Colorado Law Blog

DUI checkpoint tips: Be sure to keep these in mind

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

The best way to avoid trouble at a DUI checkpoint is to ensure that you are 100 percent sober every time you get behind the wheel. With this approach, the chance of being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol is very low (although not impossible).

Unfortunately, it's not out of the question that you could make a mistake. For example, maybe you have a drink at a restaurant and then decide to drive home. While you're pretty sure your blood alcohol level is below the legal limit, you're not 100 percent certain.

Legalization doesn't mean people can drive while stoned

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.

One of the biggest concerns for the general public associated with marijuana legalization is the potential for an increased number of marijuana impaired drivers on the road. People think about the risk caused by drunk drivers, and they worry that with more people using marijuana, more people will also get behind the wheel while under the influence.

It's important for everyone to understand that Colorado's laws are very clear about impaired or drugged driving. It is absolutely against the law to operate a motor vehicle when impaired by any substance, including marijuana. Just because you can legally use something doesn't mean that you can legally drive while under the influence.

A mild traumatic brain injury can kill your career

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in blog on Thursday, March 8, 2018.

Any time a person experiences a car accident or some other kind of injury or accident, it is important to seek out medical attention as soon as possible. All injuries require attention, but especially any blow to the head, which may produce mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

TBIs are difficult to identify and are often devastating if left untreated. Our brains are actually very fragile, breakable organs, and a blow to the head can injure the brain in surprising ways. In some ways, a mild TBI can prove even more devastating in the long run than a moderate injury with more severe immediate symptoms. Many of the most serious dangers surrounding mild TBIs revolve around just how invisible the injuries can be until the damage is already done -- often to the victim's personal and professional relationships.

Prepare now for dangerous Colorado winter road conditions

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in blog on Thursday, December 7, 2017.

Driving in the winter can be dangerous, even in the warmer states. For those living around Lakewood, Colorado, however, the chance for serious winter road conditions is a very real threat. While the average city in the Unites States sees a little over 25 inches of snow every winter, the Lakewood area averages nearly three times more, with almost 77 inches of snow each winter.

That much accumulation means that driving during the winter can be particularly dangerous. Snow on the roads can lead to a host of dangerous conditions, including black ice in areas where snow melts and re-freezes onto the pavement and white-outs caused by drifting and blowing snow.

Your injuries may not be apparent after a car accident

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in blog on Thursday, September 7, 2017.

Car accidents happen each and every day, doling out many injuries to victims. Some of these injuries may not appear obvious at the scene of the accident, and may not cause pain or discomfort until hours or days after the accident itself.

These injuries, known as delayed onset injuries, can take many forms. In some cases, victims may feel discomfort or pain in their neck and back, or shooting pain in their arms and legs. Other victims may experience disorientation or abdominal pain.

Getting into a car crash can totally change your life

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in blog on Monday, June 12, 2017.

Even the best drivers on the road incur some risk when getting behind the wheel. Although you may be able to drive very well and avoid most dangerous situations, you can't control how other people drive. Sadly, distracted driving and exhausted driving are both very common. People can easily lose focus while driving, choosing to talk on a phone, apply makeup, eat, send texts or scroll through social media instead of looking at the road. Even if this is done while stopped at an intersection, these behaviors increase the risk of a serious accident. Someone else's mistake could end up changing your life.

Getting into a car accident caused by someone else is terrifying. You may not even see the collision coming before it happens. In an instant, you go from your daily commute to struggling with serious injuries and unable to work. Other people in your vehicle may also be severely injured or even killed. Through no fault of your own, you're suddenly looking at a ton of medical bills, as well as lost wages due to missed work and expenses related to repairing or replacing your vehicle. Although you have vehicle insurance, you may find yourself in a difficult financial situation.

4 facts about distracted and fatigued driving

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in Motor Vehicle Accident on Wednesday, March 15, 2017.

All drivers need to have their full attention on the road in order to remain safe. Distracted and fatigued drivers can cause problems for other people on the roadways. These drivers aren't able to pay attention so they can drive in a safe manner. They might be slow to react to hazards or the flow of traffic, which can lead to an accident. Victims of these crashes often want to know what the cause was, especially if they plan to seek compensation for the injuries they suffered.

The dos and don'ts for handling a car insurance claim

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in Motor Vehicle Accident on Thursday, January 19, 2017.

Going through the claims process after a car accident can be chaotic but it's important that you maintain proper communication with the agent assigned to your claim. The insurance agent handling your claim will investigate all parties involved with the accident to determine how compensation will be rewarded.

How long does it take to settle a claim?

Common Questions About Marijuana: What's Legal In Colorado?

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in Marijuana Offenses on Monday, September 26, 2016.

Colorado residents know that our state has had interesting rules regarding the use, possession and sale of marijuana since Amendment 64 was enacted. Many cannabis users are aware of the big differences between what state law and federal law say about the legality of cannabis possession, consumption and trade as we have known it since 2014. Currently, there are hundreds of dispensaries and perhaps two or three thousand registered businesses involved in marijuana commerce in Colorado.

What should you know about purchasing, possessing or transferring cannabis in the state? Do you have concerns about what you can and can't do as a visitor to Colorado?

Isn't DUI and DWAI the same thing? Nope, not in Colorado.

On behalf of Pearson & Paris, P.C. posted in Drunk Driving Charges on Thursday, August 11, 2016.

Many people are actually surprised to learn that there are several different charges associated with drunk driving under Colorado law. In fact, there is driving while ability impaired (DWAI), driving under the influence (DUI) and even a charge known as DUI per se.

While these alleged offenses may sound similar, they are actually distinct. Therefore, it is a good idea to know the differences between these offenses should you ever face a drunk driving arrest: