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

What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury in a Santa Barbara Personal Injury Lawsuit?

By Renee Nordstrand on October 2, 2025

A woman lies unconscious in a hospital bed with a nasal oxygen tube and medical monitor in the background, representing a severe catastrophic injury that may qualify for a Santa Barbara personal injury lawsuit due to permanent and life-altering harm.

If you experienced a serious accident in Santa Barbara that has left you with permanent damage, you are likely dealing with a catastrophic injury. This has significant implications for your personal injury lawsuit, long-term care, and the total compensation you may receive.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

California’s E-Scooter Laws: What Every Rider Should Know

By Renee Nordstrand on September 24, 2025

erson wearing black high-top sneakers and rolled-up jeans standing on a black electric scooter on a paved path, with blooming purple flowers and greenery in the background

In recent years, electric scooters (e-scooters) have exploded in popularity across California, particularly in cities like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

Santa Barbara Grand Jury Calls for More E-Bike Enforcement: What You Need to Know

By Renee Nordstrand on September 15, 2025

Row of electric bicycles with visible batteries parked indoors, illustrating e-bike use and safety considerations.

E-bike crashes in Santa Barbara have risen dramatically in recent years. With injuries piling up and widespread confusion about the rules, the Santa Barbara County Civil Grand Jury has taken the unusual step of publicly urging the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) to act.

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Posted in: Bicycle Accident

Is Santa Barbara’s Bicycle Infrastructure Enough to Keep Cyclists Safe?

By Renee Nordstrand on September 14, 2025

Two people ride bicycles along a paved coastal path lined with palm trees, colorful flowers, and lush greenery at sunset. To the right, a beach and ocean stretch into the distance beneath a soft pastel sky, with mountains visible on the horizon

With its coastal views and pleasant climate, Santa Barbara is often considered a cycling haven. From leisure riders cruising Cabrillo Boulevard to commuters winding through downtown’s bike corridors, the city offers diverse cycling experiences.

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Posted in: Bicycle Accident

Riding with the Pack: Legal Tips for Santa Barbara Motorcycle Enthusiasts Attending Local Rides and Events

By Renee Nordstrand on September 7, 2025

A group of motorcyclists ride together on a multi-lane road during daytime, with riders wearing helmets and casual clothing. Trees line the background, and a few cars follow behind in the right lane under a clear blue sky

Santa Barbara offers some of the most scenic and rider-friendly roads on the Central Coast, so it is no surprise that the local motorcycle community is thriving.

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Posted in: Motorcycle Accident

Santa Barbara’s Efforts to Curb E-Bike Accidents

By Renee Nordstrand on September 3, 2025

Close-up view of a black electric bicycle captured from a low angle at sunset, highlighting the battery pack on the frame and handlebars against a clear blue sky

In recent years, electric bikes (e-bikes) have become a common sight on Santa Barbara’s streets, bike paths, and beachfront roads. These pedal-assisted, battery-powered bikes offer convenience, speed, and a greener way to commute or explore the city.

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Posted in: Bicycle Accident

California’s Daylighting Law: A New Era for Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

By Renee Nordstrand on August 30, 2025

A cyclist rides through an intersection with marked bike lanes and crosswalk lines. The photo represents California’s new daylighting law, which increases visibility near crosswalks to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety.

In 2023, California took a bold step toward reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities by enacting Assembly Bill 413, also known as the Daylighting Law. This critical piece of legislation aims to protect pedestrians and cyclists at intersections, which are some of the most dangerous areas on California’s roads.

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Posted in: Bicycle 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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Posted in: Car Accident

How California’s OmniBike Bill Impacts Cyclists and Motorists Alike

By Renee Nordstrand on August 15, 2025

A person plugs in an electric bicycle while the sun sets in the background. The image reflects California’s evolving cycling laws under the OmniBike Bill, which promotes safer road sharing between cyclists and motorists.

California has long been a hub for cycling innovation and advocacy, and its newest legislation reflects the state’s commitment to safer streets for everyone. In 2023, the California OmniBike Bill (AB 1909) went into full effect.

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Posted in: Bicycle Accident