What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in the Bronx?

Experiencing a car accident can be overwhelming and disorienting. Remain calm and take steps to protect your legal rights. Start by checking for any injuries. If there are injuries, dial 911 immediately. Even seemingly minor injuries should be checked by a medical professional promptly, as some may not show symptoms right away but could develop later.
Once you’ve assessed the situation, contact local law enforcement. Their role is to record the accident details and create an official report, which is vital when you submit an insurance claim. While waiting for the police, exchange details with the other driver, including names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle descriptions.

Additionally, take the opportunity to document the accident scene. Use your smartphone to take photos of the damage to the vehicles, the road layout, and any injuries that are visible. These images could be critical in supporting your insurance claim.

What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in the Bronx?

Understanding common causes of vehicle accidents in the Bronx can aid in managing your insurance claim. Frequent factors include distracted driving, excessive speed, reckless driving, and driving under the influence. Conditions such as poor road surfaces, adverse weather, and vehicle malfunctions also contribute to accidents.

Distracted driving is a major concern, including any activity that shifts focus from driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. If distracted driving played a part in the accident, it could significantly influence the outcome of your claim.

How Should I Report a Car Accident in the Bronx?

New York State law mandates that any car accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the DMV. You are required to submit a Motor Vehicle Accident Report within ten days following the incident. Neglecting this duty can lead to a suspension of your driving license.

When filing the report, provide comprehensive details about the accident, including when and where it happened, information about the other driver, and a detailed account of the incident. It’s essential to ensure accuracy in your report to avoid discrepancies with the police report, which could jeopardize your claim.

What Should I Know About Dealing with Insurance Companies?

Dealing with insurance companies post-accident can be tricky since insurers try to reduce their financial exposure. Be wary when interacting with adjusters as they might try to make you accept fault or diminish the extent of your injuries, potentially harming your claim.

Under New York’s “no-fault” insurance rules, your insurer is supposed to cover your medical costs and lost income up to a certain limit, regardless of fault. Should your losses surpass this limit, you might need to pursue additional compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurer.

What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the other driver lacks adequate insurance, you might have to make a claim against your own policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This part of your insurance is intended to cover you when the other party’s insurance is insufficient.

However, even dealing with your insurer can present challenges as they may attempt to reduce or deny your claim. Here, the support of a seasoned lawyer can be invaluable.

What Types of Damages Can I Claim and How is Compensation Determined?

In the aftermath of a car accident in New York, you may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include tangible losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover subjective losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.

Economic damages are typically straightforward, as they are based on actual expenses and losses. This calculation includes past medical expenses and an estimate of future medical needs, as well as current and future lost earnings. Non-economic damages, however, are more complex. They are assessed based on the severity of the pain and suffering endured, the impact on quality of life, and the length of recovery.

In more severe cases, where the injuries have long-term effects, the compensation can also include damages for loss of consortium, which pertains to the impact of injuries on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or partner. These calculations require a deep understanding of both the immediate and the broader impacts of the accident, often necessitating expert testimonies and detailed documentation. This is why having a skilled attorney can be crucial in ensuring that all potential areas of compensation are thoroughly explored and argued.

What If I’m Partially at Fault for the Accident?

New York employs a “pure comparative negligence” rule, allowing you to receive compensation even if you share some fault in the accident. However, your compensation will be decreased by your percentage of fault. Avoid admitting fault at the accident scene—even a simple apology might be interpreted as an admission of liability.

How Can an Experienced Attorney Help Me?

Navigating an accident claim in the congested environment of the Bronx can be daunting. An experienced attorney can guide you through this process, ensuring your rights are upheld. They can assist in gathering evidence, dealing with insurers, and representing you in court if needed.
A lawyer will also help you understand New York’s specific laws, like the “no-fault” system and “pure comparative negligence” rule, and advise on the best strategies for your situation.

If you have been involved in a car accident in the congested streets of the Bronx, call The Law Offices of Thomas Lavin today at 718-957-8695 for a free consultation.

When Does a Slip and Fall on the Sidewalk Lead to a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Not every fall on a New York City sidewalk results in a personal injury claim. In order to hold an individual or an entity accountable for slip and fall injuries, the injured victim must prove the defendant’s negligence in the cause of the accident. It is highly recommended that you speak with a personal injury attorney with experience handling sidewalk accident cases to discuss your case in more detail and learn more about your legal options for pursuing compensation.

Some of the questions that your personal injury attorney may ask you could include the location of the sidewalk where you fell, what condition caused the fall, was anyone present when the fall occurred, who owned the property adjacent to the sidewalk, and whether or not your actions contributed to the accident.

What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident on a NYC Sidewalk?

If you have been injured after a slip and fall on a New York sidewalk, you must first seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 for emergency medical assistance. Your medical records following the accident could prove to be valuable evidence in support of your case.

