Santa Barbara Bar and Nightclub Injury Attorneys

By Renee Nordstrand on July 31, 2018

lots of people dancing at a concert

Are You in Need of a Bar and Nightclub Injury Attorney in Santa Barbara?

Most people do not expect a night out to end in the emergency room. Unfortunately, bars and nightclubs can be hazardous environments when owners and staff fail to take safety seriously. Between poor lighting, overcrowding, intoxicated patrons, and negligent security, these venues can quickly become dangerous, and in some cases, even deadly.

Read more…

Posted in: Premises Liability

When “The Big One” Hits, Which Buildings Will Stand?

By Renee Nordstrand on July 23, 2018

large concrete crack from an earthquake

The risk of earthquakes is part of the deal when people decide to live in Southern California. We get beautiful weather, easy access to the Pacific Ocean, and wonderful cities such as Santa Barbara but with the constant threat of a serious earthquake.

Following the 1971 Sylmar Quake, thousands of buildings throughout the state were retrofitted and strengthened to be safer, while new buildings had to be built to improved codes.

While these codes proved effective to an extent, there are concerns about what the future holds.

Read more…

Watch Out for Cars Crashing Into Businesses

By Renee Nordstrand on July 3, 2018

red car crashing into ironworks busines

While we know that we take certain risks by getting behind the wheel of a car every day, there is a rare danger of being struck by a vehicle while sitting in front of the TV, eating at a restaurant, browsing in a retail store, or being at work.

Across the United States, there are about 60 collisions involving vehicles and buildings every day, often resulting in serious injuries and deaths.

Read more…

Posted in: Premises Liability

When Companies Produce Exploding Devices

By Renee Nordstrand on June 27, 2018

a front-loading washing machine

We should be critical of any company that puts its customers at risk. Recalls are beneficial, but they are often too little, too late.

Read more…

Posted in: Product Liability

Practice Motorcycle Awareness Every Month

By Renee Nordstrand on June 15, 2018

motorcyclist sitting next to his bike under a tree

May was motorcycle awareness month, but everyone on the roads around Santa Barbara should be aware and respectful of motorcyclists all year long. Motorcyclists face certain dangers on the road that other motorists do not, and when accidents occur, they are more serious and life-threatening for people on motorcycles than for those in vehicles.

Read more…

Posted in: Motorcycle Accident

Drive Safely: Look for Poor Road Design and Conditions

By Renee Nordstrand on May 14, 2018

person staring at their reflection in a watery pothole

Driving safely does not just mean maintaining control of your vehicle and traveling at reasonable speeds. It also means remaining aware of road conditions that can put you at risk. One of the best ways to avoid accidents is through defensive driving, which means you need to remain aware of your surroundings, anticipate potential dangers, and act responsibly to stay safe.

Read more…

Posted in: Car Accident

Did You Stay Safe This Spring Break?

By Renee Nordstrand on April 17, 2018

college students on the beach for Spring Break

Spring break is a great time to let loose and have some fun before the seemingly endless work and studying for finals. But whether you are a college student, or just looking to take your kids on a holiday to Santa Barbara, we at NordstrandBlack PC urge you to be careful and stay safe. Of course, no matter how careful you are, there is always the possibility that someone else will be reckless or irresponsible and hurt you.

Even though spring break is officially over, here are a few things to keep in mind to prevent accidents, and tips to keep you safe when someone else is being dangerous:

Read more…

Posted in: Premises Liability

Santa Barbara Sidewalk Laws: Bicyclists and Skateboarders Beware!

By Renee Nordstrand on April 6, 2018

two black tennis shoes on a skateboard

Although there are certain laws in California for all bicycle riders, there are also city laws that provide additional regulations. In Santa Barbara, for example, you cannot ride a bicycle on any sidewalks; instead, you may only ride in the street and where permitted by other signs and traffic signals. People on skateboards, roller skates, and in-line skates are even more restricted. They are not allowed on public streets and many specific sidewalks; violation of these laws may result in a costly ticket.

Read more…

Posted in: Bicycle Accident

Is the Amtrak Surfliner a Danger to Santa Barbara Residents?

By Renee Nordstrand on March 31, 2018

public transit train racing down the track

Though the Amtrak Surfliner does not pose an immediate threat to people in Santa Barbara, the high number of train derailments across the United States in recent years is cause for concern. Some of these crashes occurred through no distinguishable fault of anyone involved and were simply tragic accidents. Others seem to have been due to negligence: inattentive engineers and conductors letting their trains run far too fast in certain areas.

Read more…

Posted in: Train Accident

Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Is Legal in California, But Is It Safe?

By Renee Nordstrand on March 18, 2018

biker driving motorcycle down the street

Lane-splitting may seem inherently dangerous. But there is research to support the notion that it is actually safe and can be beneficial for everyone on the road. Throughout much of the world, lane-splitting on motorcycles is a perfectly acceptable way to get through traffic. In the U.S., however, it is only legal in California, where motorcyclists are free to move among other vehicles.

Read more…

Posted in: Motorcycle Accident