WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER AN ACCIDENT

After an accident, whether it's a car crash, slip-and-fall, or workplace injury, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. The steps you take in the aftermath can significantly affect your recovery, both physically and legally. Here's a breakdown of what you can typically expect:

1. Immediate Actions

Check for injuries: Assess yourself and others involved for any injuries. If needed, call 911 or emergency services right away.

Stay safe: If the accident happens on the road, make sure you're in a safe location. If possible, move vehicles to the side to avoid further collisions.

Call for help: If necessary, report the accident to authorities and emergency medical teams.

2. Medical Attention

Emergency care: In many cases, you'll need to be examined by a healthcare professional to assess any injuries, even if they seem minor. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms.

Treatment: You may be given medication for pain or referred for follow-up treatment like physical therapy, scans (X-rays, MRIs), or surgery depending on the severity of the injury.

Documentation: It's essential to document all medical care. This can be critical if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue a lawsuit.

3. Legal Considerations

Police report: For accidents involving vehicles or public spaces, a police report will often be filed. This report can help establish fault or negligence.

Insurance claims: After an accident, you'll need to file an insurance claim (your own or the other party’s). Expect the process to involve assessing damages, possibly negotiating settlement amounts, and determining who is liable.

Legal counsel: If the accident involves significant injury or dispute over fault, consulting with an attorney may be necessary, especially if you're considering a personal injury lawsuit or dealing with insurance complications.

4. Emotional and Psychological Impact

Stress and trauma: It's common to experience anxiety, fear, or even trauma after an accident, particularly if it was severe. Seeking counseling or support groups can be helpful.

Recovery time: Your emotional state may fluctuate during physical recovery. It’s okay to ask for help from friends, family, or a therapist during this time.

5. Financial Impact

Medical bills: Treatment can come with high costs, and insurance may not cover everything. Understanding your coverage is crucial.

**Loss of income**: If you're unable to work due to injury, you may need to explore workers' compensation, disability insurance, or paid leave options.

Ongoing expenses: There may be additional costs for transportation, home care, or other support while you recover.

6. Ongoing Recovery and Rehabilitation**

Physical recovery: Depending on the severity of your injury, this could involve physical therapy, medication, and time away from daily activities.

Psychological recovery: Mental health support, such as therapy for PTSD or anxiety, can be an important part of the healing process.

Long-term effects: Some injuries may have long-term effects, requiring ongoing care or adjustments to daily life (such as modifications at home or in the workplace).

7. Insurance and Compensation

Insurance investigation: Your insurance company (or the at-fault party’s insurance) will often investigate to determine liability and compensation.

Settlement: If you're pursuing compensation for damages, this could involve negotiating a settlement or going to court. Keep all documentation to support your case, including medical records, accident reports, and proof of lost wages.

8. Timeframe for Resolution

Medical recovery: Depending on the injury, physical recovery can take weeks, months, or even longer.

Legal and financial recovery: Insurance claims and lawsuits can also take months to resolve, so it's important to be prepared for a potentially lengthy process.

Adjusting daily life: Depending on your injury, you may need to make temporary or permanent adjustments to your lifestyle, including mobility aids, assistance with daily tasks, or changes to your job.

Follow-up care: Routine check-ups may be necessary, especially if the injury requires long-term management.

Key Tips for Coping:

Stay organized: Keep a detailed record of all your medical appointments, bills, treatment, and communications with insurance companies.

Seek professional help: Consider speaking with an attorney or insurance expert to help you navigate the complexities of the post-accident process.

Be patient: Recovery, both physical and emotional, can take time. Give yourself grace and space to heal fully.

Understanding the process and preparing for what's ahead can make a difficult time more manageable.

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SETTLEMENT

Randolph H. Goldberg is a Philadelphia native. In his 25-year career as an attorney, he has specialized in personal injury cases, auto accidents, wrongful death suits, loan modification and bankruptcy proceedings.

Randolph is an alum of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri—having double majored in Psychology and Political Science. In 1994, he graduated in the top 10% of his class from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and was appointed to the school’s prestigious law review.

Following law school, Randolph passed the Bar in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey before continuing his education at Villanova University and receiving his L.L.M. in Taxation in 1996.

With his postgraduate work complete, Randolph also passed the bar in the state of Nevada. On the recommendation of former-Las Vegas Mayor, Oscar Goodman, he moved to Las Vegas and began working as an attorney for the law offices of Thomas Crow. After one year, Randolph left the practice to open his own firm, eventually becoming one of the most prominent attorneys in Southern Nevada. Over his decorated career, Randolph has helped clients litigate and settle over 25,000 personal injury and bankruptcy cases.

Randolph Goldberg has been a proud Las Vegan for 23 years and has created deep relationships with local and national charities including the American Cancer Society, the V Foundation, Children's Hospital of Nevada at UMC, Sunrise Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In addition to financial donations, Mr. Goldberg makes it a point to continuously donate his time through pro-bono legal work for local low-income individuals.

WHY DO I NEED AN INJURY ATTORNEY?

