Truck Accidents

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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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.

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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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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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