James L. Finegan, P.C. | Lakewood Colorado Legal Blog

Investigation opened into dangers with Hyundai, Kia

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. posted in auto accidents on Friday, April 5, 2019.

Not all car accidents are the fault of a negligent driver. Sometimes the vehicle itself is behind a horrific accident.

As of April 1, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched investigations into problems with two major auto brands, Hyundai and Kia. The action comes as a response to a request from a consumer protection advocacy group. There have been calls for recalls of several models produced by those manufacturers over the last few years because of engine fires and injuries.

Guarding against mechanical failure or auto safety issues

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. on Friday, March 29, 2019.

You may drive defensively and look out for distracted or reckless drivers, drivers under the influence and other common threats. You may expertly weave your way through poor road conditions or heavy traffic. However, while you may actively seek to protect yourself from other threats, mechanical failure or other internal auto safety issues can also cause serious car accidents.

Driver error contributes to many accidents across both Colorado and the country. Yet, the failure to maintain a vehicle or address mechanical issues are lesser-discussed common causes of both single- and multi-vehicle accidents.

Arrests on St. Patrick's Day 2019 were down in Colorado

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. posted in dui on Friday, March 22, 2019.

If there were drunk drivers out on the highways on St. Patrick's Day, the Colorado State Patrol couldn't find them -- and they were looking pretty hard.

According to their statement to the press, State Patrol officers responded to one known alcohol-related crash on Friday. Since St. Patrick's Day, which is one of the biggest "party days" of the year and known for its revelry among beer drinkers, was over a weekend, officers likely anticipated more of a problem with drunk driving. Instead, they think that the fact the actual holiday fell on a Sunday may have helped cut things down a bit.

Young men most vulnerable to drunk driving

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. on Monday, March 18, 2019.

Drunk driving has been on the decline over the past decade. Thanks to ride sharing services and heightened education, it’s easier than ever for people to avoid getting behind the wheel when they’ve had too much to drink.

That isn’t to say that society has solved drunk driving. There is still work to do to eliminate the problem. A good place to start would be addressing the most common group of offenders: young men.

Why are parking lots so dangerous?

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. posted in Personal Injury on Thursday, March 7, 2019.

After enduring the high speed of a highway trip or the clogged traffic of the city, you may breathe a sigh of relief when you finally make it to the parking lot or parking deck outside your destination.

It's too early to relax, however. Parking lots and decks are a lot more dangerous than more people realize. Accidents inside lots and decks result in about 500 deaths and 60,000 injuries every single year.

Is there ever a good excuse for speeding?

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. posted in traffic violations on Thursday, February 21, 2019.

As soon as you see those red and blue lights flashing in your mirror, you start steeling yourself for the uncomfortable encounter that's about to come with the officer who is pulling you over.

You were speeding. You realize that the police officer approaching your vehicle has probably heard every excuse in the book, so is there any point in offering an excuse at all?

Drugged driving can be just as serious as drunk driving

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. on Monday, February 11, 2019.

Many Colorado drivers mistakenly believe that driving while under the influence of marijuana is less risky than driving under the influence of alcohol. However, marijuana use can cause impaired reaction times, judgement, and perception of time and distance. These impairments and others can cause drivers under the influence of marijuana to behave dangerously on roadways, and can cause drivers to receive driving under the influence (DUI) charges.

How is marijuana impairment detected?

Take immediate steps following a dog bite

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. posted in Personal Injury on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

If you're playing with a neighbor's puppy or engaging in a friendly game of tug-o-war with your best friend's dog, accidents may happen. What's a tiny nip between friends, right?

Well, that tiny nip -- whether it comes from your own favorite pooch or a neighbor's dog -- could turn into something serious. Here's what doctors at the Cleveland Clinic want you to know about every dog bite, no matter how minor:

Pedestrian killed after being hit by multiple cars

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. posted in Personal Injury on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

A 57-year-old man was killed in Lakewood in a tragic accident on Jan. 13. He was walking along the southbound side of Wadsworth Boulevard at the West Florida Avenue intersection when he was hit by more than one vehicle. He died at the scene.

At least some of the vehicles involved in the accident stayed on the scene. However, police haven't been able to determine which car first struck the man.

Avoiding the 'no zones' can help you avoid accidents with trucks

On behalf of James L. Finegan, P.C. on Monday, January 14, 2019.

As a driver, you probably are often sharing the road with other types of vehicles, such as large commercial trucks. In 2016, almost 4,500 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes, and 83 percent of the fatalities were not occupants of commercial vehicles, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When you share the road, you can often avoid an accident with a commercial vehicle if you are familiar with the vehicles' blind spots and practice safe driving habits to avoid those blind spots.

What are the 'no zones'?

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