical examiner’s certificate
Previous employer verification

In American Samoa, we often find that trucking companies fail to properly vet drivers, leading to accidents caused by unqualified or inexperienced operators.

Tropical Weather Hazards

American Samoa’s tropical climate creates unique hazards for commercial trucking:

Heavy rain reduces visibility and creates slippery road conditions
High winds can affect vehicle stability, especially for high-profile trailers
Humidity can accelerate equipment corrosion
Sudden storms can create flash flooding on roadways

Trucking companies must train drivers to recognize and respond to these weather-related hazards.

Catastrophic Injuries from American Samoa Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between an 18-wheeler (up to 80,000 pounds) and a passenger vehicle (typically 3,500-4,000 pounds) means that trucking accidents in American Samoa often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries in trucking accidents. Even with modern safety features, the forces involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Symptoms may include:

Headaches and dizziness
Memory problems and confusion
Mood changes and emotional instability
Cognitive impairment
Sleep disturbances
Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)

Severe TBI can result in permanent disability, requiring lifelong care and support.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The spinal cord is vulnerable in trucking accidents, especially when vehicles are crushed or occupants are ejected. Spinal cord injuries can result in:

Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
Partial paralysis with varying degrees of impairment
Chronic pain and muscle spasms

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, home modifications, and long-term care.

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents can result in traumatic amputations at the scene or surgical amputations when limbs are too severely damaged to save. Amputees face:

Multiple surgeries and hospitalizations
Prosthetic limbs (which can cost $5,000-$50,000 each)
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Psychological trauma and adjustment challenges
Career limitations and potential disability

Severe Burns

Trucking accidents in American Samoa can result in fires when:

Fuel tanks rupture
Hazardous materials spill and ignite
Electrical systems short circuit
Cargo catches fire

Burn injuries often require multiple skin graft surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and can leave permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in trucking accidents can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. These can include:

Liver and spleen lacerations
Kidney damage
Lung contusions or punctures
Internal bleeding
Bowel and intestinal injuries

Internal injuries can be life-threatening and often require emergency surgery.

Wrongful Death

Tragically, many trucking accidents in American Samoa result in fatalities. When a loved one is killed due to a trucking company’s negligence, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of companionship and guidance
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses before death
Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased
Mental anguish and emotional distress

Who Can Be Held Liable in American Samoa Trucking Accidents

One of the most important aspects of trucking accident cases is identifying all potentially liable parties. Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company

The trucking company can be held liable under several legal theories:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):
The company is responsible for its employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Direct Negligence:

Negligent hiring (failing to check driver’s background)
Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver performance)
Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations)

Cargo Owners and Shippers

The company that owns the cargo may be liable if they:

Provided improper loading instructions
Failed to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
Required overweight loading
Pressured the carrier to expedite beyond safe limits

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for product defects including:

Design defects (brake systems, stability control)
Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
Failure to warn of known dangers
Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:

Defective brake components
Defective tires causing blowouts
Defective steering mechanisms
Defective lighting components

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
Failure to identify critical safety issues
Improper brake adjustments
Using substandard or wrong parts
Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
Failure to check carrier CSA scores
Selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In American Samoa trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act fast, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Why 48 Hours Matters

Evidence Type	Destruction Risk
ECM/Black Box Data	Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
ELD Data	May be retained only 6 months
Dashcam Footage	Often deleted within 7-14 days
Surveillance Video	Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
Witness Memory	Fades significantly within weeks
Physical Evidence	Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
Drug/Alcohol Tests	Must be conducted within specific windows

The Spoliation Letter

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident.

What We Demand:

Engine Control Module (ECM) data
Event Data Recorder (EDR) data
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
GPS and telematics data
Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
Dispatch communications and messaging
Cell phone records and text messages
Complete Driver Qualification File
Employment application and background check
Driving record and previous employers
Medical certification and drug test history
Training documentation
Maintenance and repair records
Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
Out-of-service orders and repairs
Tire records and replacement history
The physical truck and trailer
Failed or damaged components
Cargo and securement devices

ECM/Black Box Data Explained

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data:

System	What It Records
ECM (Engine Control Module)	Engine performance, speed, throttle, RPM, cruise control, fault codes
EDR (Event Data Recorder)	Pre-crash data triggered by sudden deceleration or airbag deployment
ELD (Electronic Logging Device)	Driver hours, duty status, GPS location, driving time
Telematics	Real-time GPS tracking, speed, route, driver behavior
Dashcam	Video of road ahead, some record cab interior

Critical Data Points:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing
Throttle position
Following distance
Hours of service compliance
GPS location and route

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened and can be the key to proving your case.

