Truck Accidents

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

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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:

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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:

Continue reading →

What should I do now that I’ve been in a Truck Accident?

Published on: September 26, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Truck accidents can be devastating, leading to serious injuries and long-lasting consequences. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and have suffered injuries, it’s crucial to know what steps to take immediately after the incident to protect your well-being, rights, and potential legal claims. This blog will discuss the essential actions to take if you find yourself in such a situation.

Prioritize Safety: Immediately after a truck accident, your safety is paramount. If you can move and it is safe to do so, get yourself to a secure location, away from traffic and any potential hazards. Ensure that the vehicle’s hazard lights are on to warn other drivers of the accident.

Call the Police: Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. A police report will serve as an official record of the incident, including details about the accident scene, involved parties, and potential witnesses. Be sure to obtain a copy of this report for your records.

Continue reading →

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:

Continue reading →