While you are still at the scene of the accident, take photographs or videos of your injuries, any personal property that might have been damaged, and the dangerous conditions that caused it, such as ice or broken cement.

If anyone was present when you fell and hurt yourself, attempt to speak to these witnesses and get their testimony about what happened. Additionally, look around for surveillance cameras in the vicinity. If there are any cameras pointing your way, you may be able to obtain footage of the slip and fall accident that could help your case.

It’s important to keep and preserve all medical records, police reports, medication prescriptions, and other relevant evidence following an accident injury.

If you have not done so already, now is the time to contact an experienced slip-and-fall accident lawyer for legal assistance. Our law firm has extensive experience representing clients in complex personal injury cases, including premises liability claims and slip and fall accident lawsuits. To learn more about our legal services, please get in touch with our law firm for a free initial consultation.

Who is Responsible for Slip and Fall Sidewalk Accident Injuries in New York City?

New York City’s Sidewalk Law states that the owner of real estate property adjacent to a sidewalk is responsible for maintaining that sidewalk in front of the property. These responsibilities include the removal of snow and ice, repairing cracks in the sidewalk, and keeping the sidewalk free of dangerous debris.

Additionally, New York City law states that owners of property adjacent to sidewalks will be held liable for injuries resulting from failing to maintain those sidewalks safely.

However, certain exceptions apply. The municipality could be held responsible instead of the adjacent property owner in certain cases. For example, the city of New York may be held liable for damages if they were responsible for causing or creating the defect in the sidewalk.

What is Not Considered Part of the Sidewalk and Who is Responsible?

If you were injured in a fall on public property or on a street owned by the government, you could potentially be able to hold the local government liable for damages. Like resident property owners, government entities are required to maintain sidewalks in safe and clean conditions.

New York courts have held that the sidewalk does not include the actual curb because the curb was not intended for pedestrians to walk along. Under this understanding of the law, the local municipality will remain responsible for dangerous or defective curbs.

Additionally, civil liability is not imposed upon property owners for injuries that occur in city-owned tree wells.

What Other Legal Considerations May Affect Liability in Sidewalk Accident Cases?

The New York City Sidewalk Law does not apply to one-, two-, or three-family residential real estate property that is partially or wholly occupied by the owner and used exclusively for residential purposes.

What is a Premises Liability Case?

Premises liability is a legal term that holds property owners responsible for compensating for accident injuries that occur on or inside their buildings and lands under certain circumstances. Premises liability claims can arise from several different types of scenarios, but a large number of such claims involve slip-and-fall accident injuries.

The plaintiff has the burden of proof to establish the existence of certain facts relevant to their lawsuit if they are to be awarded financial recovery by a jury of their peers.

How to Prove Negligence in a Sidewalk Slip and Fall Case?

Proving negligence in a New York City sidewalk accident case involves the following:

• The adjacent property owner had a duty of care to maintain a sidewalk in a safe condition for lawful pedestrians
• The property owner breached this duty of care by failing to take reasonable steps to repair or remove dangerous conditions
• As a result of this breach of duty, the victim suffered injuries and financial losses

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Experienced NYC Personal Injury Attorneys Today

Slip and fall accident injuries are fairly common in New York City. But despite the commonality, injured victims still deserve the right to seek justice and financial compensation for their pain and suffering.

To win your slip-and-fall accident case, you must prove the at-fault party’s liability and negligence. This can be a complex process, one that is made easier with the help of professional legal representation.

Contact our law firm to speak with our personal injury lawyers in a free, no-obligation case evaluation today. You may reach us at 718-957-8695.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a wide range of injuries to the brain that includes concussions. It’s usually caused by a violent blow to the head or by an object entering the brain or shattering the skull outside it, such as a bullet or piece of debris. The blow or object affects brain cells. Sometimes, the effect is mild and temporary, such as the victim suffering from head pain or dizziness at first.

However, there are many times when a TBI is more serious, can be life-changing, and even life-threatening. Because many TBIs happen because of various accidents, when someone else is responsible for the accident, the victim may need to file for damages from them.

What Are Legal Considerations When Pursuing Damages after a TBI?

There are many.

Statute of limitations

A statute of limitations is the legal deadline someone has to file for damages or a lawsuit. In personal injury cases, it’s usually three years from the date of the accident that caused the injury or the date the injury was diagnosed. There are a few exceptions, including when the victim is a minor. But in general, if claims aren’t filed by the end of the statute of limitations, the likelihood is they’ll be denied.

Proving Negligence

Negligence must be proven for claims to succeed. In New York, that includes four aspects, all of which must be proven.

• Duty of care. The person or property owner at the cause of the accident owed the victim the right to be safe in that location.
• Breach of the duty of care. The person or property owner did not uphold the duty of care.
• Causation. This can be the most difficult to prove. The victim must prove that the breach of duty of care directly led to their injury.
• Damages. The injuries caused real damage, including financial (medical bills, lost wages, etc.), to the victim.

