Lakewood Colorado Legal Blog

Distracted driving: 3 types of serious risk

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. on Monday, October 7, 2019.

Distracted driving is more than just texting and driving. It's true that texting -- or cellphone use in general -- tends to get the most attention. In some ways, it should. People are addicted to their phones and these devices cause accidents every day. It's important to raise awareness and get people to put their phones down while they drive.

But it's also important to remember that distracted driving takes a lot of different forms. Drinking a cup of coffee on your commute to work can be a distraction. Turning around to talk to your kids can distract you from the road. Drivers face a host of distractions, and they have to fight back against this to keep themselves and others safe.

Should you rely on a portable Breathalyzer to avoid a DUI?

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. posted in dui on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

These days, you can find just about anything you want online -- including a variety of portable Breathalyzers that are marketed directly to consumers (instead of law enforcement officers). Some of them are clearly designed for convenience during a night out. They're small enough to toss into a purse or the glove compartment of a car.

It's a quick, easy solution to that thorny problem you might experience when you've been out to eat at a nice restaurant or hanging with your friends in a bar to watch a game. You may have had a couple of drinks, but you don't think you're actually drunk. Checking your blood alcohol content (BAC) on a Breathalyzer can tell you if you're safe to drive fairly easily, right?

Auto insurance companies often use tactics and tricks

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. on Sunday, September 22, 2019.

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming and stressful because there are so many administrative aspects that victims have to take care of while they are injured. In addition to experiencing pain and emotional upset, you may have to worry about who will take care of your children while you recover, or how you will deal with lost wages from a financial perspective.

On top of all of this stress, your auto insurance company may not be helping. When you are trying to get the compensation that you rightfully deserve, they may engage in bad faith tactics to try to avoid paying what is owed. You must make yourself aware of the types of tactics commonly used so that you are not taken advantage of.

Don't let a 'driving while drugged' charge ruin your life

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. posted in dui on Friday, September 20, 2019.

Driving under the influence of a drug (DUID) is illegal, which is making things complicated for people who use marijuana either recreationally or medicinally.

The problem? It's much harder for police officers to determine who is driving while drugged than it is to determine who has been driving while intoxicated. The charge relies heavily on an officer's observations and beliefs, which could expose drivers to an officer's biases.

What insurance protection do you have in an Uber or Lyft vehicle?

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.

Using Uber or Lyft to get around can be a much more affordable option than maintaining your own vehicle. A ride-hailing service helps you avoid all of the costs associated with your own vehicle, from the purchase price and insurance to maintenance and gas. However, the fact that you don't have your own could prove to be a potential issue if you wind up in a crash while in a Lyft or Uber vehicle, as you have no control over the driver's actions or maintenance of the vehicle.

Many riders assume that the company providing the connections between the driver and the passenger will provide the insurance coverage as well. Sadly, that is often not the case. In fact, company policy at Uber requires that the driver files a claim with their personal insurance policy first. That could leave you in a vulnerable position where your property damage or medical costs don't receive quick resolution and coverage.

Sobering 2019 distracted driving facts

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. on Monday, September 9, 2019.

Everybody is aware that distracted driving leads to fender benders, car crashes, injuries and even fatalities. It’s an epidemic among today’s drivers and often, the cell phone is to blame.

Many states have passed one-touch laws, or a complete ban of cellphone use while on the road to hopefully cut down on distracted driving and the subsequent accidents.

How do you value pain and suffering after a car accident?

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. posted in auto accidents on Monday, September 2, 2019.

After a car accident, there are usually a lot of different bills that you have to deal with at once -- including the cost of a rental vehicle, towing fees, repairs to your car, ambulance fees, hospital fees, doctor's fees, lost wages and other tangible expenses.

What about the intangible costs of your accident? Those are the things that don't come with a visible price tag attached, like the physical pain that you experienced during and after the accident, the frustration of not being able to do things for yourself or being unable to participate in important events in your life. What about the emotional aspects of reliving the trauma of the accident in your head or looking at the scars left behind on your body?

Zip line injuries on the rise in Colorado

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. posted in Personal Injury on Thursday, August 22, 2019.

Zip lines are popular attractions in Colorado. They offer a thrill to a lot of people that is unparalleled -- but it's supposed to be a safe thrill, not one that leaves participants seriously injured.

According to a 2015 study by the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, zip line injuries have been on the rise for a while. In 1997, there were barely a few hundred injury victims who required emergency room care after a zip line accident. In 2012, emergency rooms saw over 3,600 victims.

Myths about personal injury law

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. on Wednesday, August 21, 2019.

You were injured in an accident and want fair compensation, but don’t think you can afford a high-priced personal injury attorney to handle your case. Attorneys have obtained a stereotype as people who only care about money, and while in some cases that’s true, most attorneys, especially most personal injury attorneys, care about your benefit more than their own.

These attorneys understand that if they focus on your needs and are successful, you’ll boast about their performance, trustworthiness and dedication which will lead to more clients and more business.

Pedestrian-vehicle accidents can happen for many reasons

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.

As a pedestrian, you can't afford to overlook the steps you can take to remain safe. A simple mistake, such as crossing the street at the wrong time, can result in a serious injury or death.

Understanding the most common causes of pedestrian-vehicle accidents will put you in position to avoid trouble in the future. Here are some of the many mistakes a driver can make that can cause an accident:

Distracted driving: For example, if a person is texting while they speed toward an intersection, there's a greater chance of striking a pedestrian.
Drowsy driving: When a driver is less than 100 percent alert, they'll find it difficult to make the right decisions in a timely manner.
Driving under the influence: Alcohol, prescription medication and illegal drugs impair a driver's ability to make safe decisions.
Disobeying traffic laws: This can be as simple as running a red light or stop sign, driving in a bicycle lane or failing to use turn signals. All of these things increase the risk of an accident with a pedestrian.
Ignoring weather conditions: When the weather takes a turn for the worse, such as heavy rain or snow, it's critical for drivers to alter their approach.

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