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Santa Barbara Cyclists Laud New Safety Law
California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill into law that will require motorists to give bicyclists three feet of leeway when passing them on roads and highways. Assembly Bill 1371, also known as the “Three Feet For Safety Act,” is slated to take effect in September 2014.
Ed France, the executive director of the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, told Noozhawk.com that the new law is important because it makes drivers aware that the act of “buzzing” bicyclists or intimidating them on the road is now considered a criminal act.
“It is a meaningful step forward for respectful roadway behavior,” he told Noozhawk.
Area Cyclists Demand Bike Lanes for Old Town Goleta
Cyclists recently appeared en masse before a Goleta City Council meeting, demanding that the city restripe the roads in Old Town to allow for dedicated bicycle lanes.
The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition (SBBC) claims that Old Town residents, businesses, and visitors have been waiting for 15 years for bike lanes on Hollister Avenue. The Director of SBCC spoke to the Goleta City Council and asked once again that the city consider painting bike lanes on Old Town roads.
“Three bicyclists have been killed in the last 15 years,” he told the council. “We’d like to request a process that can end up with those bike lanes.”
Two Bicyclists Injured During Collision on Highway 135
Officials are still trying to piece together what happened in an accident that left two bicyclists injured on Highway 135 in the Orcutt-Santa Maria area. One of the cyclist’s injuries was so severe that he was airlifted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
Details are still sketchy, but what is known is that the two cyclists were hurt in a collision with a vehicle in the afternoon. Two emergency vehicles arrived on the scene, plus a Cal Star helicopter was dispatched to ferry the more seriously injured bicyclist to the hospital. Highway 135 had to be closed for a period to allow the emergency helicopter to land
According to Noozhawk.com, the other cyclist suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital by ground. A spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department said that the accident is still under investigation. There is no current word as to the condition of the more seriously injured bicyclist.
The bicycle accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand in Santa Barbara have represented injured bicyclists and the families of bicyclists killed in bicycle accidents for more than a quarter of a century.
Our law firm has the resources to conduct an independent investigation of your accident and we are dedicated to aggressively pursuing all available avenues to assure that you get fair compensation when you have been injured in a bicycle accident caused by the negligence of another person.
It is important that you seek legal representation as soon as possible after you have been injured in a bicycle accident that was not your fault. Remember that a statute of limitations in California limits the time you will be able to file a personal injury claim, so you should seek our services sooner rather than later — even if you haven’t decided whether you want to pursue a legal remedy.
The Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand offers you the experience you need to move your case forward and get the compensation you deserve. Call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 or our Encino office at (818) 981-3530 for a free review of your case.
The Law Office of Renée J. Nordstrand Obtains $545,000 Settlement in Bicycle Injury Accident
Sometimes, all it takes is one careless or negligent move by a motorist to turn a person’s life and plans upside-down forever.
Such was the case of a client who was struck by a truck while he was riding his bike on Carrillo Street in 2008. The young man was planning on becoming a Navy Seal and he had moved to Santa Barbara to study at Santa Barbara Community College (SBCC) to get his Associates Degrees in Marine Diving Technology and Marine Biology. He was extremely active and had recently completed the application process to become a Los Angeles County Beach Life Guard — finishing 76th out of 500 applicants.
He had been working part-time as a commercial diver to make ends meet while attending SBCC.
On Dec. 31, 2008, his life was irretrievably altered. A tired surfer driving a Dodge Ram truck had gotten stuck behind a slow-moving, three-wheeled traffic-control vehicle on Carrillo Street. Impatient to get around the vehicle, the driver of the truck illegally moved into the bicycle lane to pass the vehicle and struck our client.
He suffered a litany of injuries including: visual disturbances, cognitive compromises, loss of taste and smell, depression, severe hip, thigh, and groin injuries, and deep vein thrombosis.
Sadly, as a result of his injuries, his pursuit of an active lifestyle was permanently compromised and he could no longer work as a commercial diver and his lifelong dream of becoming a Navy Seal was effectively over.
In October of 2010, the Law Office of Renée J. Nordstrand was able to win an award of $554,856 for our client to cover his medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
The bicycle accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Renée J. Nordstrand promise that we will aggressively seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Are you wondering whether you have a personal injury case? Our lawyers can help you determine the best course of action. If you’ve been injured by a negligent, fatigued, or careless driver, call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022. Your case review is free.
Teenager Files Claim Against the City of Costa Mesa After Traffic Accident
An 18-year-old San Clemente resident has filed a $42,000 claim against the city of Costa Mesa following a traffic accident at Fairview Road and Fair Drive that occurred on November 18, 2009, the Los Angeles Times reports.
In her claim, Katelyn Obbards states that she was riding her bicycle eastbound on Fair Drive at the Fairview Road intersection, and, as she crossed the intersection through a green light, the traffic signal changed from yellow to red in a few quick seconds, causing her to be hit from behind by a car traveling northbound on Fairview who accelerated when the signal opposing Obbards turned green.
As a result of the incident, Obbards suffered injuries including the loss of several teeth, facial lacerations, a fractured back, and a herniated disc. According to Obbard’s attorney, a police officer that arrived at the scene of the accident had commented that the timing on the traffic signals was off.
It is the city’s responsibility to ensure that traffic signals function properly. If the signal was in fact off on the night of Obbard’s accident, the city of Costa Mesa may be held liable for her injuries and damages, including medical treatment, lost wages, and pain suffering.