While this seems straightforward, it can be complicated depending on the circumstances of each case. That’s one reason why it’s highly advisable to work with an experienced personal injury attorney when negligence must be proved.

Comparative Negligence

Another legal consideration is New York’s comparative negligence law. This type of law addresses what happens when more than one person is at fault in an accident that leads to injury. Each state has its own formula it follows. In New York, pure comparative negligence is followed. That states that even if the victim is found 99% at fault for the accident that caused their injury, they can still file for 1% of the damages.

For example, a driver enters an intersection while speeding and strikes a bicyclist. The cyclist is thrown and suffers a TBI. But the bicyclist entered the intersection on a red light. The driver may be found 70% at fault, and the cyclist 30%. If the damages awarded to the cyclist were $10,000, they’d receive $7,000 instead.

What Medical Evidence Is Needed to Pursue a TBI Claim?

The first thing to understand is that even if someone feels largely fine after an accident and isn’t convinced they suffered a TBI, they should still have a doctor check them out as soon as possible.

Not all TBIs appear severe at first, but they can worsen and even become dangerous. If it’s diagnosed later, the party being sued for damages may try to claim it’s not related to the previous accident.

That medical visit can provide critical evidence, including medical records confirming the diagnosis and any test results, such as a CT or MRI. If a neuro specialist is brought in to do cognitive tests, those results also matter.

There’s other evidence that, while not directly medical, is important in the overall investigation and claims process. These include:

• Police reports. If you can, at the time of the accident, call the police to file a report. The police report could be important evidence, such as conditions at the accident site and eyewitness evidence.
• Photos and video. If you can, use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident site.
• Surveillance video. Look to see if any buildings nearby, commercial or residential, might have security cameras that filmed the accident. These can be invaluable at times.
• Receipts. These show out-of-pocket costs due to the TBI, and pay stubs or tax returns show lost wages.
• Expert testimony. Experts can re-create accidents to show more clearly what might have happened.

What Should I Do if I Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury in an Accident?

Call the Law Offices of Thomas Lavin at 718-829-7400 for a free case evaluation. Traumatic brain injuries can have wide-ranging effects, including many long-term or even permanent conditions.

We can work through the specifics of your accident and subsequent TBI and work out an approach for filing for damages. These are complex cases, and we’re here to support you during your recovery and help you toward financial recovery as well.

Something not to do: Enter discussions with the attorney or insurance representative of the party you’re seeking damages from. Because of New York’s comparative negligence laws, they’ll want to put as much blame on you for the accident as they can. They might also try to coerce you to accept a lower settlement than you otherwise might receive. Don’t speak with them; just forward communications to your attorney.

What Does New York Law Require Drivers in an Accident to Do?

Anyone involved in a car accident that results in physical property damage, human injury, or damage to an animal is required to stay at the scene to exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved or wait for law enforcement to arrive to file a report. If the driver leaves the accident site without doing any of these, they could be found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident (commonly referred to as hit and run). That’s a violation of New York law. Depending on the severity of the injuries and damages that result, there are several potential consequences, ranging from a simple traffic infraction all the way to a felony.

• A traffic violation can result in fines of up to $250 and/or up to 15 days in jail.
• A class B misdemeanor can result in fines of up to $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail.
• A class A misdemeanor can result in fines of up to $1,00 and/or up to one year in jail.
• A class E felony can result in fines of up to $2,500 and/or up to four years in prison.
• A class D felony can result in fines of up to $5,000 and/or up to seven years in prison.

Any of these could also result in having to pay administrative fees and court costs, have points added to your driving record, have your license suspended for varying amounts of time, and leave you with a criminal record.

Unfortunately, even when someone knows that leaving the scene could be a crime, that doesn’t stop them from driving away. There are many reasons someone might leave, including momentary panic or that the driver is driving illegally (on a suspended license, for example).

It’s important to understand that the victim of a hit and run driver isn’t just a driver or passenger in another vehicle. It can also be a bicyclist or pedestrian.

What Steps Should I Take if I’m Injured by a Hit and Run Driver?

There are several. If your injuries don’t prevent you from being able to move, start with the following.

• Call the police. You’ll want to file a report about the accident that could be used as evidence, and you can provide law enforcement with any details you remember about the hit and run so they can begin searching for them.
• If you feel up to it, collect evidence while you wait for law enforcement to arrive. This could include photos and videos of the accident site, names, and contact information for any eyewitnesses, and checking to see if any nearby buildings might have security cameras that filmed footage of the accident.
• Contact your insurance representative. Let them know you’ve been in an accident with a hit and run driver and see what they can help you with while law enforcement works to find the other driver.
• See a doctor as soon as possible. Once you’ve filed the report with law enforcement, it’s vital you see a medical professional right away, even if you think your injury is minor. There are serious injuries that don’t always present symptoms at first. Left untreated, they can worsen.
• Contact an experienced hit and run accident attorney. These are complex cases, and it can be complicated to file for damages. An attorney who understands the law and has experience working with insurance companies is vital to your outcome.

