Car Accidents

Angels on Asphalt: The Unsung Heroes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Published on: February 14, 2024 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

The screech of metal, the shattering of glass, the chilling silence that follows – the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be terrifying. But amidst the chaos, there’s a beacon of hope: the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Often overshadowed by flashing lights and sirens, their role in these critical moments deserves more than just recognition – it demands understanding and appreciation.

From Triage to Transport: The Life-Saving Chain

The moment an accident alert reaches their ears, EMS personnel spring into action. Their training kicks in, transforming them into skilled first responders, adept at navigating chaotic scenes. Their primary mission? The Golden Hour: stabilizing patients within the first hour of injury significantly increases their survival rate.

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A New Year, New Rules: Colorado’s 2024 Legislative Roundup

Published on: February 7, 2024 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

It’s February, but let’s rewind a bit to January 1st, 2024, when a wave of new laws swept across Colorado. From environmental initiatives to expanded worker protections, the changes impact various aspects of life in the Centennial State. Let’s dive into some of the most significant updates:

For the Environment:

Plastic Bag Ban: Say goodbye to single-use plastic bags at grocery and convenience stores! Colorado joined the growing movement to reduce plastic waste, requiring stores to charge 10 cents per paper bag or encourage reusable options.

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What are Victim Rights Advocates and How can they Help me?

Published on: December 21, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Victim rights advocates can provide a variety of services to people injured in car or truck accidents, including:

Information and education: They can explain the legal process, insurance claims, and other aspects of recovering from an accident.

Emotional support: They can provide counseling, support groups, and other resources to help victims cope with the emotional trauma of the accident.

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I’ve been hit by a Drunk Driver, what do I do next?

Published on: December 14, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

If you are hurt by a drunk driver, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the driver for negligence. You may also have a claim for negligence per se. This means that the driver was acting unreasonably and in violation of the law by driving under the influence, and that their actions directly caused your injuries.

It is illegal drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol in Colorado. It’s also illegal for a driver to operate a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Drivers can face criminal penalties if determined they were under the influence during a crash.

In addition to suing the driver, you may also be able to sue the owner of the car or the establishment that served the driver alcohol. This is called Dram Shop liability. in Colorado, a vendor who is licensed to sell alcohol can be held liable for any injuries caused by one of their patrons. These laws typically apply to restaurants, bars, and any other establishments that sell alcoholic beverages. These laws can hold establishments that sell liquor responsible if they continue selling liquor to someone who is physically intoxicated.

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Holiday Hazards: Be Prepared for Increased Road Dangers

Published on: November 30, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

The end of the year and the holiday season are a time for celebration and togetherness, but they also bring an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are an average of 119 fatal crashes per day on major holidays in the United States, compared to 102 fatal crashes per day on average throughout the rest of the year.

Factors Contributing to Increased Holiday Crashes

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of crashes during the holidays, including:

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Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Colorado

Published on: November 17, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Many new clients have questions about the statute of limitations and how it applies to their specific case. In the realm of personal injury law, the statute of limitations is a crucial concept that determines the time frame within which an injured party can file a legal claim against the responsible individual or entity. In Colorado, the statute of limitations for car accident or truck accident cases is three years from the date of the crash. However, if the crash results in a death, the statute of limitations is only two years. The statute of limitations for most other personal injury cases typically stands at two years from the date of the injury. There are certain exceptions and nuances that a competent lawyer should explain to you when seeking a consultation. Here are some of the exceptions you should know about:

The Two-Year Rule

For most general personal injury cases, including slip or trip and falls, ski collisions, dog bites, and other non-automobile-related incidents, the two-year statute of limitations applies. This means that if you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you have two years to initiate legal action against them. Failure to file a lawsuit within this timeframe could result in your claim being dismissed.

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Spinal Cord Injuries: What You Need to Know

Published on: November 10, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that can cause loss of sensation and movement in parts of the body. Spinal cord injuries can be caused by a variety of accidents, including car accidents, pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, falls, and sports injuries.

The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location and extent of the damage. Some people with spinal cord injuries may be paralyzed, while others may have limited mobility or sensation. Spinal cord injuries can also cause a variety of other problems, such as bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain.

There is no cure for spinal cord injury, but there are treatments that can help people with spinal cord injuries to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Treatment options include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medication.

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Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Zero Death Initiative

Published on: November 3, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Zero Death Initiative is a bold and visionary goal to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Colorado’s roadways. The initiative was launched in 2015 and is based on the Safe System approach to road safety, which recognizes that people make mistakes and that the road system should be designed to protect everyone, even when those mistakes happen.

The Zero Death Initiative focuses on four key areas:

Engineering: Making Colorado’s roads safer for everyone by designing and building safer roads, intersections, and crosswalks.

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Motor Vehicle Accidents Caused by Winter Weather

Published on: October 27, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Winter weather can make driving dangerous, and motor vehicle accidents are more common during this time of year. Snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and make it difficult to control your vehicle. Additionally, many drivers are not used to driving in winter conditions and may not be prepared for the challenges they present. The dangers are compounded when driving in the mountains as conditions can change quickly and without warning.

Here are some tips on how to avoid motor vehicle accidents caused by winter weather:

Slow down. It takes longer to stop on snow and ice, so it’s important to slow down and give yourself more time to react.

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National Pedestrian Safety Month: Dangers of Pedestrian Car Accidents

Published on: October 20, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to raise awareness of the dangers of pedestrian car accidents and how to prevent them. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are all too common. In 2021, over 7,300 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States. That’s an average of 20 pedestrians killed every day.

Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences for both the pedestrian and the driver. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to injury and death in a collision with a motor vehicle. Even a low-speed crash can cause serious injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, and internal bleeding. In many cases, pedestrian accidents are fatal.

There are a number of factors that contribute to pedestrian car accidents. Some of the most common causes include:

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