Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

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 to Do If You Are Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian

Published on: November 24, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

As a pedestrian, being struck by a car is a terrifying and often life-changing experience. In the immediate aftermath of such an incident, it’s crucial to remain calm, assess the situation, and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your legal rights.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel relatively unharmed, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away. Adrenaline can mask the severity of injuries, and some symptoms may not manifest for hours or even days after the accident. A medical evaluation will help identify and address any injuries promptly, ensuring you receive the proper care and documentation for potential insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Continue reading →

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Colorado

Published on: November 17, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Many new clients have questions about the statute of limitations and how it applies to their specific case. In the realm of personal injury law, the statute of limitations is a crucial concept that determines the time frame within which an injured party can file a legal claim against the responsible individual or entity. In Colorado, the statute of limitations for car accident or truck accident cases is three years from the date of the crash. However, if the crash results in a death, the statute of limitations is only two years. The statute of limitations for most other personal injury cases typically stands at two years from the date of the injury. There are certain exceptions and nuances that a competent lawyer should explain to you when seeking a consultation. Here are some of the exceptions you should know about:

The Two-Year Rule

For most general personal injury cases, including slip or trip and falls, ski collisions, dog bites, and other non-automobile-related incidents, the two-year statute of limitations applies. This means that if you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you have two years to initiate legal action against them. Failure to file a lawsuit within this timeframe could result in your claim being dismissed.

Continue reading →

Spinal Cord Injuries: What You Need to Know

Published on: November 10, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that can cause loss of sensation and movement in parts of the body. Spinal cord injuries can be caused by a variety of accidents, including car accidents, pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, falls, and sports injuries.

The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location and extent of the damage. Some people with spinal cord injuries may be paralyzed, while others may have limited mobility or sensation. Spinal cord injuries can also cause a variety of other problems, such as bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain.

There is no cure for spinal cord injury, but there are treatments that can help people with spinal cord injuries to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Treatment options include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medication.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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:

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 →

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:

Continue reading →