How American Samoa’s Legal System Handles Trucking Cases

American Samoa follows a unique legal system that blends elements of U.S. federal law with local territorial law. Here’s what you need to know about pursuing a trucking accident claim in American Samoa:

Statute of Limitations

American Samoa follows a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including trucking accidents. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you begin your case, the stronger it will be.

Comparative Negligence

American Samoa follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means:

If you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages
Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000.

Damage Caps

American Samoa does not have caps on compensatory damages for personal injury cases. This means there is no artificial limit on what you can recover for:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Physical impairment

Punitive damages may be available in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Insurance Requirements

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:

Cargo Type	Minimum Coverage
Non-Hazardous Freight	$750,000
Oil/Petroleum	$1,000,000
Large Equipment	$1,000,000
Hazardous Materials	$5,000,000
Passengers (16+ passengers)	$5,000,000

Many carriers in American Samoa carry $1-5 million in coverage, which means there may be significant resources available to compensate you for your injuries.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in American Samoa

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in American Samoa, follow these critical steps:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a medical professional. Many injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately.

2. Call the Police

File an accident report with the American Samoa Department of Public Safety. The police report will document the scene, identify witnesses, and often include an officer’s determination of fault.

3. Document the Scene

If you’re able, take photographs and videos of:

All vehicles involved in the accident
Vehicle damage (interior and exterior)
The accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, debris)
Your injuries
Traffic signs and signals
Weather conditions

4. Collect Information

Get the following information from all parties involved:

Driver’s name, contact information, and CDL number
Trucking company name and contact information
Insurance information
License plate numbers
DOT number from the truck
Witness names and contact information

5. Do NOT Give Statements

Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company without consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims, and anything you say can be used against you.

6. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. We can:

Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
Begin our investigation immediately
Deal with insurance companies on your behalf
Help you get the medical treatment you need
Build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your American Samoa Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in the world.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex trucking cases that may involve federal regulations and multiple jurisdictions.

Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. We know their tactics because we’ve used them – and now we use that knowledge to fight for you.

Proven Track Record

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for trucking accident victims, including:

$5+ million for a logging brain injury settlement
$3.8+ million for a car accident amputation settlement
$2.5+ million for truck crash recoveries
Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in building your case:

Immediate evidence preservation
Accident reconstruction experts
FMCSA regulation experts
Medical experts to document your injuries
Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
Life care planners to develop comprehensive care plans

Contingency Fee Representation

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Local Knowledge with National Resources

While we have deep roots in Texas, our experience handling trucking cases across the United States gives us the perspective to handle American Samoa cases effectively. We understand the unique challenges of island trucking operations and know how to build strong cases for our clients.

Common Questions About American Samoa Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in American Samoa?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in American Samoa, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
Document the scene with photos and video if possible
Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
Collect witness contact information
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in American Samoa?

American Samoa follows a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including trucking accidents. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my American Samoa trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of your injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. American Samoa follows a modified comparative negligence system. As long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

American Samoa uses a comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue comprehensive evidence including:

ECM/Black box data
ELD records
Driver Qualification File
Maintenance records
Inspection reports
Dispatch logs
Drug and alcohol test results
Training records
Cell phone records
Insurance policies
The physical truck and trailer

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
Inspection history and out-of-service rates
Crash history
Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if a trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance coverage may still be available to compensate you. We investigate all potential sources of recovery, including:

The trucking company’s liability policy
Trailer interchange coverage
Cargo insurance
Owner-operator’s policy
Excess/umbrella coverage

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

$750,000 for non-hazardous freight
$1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
$5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers in American Samoa carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

Motor carrier’s liability policy
Trailer interchange coverage
Cargo insurance
Owner-operator’s policy
Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in American Samoa, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests – you need someone fighting for you.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence and begin building your case.

Remember:

Free consultation
No fee unless we win
24/7 availability
Immediate evidence preservation
Former insurance defense attorneys on staff
25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies

You’re not just another case to us – you’re family. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.