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Long Term Effects of Scarring After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Santa Barbara

By Renee Nordstrand on November 20, 2025

A close-up shows a person’s hand gently touching a long, healed scar running along their leg. The image represents the lasting physical and emotional impact of scarring after a motor vehicle accident in Santa Barbara, emphasizing issues like pain, disfigurement, and the importance of documenting injuries for compensation under California law.

After a car accident, the primary focus may be on severe injuries like broken bones, concussions, internal organ damage, or debilitating pain. However, scarring causes serious consequences that must be addressed. Whether the result of burns, deep lacerations, or surgical incisions, scars can have a profound impact on your life for years to come.

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Posted in: Car Accident

Even Low Speed Rear End Accidents Cause Serious Injuries in Santa Barbara

By Renee Nordstrand on November 15, 2025

Two cars are stopped on a highway shoulder after a rear-end collision, with visible bumper damage and open doors. The drivers and passengers stand nearby examining the scene. The image highlights how even low-speed rear-end crashes in Santa Barbara can cause serious injuries like whiplash and spinal strain, underscoring the need for medical documentation and legal guidance when pursuing compensation.

Many people are not aware that rear-end collisions at speeds under 15 mph can result in life-changing injuries. The force of impact may seem minor, but the human body, especially the spine, neck, and brain can be highly vulnerable to sudden jolts, especially when the victim has preexisting underlying injuries or sensitivities.

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Proving Distracted Driving in a Santa Barbara Car Accident Case

By Renee Nordstrand on October 14, 2025

Close-up of a driver holding a smartphone while steering a car, illustrating distracted driving in Santa Barbara and the evidence used to prove phone use after a crash.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle collisions in California. In a recent year, 148 people lost their lives in California crashes involving a distracted driver, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. For victims and their families, the road to recovery involves contending with a complex legal system in order to hold the distracted driver accountable.

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Posted in: Car Accident

Do You Have Enough Uninsured Motorist Coverage in California?

By Renee Nordstrand on August 20, 2025

Two women examine a blue car after a minor accident, with one taking photos of the damage using her phone. The image illustrates the importance of uninsured motorist coverage in California for protecting drivers after collisions with uninsured or hit-and-run motorists.

You might think that having car insurance is enough to protect you after an accident—but what happens when the other driver has none?

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What Happens When Driverless Cars Hit Santa Barbara Streets?

By Renee Nordstrand on July 29, 2025

A lineup of white Waymo autonomous vehicles parked in a lot, each equipped with rooftop lidar sensors and external cameras. The image relates to the arrival of driverless cars in California and the legal questions surrounding accident liability in places like Santa Barbara.

California is at the forefront of the driverless vehicle revolution, but are our laws and our roads ready for it? In cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, companies like Waymo and Cruise are already testing autonomous vehicles (AVs) on public streets.

As Santa Barbara becomes a likely next stop for AV deployment, important legal questions are emerging: Who is at fault in a crash? Who pays for injuries? How do we protect cyclists and pedestrians?

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Posted in: Car Accident

Rollover Accidents on California Highways: Causes and Legal Recourse

By Renee Nordstrand on July 22, 2025

A black car is flipped upside down on the side of a highway after a rollover crash, with police officers and patrol vehicles visible in the background. The image relates to rollover accidents on California highways, their causes, and the legal recourse available to injury victims.

Rollover crashes account for nearly 30% of passenger fatalities in vehicle accidents despite making up a much smaller portion of total collisions. This startling fact highlights the extreme danger of rollover accidents, especially on California’s busy highways.

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When Is It Too Late to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

By Renee Nordstrand on December 20, 2024

A judges gavel on a desk.

Delaying the hiring of a car accident attorney can have serious repercussions on your case. Waiting too long can lead to the loss of vital evidence, compromised witness testimony, and manipulation by unsavory insurance agents. All of these factors will seriously weaken a car accident injury claim.

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Posted in: Car Accident

How To Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in Santa Barbara

By Renee Nordstrand on October 20, 2024

A woman speaking with a police officer

In Santa Barbara, obtaining a police report is an essential step for filing a successful insurance claim. Your car accident attorney can use this information to seek compensation for your injuries and other expenses.

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Thanksgiving Traffic Means an Increase in Accident Risks

By Renee Nordstrand on September 30, 2024

Lanes of traffic bumper to bumper

With Thanksgiving approaching, Santa Barbara residents should be aware that the holiday season often brings an increase in traffic, subsequently raising the risk of accidents. Adopting safety measures, coupled with regular vehicle maintenance, can help ensure a safer holiday journey, safeguarding yourself and your loved ones during this festive period.

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What Winterizing Your Car Means for Californians

By Renee Nordstrand on September 15, 2024

A mechanic working under the hood of the car.

Even though Southern California doesn’t face the severe winter conditions seen in other regions, the rainy and cooler weather can still present challenges for cars. The winter season may bring unexpected weather patterns, often with heavy rain that impairs visibility and makes safe driving difficult. California drivers should still maintain their vehicles to ensure they’re well-prepared for wet and cool conditions. This will be essential for a secure and enjoyable driving experience, helping you to navigate the roads with confidence and peace of mind.

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Posted in: Car Accident