Catastrophic Injury

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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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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What Should I do if I am Injured at an Airbnb in Colorado?

Published on: January 7, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

If you are injured while staying at an Airbnb in Colorado, it is important to know your rights and take steps to protect yourself. Here’s a general overview of the process:

First, Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety come first. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately and document all medical bills and treatment.

Document the Accident: Gather as much evidence as possible, including:

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A Dangerous Ride: Motorcycle Accident Statistics

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

Motorcycle riding, while exhilarating, carries significant risks. Over the past five years, motorcycle accidents have continued to be a major concern on U.S. roads.

Key Statistics:

Increased Fatalities: The number of motorcycle fatalities has steadily increased over the past five years. In 2023, the U.S. saw a significant spike in motorcycle deaths, surpassing previous records.

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Understanding the Physician-Patient Privilege in Colorado

Published on: September 19, 2024 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Physician-patient privilege is a legal doctrine that protects the confidentiality of communications between a patient and their healthcare provider. This privilege is essential for building trust and ensuring that patients feel comfortable discussing their medical concerns openly.

Colorado’s Stance on Physician-Patient Privilege

Colorado law recognizes physician-patient privilege. This means that, generally, the patient has a right to privacy in their statements to a doctor and a healthcare provider cannot disclose information about a patient’s medical condition or treatment without the patient’s consent. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

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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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