Bicyclist Struck and Killed by Car in Camarillo

By Renee Nordstrand on August 3, 2020

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.

Are Mopeds Just as Dangerous as Motorcycles?

By Renee Nordstrand on July 29, 2020

a row of mopeds parked on the side of the street

When riding a motorcycle or bike, we’re all warned to ride defensively, wear a helmet, and make sure drivers know we’re on the road. There is very little advice readily available for moped lovers, however. Why is that? Is it because they are less dangerous to ride than motorcycles? Well, the truth may surprise you.

Read more…

Posted in: Motorcycle Accident

Your Guide to California’s Bike Riding Laws

By Renee Nordstrand on May 29, 2020

blue bicycle with a brown basket

There’s no better way to explore the natural beauty of California and get some fresh air than riding your bike. Bike riding is both fun and a great form of exercise, so it’s no wonder it’s such a popular pastime. However, bikes are subject to rules and regulations, like most other forms of transportation. If you plan on hopping on your bike anytime soon, there are some important rules you should know.

Read more…

Posted in: Bicycle Accident

OSHA Cracks Down on Amputation Risks in the Manufacturing Industry

By Renee Nordstrand on May 15, 2020

row of hard hats hanging on a wall

A job in the manufacturing industry is one of the most dangerous occupations you can have. The heavy machinery and difficult labor make injuries very likely, if not inevitable. That’s why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released a new initiative to help minimize amputation injuries in the manufacturing industry.

Read more…

Spring-Cleaning Your Insurance Policy

By Renee Nordstrand on May 1, 2020

a calculator, pen, and insurance policy paperwork

While many people may be using this time of isolation to catch up on spring-cleaning, it’s also the perfect time to take a closer look at your insurance policy. Specifically, you may want to pay attention to how much uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured (UIM) coverage you have. This important safety net can protect you when a negligent driver’s policy (or lack thereof) fails to cover the full extent of the damages they caused you.

Read more…

Posted in: Car Accident

How to Avoid the Dangers of Driver’s Fatigue

By Renee Nordstrand on March 30, 2020

driver with head in her hands after an accident

The term driver’s fatigue is used to describe when a driver becomes overly tired and has a hard time driving safely. While there are currently no specific laws that prohibit driving when overly tired, if you drive fatigued and subsequently cause an accident, you may be opening yourself up to criminal or civil liability.

Furthermore, according to California Vehicle Code Section 23103 VC, if a tired driver is driving negligently – as in not following the rules of the road – they can be tried for reckless driving.

Read more…

Posted in: Car Accident

Recent Regulations Make Santa Barbara Parks Safer

By Renee Nordstrand on March 16, 2020

colorful rope climb at playground

Parks and playgrounds are the perfect places to take the family for some fresh air. Santa Barbara has many amazing parks just waiting for the public to enjoy. However, there are some new rules you should be aware of before planning your family outing.

Read more…

Posted in: Premises Liability

Will Blind Spots Be a Thing of the Past?

By Renee Nordstrand on March 2, 2020

an exterior rearview side mirror

In November 2019, 14-year-old Alaina Gessler won a $25,000 prize for her brilliant and innovative solution for eliminating blind spots on vehicles. Alaina was determined to solve this problem after she noticed how her mother was fearful when driving their SUV, primarily due to the large pillar on the corner of the cab that blocked a significant portion of her mother’s view, creating a blind spot. Though she was unable to drive herself, Alaina understood the hazards associated with blind spots and took it upon herself to solve the problem.

Read more…

Posted in: Car Accident

The Hidden Complication of Accidents: CRPS

By Renee Nordstrand on February 21, 2020

red emergency sign at a medical facility

If you have been injured in an auto accident, the injuries are often quite visible, with most long-term effects known and predictable. However, a little-known complication that can arise after physical trauma is called “complex regional pain syndrome,” or CRPS.

CRPS is an injury to your peripheral and central nervous systems that causes your brain to believe that your limb or body part is damaged and painful long after an injury is healed – leading to worsening pain and disability. Those who suffer from CRPS are often unaware of the underlying causes of their pain and try to “live with it,” assuming the injury is still healing.

Read more…

Speed Is the True Danger in Car Crashes 

By Renee Nordstrand on January 21, 2020

blue car driving down a scenic highway

Speeding is the riskiest of aggressive driving behaviors – in fact, it is the greatest predictor of a crash, as a new study shows.

Read more…

Posted in: Car Accident