ACCIDENT INJURY? SECRETS FOR BOOSTING YOUR RECOVERY

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE | IMPAIRED DRIVING = DRUNK DRIVING | UBER IS CHEAPER THAN ME

Getting in an accident doesn’t mean you have hit the lottery. But you are entitled to fair compensation for your pain and suffering. The trick is documentation. That’s why I suggest a PI Diary, listing all the facts of the accident and documenting what is hurting from the top of your head to the bottom of your toes. Use your cell phone to take picture of the streets, CDL’s of all wits/parties. Take your PI Diary to every doctor’s appointment so you remember to tell the doctor about each injury. If it’s not documented, then it didn’t happen…and don’t miss appointments.

🎉 The Drinking Trap

We’ve all heard someone say, “I’m ok to drive” after a party. But here’s the truth:
You don’t need to be Drunk to get a DUI. In fact, there's no actual crime called “drunk driving.” California law calls it Driving Under the Influence, which means impaired—even slightly impaired.

In California, a .08% BAC is enough for a DUI. The Indio DA’s may even file on a .07%. That’s why I always say: DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, UBER IS CHEAPER THAN ME!.

🚑 If You're in an Accident—What Now?

If you're rear-ended and have been drinking—even just one or two, be careful. Only call the police if you’re not impaired. If you are injured, we have options to find doctors who’ll treat you on a lien…this levels the playing field and you don’t pay until the case settles.

Remain Silent, the police and insurance adjusters are not your friends…It’s not what’s you say, but rather what the police or insurance company “thought” you said. Thus, Gribow suggests: Don’t talk to the insurance company; Don’t admit anything; DO take photos and gather info… using your cell phone.

💡 What's My Case Worth?

A big question that contrary to some lawyer advertising, can’t be answered until your medical treatment is completed and your Loss of Earnings is computed. It depends on your:

• Medical treatment and the way your med/legal report is written. Unfortunately, most CV doctors were not trained in how to write a med/legal report, which Gribow says is the most important part of boosting the case value.
• Document Pain and Suffering by keeping an Accident Diary, listing all injuries from the top of your head to the bottom of your toes.
• The Type and severity of your injury and LOE.

Your medical report carries a lot of weight. “That’s why I was honored to have been the only CV attorney selected to the faculty of the International College of Orthopedic Surgeons, to annually train Surgeons on how to write solid Med-Legal reports.” This is a subject not addressed in most medical schools, and thus not every local doctor knows how to write one to help their patient—but it can make or break your case.

📞 Insurance Called? Here's What to Say:

Politely tell them:
“I’m happy to speak, but my attorney asked me to check with him first.”
That keeps you the good guy—and lets us handle the rest and once they know a lawyer is involved they can’t call you.

Don’t let adjusters scare you. They may claim lawyers take 40–50%. Not true. Most PI attorneys charge 33%—in Gribow’s office, if there’s no recovery, you pay nothing.

⏳ Don’t Settle Too Soon

Injuries can take time to fully develop. Settling early might cost you thousands in missed treatment or lost wages. If after a reasonable period of time, we can’t get a fair offer… We file and serve.

🧾 What Happens If We Sue?

If we file a civil lawsuit, here’s the breakdown:

1. Complaint – We explain what happened and how much you’re owed.
2. Discovery – Both sides exchange evidence and documents.
3. Trial – If it goes that far (most don’t), a judge or jury decides who is at fault and what you are awarded.
4. Post-Trial – If the defendant has no insurance or not enough insurance, we explore attaching assets.
5. Appeal – Sometimes, they push back even after losing.

Sound complicated? It can be—but we walk you through every step. Most lawyers don’t. We do!