If you have been injured on city property due to negligent conditions, please contact experienced, aggressive personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.
Bicyclist Injured in San Diego Crash
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/17/woman-injured-in-bike-accident-by-utc/
A 24-year-old San Diego woman was seriously injured on Saturday in a bicycle to car collision on Genesee Avenue at La Jolla Village Drive, the San Diego Tribune reports.
The woman, whose name has not yet been released, was riding her bicycle northbound on Genesee when she was struck by a sedan traveling westbound on La Jolla Village Drive. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, although police have determined that alcohol was not a contributing factor.
Many details of this accident remain unclear. Which person had the right of way? Was distracted driving (eating, texting, talking on a cell phone while driving) a factor? Did dangerous road conditions cause either the biker or driver to swerve? By answering these questions, we may begin to see a clearer picture of who was at fault in this situation.
At the Law Offices of Renee J. Nordstrand, we put 20 years worth of knowledge, success and resources to work toward helping victims of negligence recover fair compensation for bicycle and car accidents. Call us today for a free consultation.
Bicyclist Struck and Killed by Car in Camarillo
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/dec/16/morning-report-cyclist-hit-by-car-in-camarillo/
A 39-year-old Camarillo bicyclist was hit by a sport utility vehicle while riding on Lewis Road in Camarillo Tuesday night, the Ventura County Star reports.
Mario Tamayo was taken to St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, where he later passed away from his injuries. Authorities say Tamayo, who was wearing dark clothing, did not have lights on his bicycle and was not wearing a helmet while riding on a busy street after dark. Because of these factors, the driver, Michael Brigmac, did not see Tamayo until he collided with him. From the article, it is unclear as to whether there are bicycle lanes on the road where Tamayo was riding.
This incident highlights the importance of bicycle safety, especially in the winter months when the sun sets early at around 5:30 pm. If you routinely use a bicycle as a means of transportation, please take precaution and where a helmet wherever you are riding. Additionally, if you must ride at night, please purchase a bike light to protect yourself and alert drivers on the road.
If you have been injured while biking and believe a driver may be at fault, please contact skilled bicycle accident attorneys immediately for a free consultation to assess your situation and legal options.
Nine Year Old Boy Struck and Killed on Bike
http://www.ocregister.com/news/truck-223066-nicholas-mortley.html
Nine year old Nicholas Vela Mortley was killed Thursday afternoon after being struck by a raised pick up truck while riding his bike home from school in Anaheim, the Orange County Register reports. The driver, who was stopped at a stop sign when Nicholas started to cross in front of him, never saw Nicholas or his red bicycle as he proceeded through the intersection of Orangewood Avenue and Loara Street after completing the stop.
Sergeant Rick Martinez of the Anaheim Police Department explained the incident, stating “The height of the truck may have obscured his [the driver’s] vision. The child may have assumed that since the truck was stopped it would have remained stopped.” Although the driver has not been cited by the Anaheim Police Department, some question whether the truck exceeded legal height limits. If so, the driver could potentially receive a citation or violation.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a bicycle to car accident, please call experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorneys today to learn about your legal right to compensation.
Elderly Bicyclist Hit and Killed by Pick Up Truck
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/smyser-woman-bicyclist-2618890-yorba-linda
An 80-year-old Placentia resident was struck and killed by a pick up truck while riding her bicycle in a Yorba Linda crosswalk Wednesday evening, the Orange County Register reports.
Edelgard Owens was attempting to cross Propsect Avenue’s crosswalk on bike at about 5:40 p.m., when a Chevrolet pick up truck turning left onto Prospect struck the bicyclist, who was later pronounced dead at Placentia-Linda Community Hospital.
The driver, initially suspected for driving under the influence of alcohol, was released from police custody after police determined she was not drunk.
Many questions remain about this accident as police continue their investigation. Why did the driver not see the bicyclist? Was she distracted by a phone call, text message, or conversation with a passenger? Investigators are seeking to answer these questions so that Ms. Owen’s family can take the next appropriate steps.
In situations such as this, the legal expertise and knowledge of wrongful death attorneys will help families of deceased victims receive monetary compensation. We will hold the responsible parties fully liable and ensure that your concerns and needs are met effectively.
Anaheim Bicyclist Struck by Semi-Truck
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/truck-bicyclist-alexander-2598159-kraemer-ramp
An unidentified Anaheim biker was struck and pinned underneath the front bumper of a semi-truck early this morning, the Orange County Register reports.
The incident occurred at Kraemer Boulevard and the 91 freeway off-ramp, according to police. As the bicyclist approached the eastbound off-ramp of the 91 freeway, the semi-truck turned right onto Kraemer, striking the biker. The biker was taken to UCI Medical Center after suffering serious injuries.
The incident occurred just one day after a trial began in the Huntington Beach case of a 14 year old boy who was struck and killed by a motorist while riding his bicycle. In this case, the defendant faces felony charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated and driving under the influence and causing bodily injury. The defense counsel has argued that the defendant suffered a seizure at the time of the accident and could not control his vehicle as it struck the young bicyclist.
In 2007, there were 124 bikers killed and 10,590 bikers injured in collisions in California, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a vehicle to bicycle accident, veteran personal injury attorneys can help you recover compensation for you medical bills as well as pain and suffering. We understand the trauma and difficulty of going through a bicycle accident, and will provide the kind of experience and resources that make a difference.