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The Legal Implications of E-Bike Modifications in California
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are rapidly changing how Californians commute, explore, and exercise. But as e-bike popularity grows, so does the trend of aftermarket modifications, which are often aimed at increasing speed or bypassing safety features.
Congratulations to the 2025 Reach the Summit Scholarship Winners!
At NordstrandBlack PC, we are proud to advocate for the people of Santa Barbara both in the courtroom and in our community. One of the ways we support local youth is through the Reach the Summit Scholarship, an annual initiative designed to uplift students who show a commitment to leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This year’s applicants went above and beyond, and we are thrilled to share the results of the 2025 competition.
What Happens When Driverless Cars Hit Santa Barbara Streets?
California is at the forefront of the driverless vehicle revolution, but are our laws and our roads ready for it? In cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, companies like Waymo and Cruise are already testing autonomous vehicles (AVs) on public streets.
As Santa Barbara becomes a likely next stop for AV deployment, important legal questions are emerging: Who is at fault in a crash? Who pays for injuries? How do we protect cyclists and pedestrians?
Rollover Accidents on California Highways: Causes and Legal Recourse
Rollover crashes account for nearly 30% of passenger fatalities in vehicle accidents despite making up a much smaller portion of total collisions. This startling fact highlights the extreme danger of rollover accidents, especially on California’s busy highways.
Announcing Our 2025 Reach the Summit Scholarship Finalists
At NordstrandBlack PC, we believe in supporting the next generation of problem solvers and changemakers. That is why we are proud to sponsor the Reach the Summit Scholarship, a contest designed to encourage students across the country to think creatively about local issues and present innovative, community-driven solutions. This year, we were deeply inspired by the thoughtful essays submitted in response to our essay prompt:
“Devise a plan of action and create a proposal to reduce child poverty in Santa Barbara County. The plan/proposal should be targeted at and addressed to an existing government or private entity. It should explain your idea and include a donation request or some other form of support to mitigate child poverty.”
AI in the Trucking Industry: Reducing Accidents or Complicating Liability?
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize transportation, and the trucking industry is embracing the shift with unprecedented speed.
Technologies such as automated emergency braking, driver fatigue monitoring, and real-time data tracking are no longer futuristic concepts. These are now actively being deployed on California highways.
Such innovations aim to make roads safer, but they also raise difficult questions about AI trucking accident liability in California.
Understanding California’s New E-Bike Classification Laws
Starting January 1, 2025, California’s e-bike laws will undergo major revisions that all riders and anyone injured in a crash need to understand. With Senate Bill 1271 now signed into law, the state is tightening definitions and safety rules in response to the sharp increase in electric bike usage and e-bike-related accidents.
For Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, riders under 18 must wear a helmet. Adult riders of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are not legally required to wear a helmet, though it is strongly recommended. For Class 3 e-bikes, all riders must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet, regardless of age.
Announcing the NordstrandBlack PC 2025 “Reach the Summit” College Scholarship
NordstrandBlack PC is thrilled to announce that we will be offering three college scholarships this year. Each of our Reach the Summit scholarships is for $750, and the contest is open to current college students and high school seniors who plan to pursue a four-year college degree. You can learn more about contest rules and details here.
The Risk of Injury We Face on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend
It seems like everybody wants to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. There’s nothing wrong with going out and having some fun, but St. Patrick’s Day and the closest weekend to it is a time of increased injuries and fatalities. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 57 people were killed in alcohol-related automobile crashes during a recent St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
When Is It Too Late to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
Delaying the hiring of a car accident attorney can have serious repercussions on your case. Waiting too long can lead to the loss of vital evidence, compromised witness testimony, and manipulation by unsavory insurance agents. All of these factors will seriously weaken a car accident injury claim.