Car Accidents

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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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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The Silent Threat: Internal Injuries After a Car Accident

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

Car accidents, regardless of speed, can be traumatic events with lasting consequences. While visible injuries like cuts and bruises are immediately apparent, internal injuries often go unnoticed in the immediate aftermath, posing a significant threat to long-term health. This article explores the dangers of internal injuries following a car accident and emphasizes the importance of seeking prompt medical attention.

Why Internal Injuries Are So Dangerous

Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they often lack immediate external symptoms. This can lead to a delayed diagnosis, allowing the condition to worsen and potentially become life-threatening. Some internal injuries may initially present with subtle symptoms that are easily dismissed as minor discomfort from the impact.

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Don’t underestimate the potential for injury in minor car accidents.

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

While high-speed car accidents often result in obvious and severe damage, it’s easy to underestimate the potential for injury in low-speed collisions. These types of accidents, often referred to as “fender benders,” may appear minor, but the sudden and unexpected forces involved can cause a variety of injuries.

Common Injuries in Low-Speed Accidents

Neck injuries: This is one of the most common injuries in low-speed collisions, particularly rear-end accidents. The sudden jolt can cause the head and neck to snap back and forth, straining the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.

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Driving into the Future: The Latest Car Safety Features

Published on: September 11, 2024 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

The automotive industry has seen a remarkable evolution in recent years, with a primary focus on enhancing driver and passenger safety. Technological advancements have led to the development of innovative safety features that can prevent accidents and mitigate their impact. Let’s delve into some of the most groundbreaking features currently available and discuss why they’re making a significant difference.

1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

ADAS is a collective term for a range of technologies that use sensors, cameras, and radar to assist drivers. Some of the most prominent ADAS features include:

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The Dangers of Cell Phone Use While Driving

Published on: July 24, 2024 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

In today’s fast-paced digital world, cell phones have become indispensable tools for communication, navigation, and entertainment. However, the convenience they offer comes at a significant cost—safety. Using a cell phone while driving poses serious risks, leading to devastating consequences on the road. Here’s why it’s crucial to put your phone down and focus on driving.

The Statistics Don’t Lie

The data surrounding cell phone use while driving is alarming:

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Understanding Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Colorado

Published on: July 17, 2024 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Motorcycling offers a unique sense of freedom and adventure, but it also comes with inherent risks. In Colorado, the allure of winding mountain roads and picturesque landscapes draws many riders, but it’s essential to be aware of the statistics surrounding motorcycle accidents in the state. Understanding these figures can help riders stay informed and prioritize safety.

Overview of Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado:

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), motorcycle fatalities have seen fluctuations over the years, often correlating with broader traffic trends. In recent years, Colorado has recorded a troubling increase in motorcycle-related accidents, raising concerns among safety advocates and law enforcement.

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