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Wine-Tasting Tourists: A Danger on the Road?
The area around Santa Barbara offers some of the most beautiful wine-tasting scenery in the country, so it is no surprise that people flock here for a fun day out.
When wine-tasters fail to act reasonably when getting behind the wheel, it can be a recipe for disaster. If you get into an accident with an inebriated wine-taster, you may be wondering what action you can take against him or her. While that depends on the specific details of the situation, there are a few general things you should know.
Lead in School Drinking Fountains
When children are exposed to lead through the water in their school drinking fountains, the consequences can be disastrous.
Tips to Stay Safe on Wet Roads
Driving in rainy and wet conditions is far more dangerous than many California drivers appreciate. We are not accustomed to driving in the rain. People often fail to show the proper caution in inclement weather, which leads to collisions.
By keeping a few simple tips in mind, you can greatly reduce your chances of striking another vehicle on the road. Driving defensively is always a good idea, but when the roads are slippery, it becomes even more important. Remember to:
Dealing with Mudslides
After intense California wildfires in 2017, Santa Barbara County suffered another disaster on January 9, 2018, when mudslides devastated the coastal community of Montecito. At least 21 people were killed and hundreds of homes and businesses destroyed. Highway 101 was shut down for 10 days, and thousands of residents were deeply affected by the tragedy and loss of income.
As Montecito residents, we mourn the loss and are offering free legal consultation to those affected.
Pedestrians in Greatest Danger in Decades
For the second year in a row, pedestrian deaths have increased in America.
Pedestrians in Southern California share the roads with bicyclists, motorcycles, and cars, but lack protection from the tremendous damage these vehicles can cause. As drivers become more careless—usually due to mobile devices—pedestrian are in greater danger of being injured or killed.
If a Distracted Driver Hits a Pedestrian, Who Is to Blame?
Were you hit by a car driven by a distracted driver?
You are not alone. Every year in California, around 700 people are killed in pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions and thousands of others are injured. With the rise of distracted driving, these numbers are expected to increase. Santa Barbara, especially, has dangerous winding roads and any lapse of attention could lead to disaster for both the driver and anyone else on the road.
Should I File a Wrongful Death Claim or Survival Action?
If someone’s negligence caused your loved one to die immediately after an accident, then a wrongful death claim against the responsible person is the correct cause of action to file.
If your loved one survived for a short time before death, then a survival action may be appropriate. In some situations you may file a joint claim for both wrongful death and a survival action in California.
Are Manufacturers Liable for Unsafe Playground Equipment?
More than 200,000 children are injured every year in the U.S. on playground equipment, particularly climbing equipment. Injuries to children in California can be quite severe, and include paralysis and even fatality.
Give to NordstrandBlack PC’s Socks & Toiletries Drive for Transition House
To celebrate this season of giving, NordstrandBlack PC is hosting a Socks & Toiletries Drive for Transition House in Santa Barbara. We invite you to join us and donate to this worthy shelter, which provides temporary housing, food, and supplies for families with nowhere else to go. The drive kicks off on Monday, November 27th and runs until Thursday, March 15th, 2018. Collection dates will occur on the 15th of each month.
Navigating Crowded Parking Lots This Holiday Season
Parking lots are dangerous places. An estimated one in five motor vehicle accidents will take place in a parking lot. The combination of drivers and pedestrians in close quarters can be a serious hazard. During the holidays, the large crowds and higher likelihood of stressed-out people rushing about makes for a particularly frightful situation.