Maximizing your settlement after a car accident involves careful planning, documentation, and sometimes negotiation. Whether you're dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a legal claim, these steps can help you increase the chances of getting a fair and adequate settlement.

### 1. **Seek Medical Attention Immediately**
- **Get treated right away**: Even if you feel fine, it's essential to see a doctor after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms.
- **Follow your doctor's orders**: Attend all follow-up appointments and comply with any recommended treatments. Insurance companies may argue that you weren’t seriously injured if there’s a gap in medical care.

### 2. **Document Everything**
- **Accident report**: Always report the accident to the police and get a copy of the police report. It provides an official record of the incident, who was at fault, and any citations issued.
- **Photos and videos**: Take detailed photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any relevant surroundings. These visual records can be crucial in proving the extent of damages.
- **Witnesses**: If there were any witnesses, collect their contact information. Their testimony can support your version of events.
- **Medical records**: Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts. This documentation will show the full extent of your injuries and treatment, which helps support your claim for damages.

### 3. **Don’t Accept the First Offer**
- **Initial offers may be low**: Insurance companies often make an initial offer that’s lower than what you're entitled to. Don’t accept the first offer without reviewing the full extent of your damages and consulting with an attorney if necessary.
- **Know your worth**: Understand the value of your claim by factoring in medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and any future medical needs.
- **Give it time**: It may take some time to fully understand the long-term effects of your injuries. Give yourself adequate time to assess how your recovery will affect your life, both physically and financially.

### 4. **Consult an Attorney (Especially for Serious Injuries)**
- **Legal expertise**: If your injuries are serious or the fault is disputed, consulting a personal injury lawyer can significantly increase your chances of getting a higher settlement. Lawyers are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies and can ensure you aren’t shortchanged.
- **No-win, no-fee**: Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win the case. This reduces the financial risk of hiring legal help.
- **Negotiation leverage**: Lawyers often have the leverage to negotiate better settlements because insurance companies know they’re prepared to go to court if necessary.

### 5. **Keep Track of All Expenses and Losses**
- **Medical bills**: Include all past and future medical bills related to the accident, including doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, etc.
- **Lost wages**: Document any time you’ve had to take off work due to your injuries. If your injury is long-term, estimate how much income you’ll lose in the future.
- **Vehicle damage**: Get an estimate from a repair shop and, if your car is totaled, include its fair market value.
- **Pain and suffering**: This is more subjective but can be a significant part of your settlement. Keep a journal of how the injury affects your daily life, mental health, and relationships.
- **Out-of-pocket costs**: Include costs for things like transportation to medical appointments or hiring help around the house if needed during recovery.

### 6. **Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement to Insurance**
- **Consult a lawyer first**: Insurance companies may try to get you to provide a recorded statement, often hoping you’ll say something that undermines your claim. It’s wise to consult an attorney before giving any statements, especially if your injuries are significant.
- **Stick to the facts**: If you do speak with insurance adjusters directly, keep your statement brief, factual, and avoid admitting fault or downplaying the extent of your injuries.

### 7. **Be Mindful of Social Media**
- **Limit posts**: Insurance companies may monitor your social media accounts for evidence that contradicts your claims. Avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or recovery on social media.
- **Do not downplay injuries**: Even seemingly innocent comments about “feeling better” can be used to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.

### 8. **Know the Statute of Limitations**
- **File on time**: Each state has a statute of limitations that sets the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation. Consult with an attorney to ensure you file your claim within the required timeframe.

### 9. **Prepare for Negotiation**
- **Understand your damages**: Be ready to explain all the losses you’re claiming, including medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- **Negotiation skills**: Don’t be afraid to counter offers. If you believe the insurance company is lowballing you, counter with a higher offer based on the evidence you have gathered.

### 10. **Consider Non-Economic Damages**
- **Pain and suffering**: In addition to financial losses, many settlements include compensation for non-economic damages like pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
- **Future medical care**: If your injury requires long-term care or rehabilitation, you can include future medical costs in your settlement claim.

### 11. **Prepare for Trial if Necessary**
- **Last resort**: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer may recommend taking the case to trial. While this can be time-consuming and stressful, it may result in a higher award if you have a strong case.
- **Settlement negotiation**: Many cases settle before going to trial, but having the option of taking the case to court can be a powerful negotiating tool.

### Summary of Key Points:
1. **Seek immediate medical care** and follow through with treatment.
2. **Document everything** — from photos to medical records and witness statements.
3. **Consult an attorney** for legal guidance and negotiating leverage, especially for serious injuries.
4. **Track all expenses and losses** — including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
5. **Don’t accept the first offer** from insurance companies.
6. **Avoid giving recorded statements** without legal advice.
7. **Limit social media activity** to avoid undermining your claim.
8. **Understand your statute of limitations** to ensure timely filing.
9. **Be ready for negotiation** or litigation if necessary.

By being proactive and informed, you can maximize your settlement and ensure that you're adequately compensated for the financial, physical, and emotional toll of the accident.