Truck Accidents

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 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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From Sedan to Semi: Why Truckin’ Ain’t Just Truckin’

Published on: February 22, 2024 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Think driving a car is tough? Buckle up, buttercup, because piloting a tractor-trailer truck is a whole different ball game. While both involve steering a wheeled vehicle down the road, the similarities end there. So, before you hop behind the wheel of a big rig, prepare to have your driving world flipped upside down.

Size Matters (A Lot):

Imagine comparing a goldfish to a whale. That’s the size difference between your average car and a semi. This behemoth weighs 20-30 times more, stretching 53 feet or longer – think multiple cars end-to-end! Maneuvering this metal monster requires anticipating wider turns, higher clearance, and significantly longer stopping distances.

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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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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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