Bicycle Helmets/Bell Sports Recalls Giro Merit Bicycle Helmet Due to Safety Concerns/Helmet Giveaway

By Renee Nordstrand on June 20, 2023

bicycle helmets

California Vehicle Code 21212 provides that all riders and passengers under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a helmet when using a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, in-line roller skates, or a skateboard to travel along streets or bikeways, or on any other public bicycle path or trail. This includes anyone under 18 who is in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.

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Posted in: Bicycle Accident

Announcing the Finalists for Our 2023 College Scholarship

By Renee Nordstrand on June 14, 2023

Two grads stand facing the ocean away from the camera!

Our team at NordstrandBlack PC is truly heartened by the response we received for this year’s $500 college scholarship. The essay prompt asks entrants to tell us what your experiences have taught you about overcoming life’s obstacles. The essays we received were informative, well-written, and deeply moving.

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Posted in: Law Firm News

National Dog Bite Prevention Week Is in April

By Renee Nordstrand on April 8, 2023

Black dog bites toy that a human hand is holding. They are playing together. We see the dogs teeth.

There are over 85 million dogs kept as pets in this country. Dogs provide their owners with love and companionship, and they’re a wonderful addition to many households.

It’s important to remember that dogs are animals that may react violently in certain situations. But there are several things we can do to help prevent dogs from biting people. That’s why April 9 through April 15 has been declared National Dog Bite Prevention Week.

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Announcing Our NordstrandBlack PC 2023 College Scholarship

By Renee Nordstrand on March 7, 2023

school library with rows of tables

College is a wonderful place to meet a diverse group of people while you develop essential skills and discover knowledge that will benefit you for a lifetime. It takes a lot of hard work, but earning your college degree will put you on the road to success.

At NordstrandBlack PC, we’re proud of the work we do to help our friends and neighbors in the Santa Barbara area. We’re truly grateful for everything we have achieved and we’re happy to have the opportunity to give back to the community when we can.

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Posted in: Law Firm News

New CA Laws for Cyclists, Drivers, Pedestrians, and E-bikes

By Renee Nordstrand on February 14, 2023

Mans hands signing a document with a pen

Four new laws, effective on January 1, 2024, will impact safety on California roads for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and electric bicycle (e-bike) riders.  

  • AB 2537 calls for changes in driver education curricula in grades 7-12 and requires the DMV to create a video regarding proper conduct for peace officers during a traffic stop.
  • AB 2773 requires peace officers to inform drivers why they are being pulled over.
  • AB 2147 limits the circumstances when a pedestrian can be stopped for jaywalking.
  • AB 1909 alters laws regarding e-bikes and where they are allowed to operate.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

Congregation B’nai B’rith 2022 Mitzvah Day Activities

By Renee Nordstrand on January 13, 2023

Photo from charity event including the Nordstrand family.

Renée Nordstrand-Black and Doug Black of NordstrandBlack PC feel truly thankful for all the good fortune in our lives. One of our greatest pleasures is living in such a beautiful community.

The Santa Barbara area isn’t just a gorgeous place to live – the people here are so warm and giving that Renée and Doug can’t imagine living anywhere else. Renée and her family gladly welcome the opportunity to give back to the local community when they can.

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Posted in: Law Firm News

Why You Shouldn’t Settle Until You’re 100% Medically Stable

By Renee Nordstrand on December 14, 2022

doctor handing over prescription

When you’ve suffered serious injuries caused by somebody’s careless behavior, you’ll probably want to resolve the matter quickly. After all, you have other things to focus on — overcoming the trauma, getting back to work, and resuming your daily activities.

There’s a natural desire to finalize the legal process and start putting your life back together. But it’s important to be patient and make sure your injuries have completely healed before accepting a settlement, or resolved to a point when your medical providers know your long-term prognosis.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

The Root Problem: How Trees Make Sidewalks Dangerous

By Renee Nordstrand on November 17, 2022

sidewalk buckled by tree

The power of nature is amazing. It’s hard to believe that a plant could be strong enough to damage a concrete sidewalk, but we see it happening all the time.

Over time, steadily growing tree roots can extend underneath a sidewalk. As the roots grow and expand, they will eventually disrupt the surface of the sidewalk. This creates substantially uneven surfaces that may cause pedestrians to fall and be seriously injured.

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Posted in: Premises Liability

What Causes Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

By Renee Nordstrand on October 24, 2022

patient in hospital bed

According to the CDC, over 400 people die every year from unintentional Carbon monoxide poisoning. It also results in over 20,000 emergency rooms visits.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that can be fatal when inhaled. CO has no odor. The only way to know if CO is present is by installing an electronic CO detector.

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Can a Trespasser Injured on Someone’s Property Pursue Compensation for Personal Injuries?

By Renee Nordstrand on September 17, 2022

no trespassing/keep out sign

Property owners are required to take reasonable care to ensure that any visitors on their property are kept safe from injuries. If the property owner does not maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition for visitors, they can be held liable if someone is injured on their property.

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Posted in: Premises Liability