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Couple Seriously Injured In Motorcycle Crash Near Montecito

By Renee Nordstrand on June 12, 2013

A 51-year-old Montecito man was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after his SUV collided with a motorcycle head-on in the 800 block of Old Coast Highway. A 63-year-old man and his 59-year-old wife were seriously injured in the crash and were rushed to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital where they were listed in critical condition.

According to Noozhawk.com, the Canadian couple was behind another couple from Canada on their motorcycle when the tragic accident occurred. The driver of a Toyota 4Runner SUV allegedly crossed the center lane of the highway, and while the first motorcycle managed to swerve past the wrong-way vehicle, the second motorcycle was not so lucky. It was struck head-on.

Reportedly, both the victims suffered severe injuries to their left legs. Although it has not been confirmed, early reports indicated that one of them might also have suffered an amputated arm.

The driver of the SUV was taken to Santa Barbara County Jail, where he was booked and charged with felony DUI. A Santa Barbara Police Department spokesman said that it appeared that the suspect might have been driving under the influence of several different substances. Bail was set at $100,000.

The couple had shipped their Harley Davidson motorcycle down from Canada and had intended to take an extended tour of the United States.

“It’s a horrible thing,” the police spokesman said. “Just two couples out having fun, and the day ended in a horrific manner.”

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent motorist, it is important that you seek an experienced and knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible. The Santa Barbara motorcycle accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand will properly investigate your accident to determine the cause of the crash. We are dedicated to seeing that our clients recover damages for any personal injuries sustained, as well as other costs associated with a crash.

If you have questions about your legal rights following an accident, call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 or our Encino office at (818) 981-3530 for a free, no-obligation consultation from an experienced legal representative at the Law Office of Renee J. Nordstrand. We can also be easily contacted online.