Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

The Hidden Dangers of Drowsy Driving in Colorado: What You Need to Know

Published on: September 5, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Most drivers in Colorado understand the dangers of drunk or drugged driving. What many don’t realize, however, is that driving while tired—or “drowsy driving”—can be just as dangerous. At our Colorado personal injury law firm, we have represented far too many clients who were seriously injured because another driver chose to get behind the wheel without adequate rest.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is responsible for an estimated 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,500 deaths every year in the United States. These alarming numbers show just how serious fatigue-related accidents can be.

Why Drowsy Driving is So Dangerous

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Michigan: Pastor Found Guilty of Long-Term Child Abuse

Published on: September 1, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

In one of Michigan’s most disturbing recent cases, former pastor Scott Haught was convicted in 2025 on multiple felony counts, including first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The case centered around years of abuse he inflicted on his own daughters—acts that began when they were children and continued into their adolescence.

The Case Unfolds

For decades, Haught was a trusted figure in his community. He led a congregation, counseled families, and held himself out as a man of faith. Behind closed doors, however, he exploited his position of authority and trust to manipulate, control, and repeatedly abuse his children.

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Colorado’s New Hands-Free Driving Law: What You Need to Know

Published on: August 25, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

As of January 1, 2025, Colorado drivers are no longer allowed to hold a cell phone while operating a vehicle. The state’s new hands-free driving law is designed to reduce distracted driving crashes and make the roads safer for everyone.

What Changed Under the New Law?

For years, Colorado banned texting while driving. Now, that restriction extends to any use of a handheld device. Drivers cannot hold, type on, or scroll through a phone—even while stopped at a red light.

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Should I Hire an Attorney or Handle on My Own?

Published on: August 18, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or another type of personal injury incident, one of the first questions you might ask yourself is whether you really need an attorney—or whether you can handle the claim on your own. The truth is, the right choice depends on your situation. Below, we’ll break down the factors to consider before deciding.

When Handling a Claim on Your Own Might Make Sense

Not every case requires a lawyer. In some straightforward situations, you may be able to resolve things directly with the insurance company. Some examples of cases people often handle on their own include:

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Learn about common spinal injuries caused by car accidents, including whiplash, herniated discs, fractures, and spinal cord damage.

Published on: May 15, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Car accidents are unfortunately common, and they are a leading cause of spinal injuries, ranging from painful strains to devastating, life-altering trauma. Your spine is central to movement and bodily function, making car accident spinal injuries particularly serious, impacting your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Understanding the types of back and neck injuries from car accidents can help you identify critical symptoms early and seek the necessary medical treatment.

Why Car Accidents Pose a High Risk for Spinal Injury

During a car crash, your body endures immense physical forces – abrupt stops, violent jolts, and impacts from various directions. These forces can violently twist, compress, or hyperextend the spine beyond its natural limits. Even seemingly low-speed collisions can cause significant spinal injury because the vertebrae, discs, nerves, and spinal cord are complex and sensitive structures.

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Discover the crucial differences between regulations for commercial truck drivers (CDL holders) and regular motorists

Published on: May 1, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Sharing the highway with large commercial trucks, or semi-trucks, is a daily reality for most drivers. But have you ever considered the distinct world of regulations governing the professionals behind the wheel? Commercial truck driver regulations go far beyond the standard rules for passenger cars. These strict requirements, enforced by agencies like the Department of Transportation (DOT), are crucial for road safety, responsible cargo transport, and the smooth operation of the U.S. supply chain. Understanding the differences between truck driver and regular driver rules highlights the higher standards and responsibilities placed on these essential workers. Let’s break down the key distinctions

Understanding Driver Licensing: CDL vs. Standard License

Regular Drivers: Obtaining a standard driver’s license typically involves passing basic written, vision, and road tests specific to passenger vehicles in your state.

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Finding Your Advocate: Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Published on: February 24, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

You’ve been injured in an accident or dog bite that wasn’t your fault. You’re hurting, stressed, and facing growing medical bills. The idea of hiring a personal injury attorney has crossed your mind, and maybe you’re even starting to research local lawyers. But how do you choose the right one? It can feel overwhelming. After all, you’re entrusting someone with a significant part of your life and financial future.

Choosing the right personal injury attorney is crucial. It’s not just about finding someone who knows the law; it’s about finding a true advocate who understands your needs, communicates effectively, and has the experience to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Before you sign any agreements, take the time to ask potential attorneys these five key questions. Their answers will provide invaluable insights and help you make an informed decision about who will represent you.

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Injured and Overwhelmed? 5 Signs It’s Time to Call a Personal Injury Attorney

Published on: February 17, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Life can change in an instant. A car accident, a slip and fall, truck or bike accident – any of these can leave you injured, confused, and facing a mountain of challenges. Beyond the physical pain, you might be grappling with medical bills piling up, lost income from being unable to work, and the frustrating bureaucracy of insurance claims. In these moments, many people wonder: “Do I really need a lawyer?”

The truth is, not every fender-bender requires legal intervention. But in many personal injury situations, navigating the complexities alone can be a recipe for disaster. Insurance companies, while often appearing helpful in commercials, are businesses focused on their bottom line – minimizing payouts. This is where a skilled personal injury attorney becomes your invaluable advocate.

So, how do you know when it’s time to ditch the DIY approach and seek professional legal help? Here are five possible signs that hiring a personal injury attorney is not just a good idea, but essential to protecting your rights and maximizing your chances of fair compensation:

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Beyond Settlement: When Personal Injury Claims End Up in Court

Published on: February 10, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

The vast majority of personal injury claims – car accidents, slip and falls, workplace injuries – are resolved long before anyone steps foot in a courtroom. Settlement is the name of the game, a pragmatic and often efficient way for injured parties to receive compensation and for defendants (or their insurers) to mitigate risk and legal costs. But sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts (or perhaps because of their worst), settlement remains elusive. The claim doesn’t just stall; it escalates, heading down the path to trial.

So, why does this happen? Why do some personal injury claims stubbornly refuse to settle, forcing both sides into the often costly, time-consuming, and unpredictable arena of court? It’s rarely a single reason, but rather a confluence of factors that can create an impasse. Understanding these roadblocks is crucial for anyone involved in a personal injury claim, whether as a claimant or a potential defendant.

The Unsettling Truth: Core Disagreements

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Understanding Personal Injuries: A Comprehensive Overview

Published on: January 31, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Personal injuries are a pervasive issue, affecting millions of people each year. These injuries can arise from a wide range of incidents, often resulting in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. This article provides a broad overview of personal injuries, including common types, causes, and relevant statistics.

What is a Personal Injury?

In legal terms, a personal injury refers to any harm caused to a person’s body, mind, or emotions due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. This can include physical injuries, psychological trauma, and financial losses resulting from the incident.

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