Car Accidents

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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Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney Near You: Routine vs. Catastrophic Cases

Published on: September 19, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, finding the right personal injury attorney is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve. Personal injury cases come in various forms, with two primary categories: routine soft tissue injury cases and catastrophic cases. In this Blog, we’ll explore the differences between them and offer guidance on how to find the right attorney for your specific situation.

Soft Tissue Injury Personal Injury Cases

Routine or often called, soft-tissue injury personal injury cases typically involve injuries resulting from everyday accidents, such as slip and falls, car accidents, or dog bites. Here’s what you need to know:

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Cycling Safety in Colorado: Protecting Yourself on the Road

Published on: September 12, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Cycling in Colorado is not just a means of transportation; it’s a way of life and a popular recreational activity embraced by many. The state’s breathtaking landscapes and cycling-friendly communities attract cyclists from all skill levels. However, sharing the road with vehicles requires a strong emphasis on safety. In this blog, we’ll delve into essential tips for cyclists to protect themselves on Colorado’s roads and promote a safer cycling experience for everyone.

Embrace Defensive Riding

Defensive riding is a cornerstone of cycling safety. Cyclists should always assume that drivers might not see them, even in broad daylight. Here are some defensive riding tips:

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How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take?

Published on: July 28, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

A common question we get from a new client is “How long will this process take?” Almost everyone wants to know the answer to this questions as very few people have experience to know and understand what to expect. Your lawyer should take the time to explain the specifics of your case and what to expect along the way. To start, a personal injury claim or lawsuit is a legal process through which an individual who has suffered harm or injury seeks compensation from the party responsible for the incident. While the pursuit of justice is essential, the timing of the process can be just as important. The duration of such a case can vary significantly based on several factors, and it is essential for anyone considering legal action to have a realistic understanding of the timeline. I hope to provide you with the key elements that influence the length of a personal injury lawsuit and provide insights into what to expect during each stage.

Pre-filing Investigation, Medical Treatment and Negotiations:

When a client first hires an attorney, there is typically an initial investigation phase. During this stage, the injured party, the attorney, and the insurance companies gather evidence, review medical records, interview witnesses, and evaluate the potential for a successful claim. Depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parties involved to negotiate, this phase can last several weeks to several months. Sometimes specialized experts get involved early such as accident reconstructionist, trucking experts, or architects and/or engineers. With a serious injury case, you can expect this stage to last a year or more as ongoing medical treatment needs to be considered before any settlement.

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Should You Hire a Lawyer When You’re in a Car Accident?

Published on: June 29, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Car accidents can be distressing and complex events that leave individuals grappling with various consequences such as property damage, injuries, medical bills, and insurance claims. In the aftermath of a car accident, one of the crucial decisions to consider is whether to hire a lawyer. While it is not mandatory to have legal representation, there are several factors to weigh when determining whether seeking legal counsel is the right choice for your situation. In this blog, I will address the advantages and considerations associated with hiring a lawyer following a car accident.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

Car accident laws and insurance policies can be convoluted and challenging to navigate without a thorough understanding of the legal landscape. A lawyer specializing in personal injury and car and truck accident cases possesses in-depth knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and legal procedures. Their expertise can help you comprehend your rights, potential liabilities, and the compensation you may be entitled to receive.

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Doesn’t Everyone Wear a Seatbelt?

Published on: June 22, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Driving is an essential part of modern life. We rely on cars to get us to work, school, and other important places. However, driving can be dangerous, and accidents can happen when we least expect them. One way to reduce the risk of injury or death in a car accident is by wearing a seatbelt. Unfortunately, many people still do not take this simple step to protect themselves. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt while driving and why it is so important to buckle up.

Firstly, it is important to understand the purpose of a seatbelt. In the event of an accident, a seatbelt is designed to prevent a person from being thrown from the car or hitting the dashboard, steering wheel, or windshield. A seatbelt is the most effective way to prevent serious injuries in a car accident. However, if a person is not wearing a seatbelt, they can be ejected from the car or thrown forward, increasing their risk of serious injury or death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of serious injury or death by up to 50%. This is because seat belts help to distribute the force of a crash over your body. This can help to prevent serious injuries, such as head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. However, despite this, many people still do not wear a seatbelt while driving. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, over 9,400 people died in car accidents in the United States who were not wearing a seatbelt.

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Understanding the Dangers of Driving While Tired

Published on: June 7, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

You may be surprised to learn that driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to overlook the risks of driving while fatigued, particularly if you’re a busy individual trying to balance a packed schedule. Too often we see seriously injured clients who were hurt by a driver that was over-worked or did not get adequate sleep.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is responsible for an average of 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,500 fatalities each year. This is a sobering statistic and one that highlights the very real dangers of getting behind the wheel when you’re not fully alert.

There are a number of reasons why driving while tired is so hazardous. For one, it can severely impact your ability to concentrate on the road, react to unexpected situations, and make smart decisions. When you’re tired, you might have difficulty judging distances, perceiving danger, and accurately responding to other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists.

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