Is New York a No-Fault State, and How Does That Affect Hit and Run Claims?

New York is a no-fault auto insurance state. That means that regardless of who’s at fault for an accident, each claimant should file for damages with their own insurance company first. Depending on the severity of the injuries and damages, they may not have enough coverage; the state requires every vehicle owner to carry the following insurance minimums.

• Bodily injury: $25,000 per person injured in the accident/$50,000 for everyone injured in the accident
• Death: $50,000 per person injured in the accident/$100,000 for everyone injured in the accident
• Property damage: $10,000 for one accident

If someone is severely injured in an accident, $25,000 may only be a small part of their medical expenses. Finding the hit and run driver could help provide another avenue to recoup expenses.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing for Damages after a Hit and Run Accident?

A statute of limitations is how much time someone has to file for damages after being in an accident. In New York, the statute of limitations is usually three years from the day the accident occurred. After that, it’s usually difficult to get the court to consider the case or for the insurance company to negotiate a settlement.

What Should I Do if I Was Injured in a Hit and Run Car Accident?

Call the Law Offices of Thomas Lavin at 718-829-7400 for a free case evaluation. Hit and run accident claims are complex and not something to try to handle on your own; instead, work with our team of experienced, knowledgeable hit and run claims attorneys. Trying to determine who the driver was who left the scene and how to file claims if the driver can’t be found can be stressful and complicated. Our goal is to determine the right approach to work toward the best possible outcomes for you.

What Role Does Weather Play in Slip and Fall Accidents?

There’s no question that weather can play a significant role in slip and fall accidents. If someone lives in a dry, warm climate where it rarely rains and never snows or freezes, they’re probably less likely to suffer a slip and fall injury, at least outdoors (wet floors being a hazard everywhere). However, in northern states like New York, rain, snow, and ice are all factors everyone must cope with. Weather can also affect indoor conditions as well, including parking ramps or garages that end up with slippery surfaces from drivers tracking in snow that melts.

These types of accidents are a leading cause of personal injury claims, and where the accident occurs determines who might be held responsible. Property owners need to keep their property safe for visitors, whether the property is private or public, such as a retail store. If weather causes an increased risk for injury, such as wet or icy sidewalks or parking areas, the property owner must take steps to mitigate that risk.

As any property owner who has faced a long winter can tell you, that’s not always easy. However, ignoring the situation violates the property owner’s responsibility to people who may have reason to visit, including customers at a store, guests at home, or even a mail carrier. Promptly shoveling or plowing sidewalks, alleys, driveways, and parking lots is one step. When the temperatures are adequate, salting outdoor surfaces to melt ice is recommended. Even putting up hazard signs warning people of slippery surfaces can help.

It should be noted that if people are trespassing (accessing someone else’s property illegally), they may not be able to sue for damages if they’re injured. This is a particularly complex part of slip and fall law. In some cases, the trespasser may still be able to sue. It’s necessary to work with an experienced personal injury attorney if you’re unsure of your rights in this situation.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing Claims for a Slip and Fall Injury?

A statute of limitations is a legal period in which a victim has the ability to file claims for injuries. After the statute of limitations elapses, it’s nearly impossible to pursue legal remedies. Many personal injury cases, which include injuries from slip and fall accidents, are subject to a three-year statute of limitations. That means the victim must file claims three years from the accident date.

However, there are some exceptions to this. Suppose a local or state governmental entity is being pursued for injury damages. In that case, the victim must file a notice of claim (meaning they intend to file claims) to the relevant branch of government within 90 days of the incident. They then have one year to actually file the claim.

Another exception is if the victim is under 18. Because minors can’t legally enter into contracts, the statute of limitations doesn’t begin until they turn 18. They have until they turn 21 to file for damages. However, if the parents face significant medical bills, they can file them on behalf of the minor, but they must adhere to the original three-year deadline.

What Are New York’s Comparative Negligence Laws?

Comparative negligence is a legal concept that comes into play when more than one party may be at fault for an accident. For example, someone is injured when they slip and fall on a sidewalk without any ice and snow remediation. But the injured person is under the influence of alcohol and wearing footwear not meant for slippery conditions. The injured person could be found somewhat at fault for the accident. Across the U.S., each state uses one of three approaches to this type of situation:

• Contributory negligence. This states that if the victim is even 1% responsible for the injury, they can’t file for damages.
• Modified comparative negligence. This finds that if the victim is either 50% or 51% at fault (depending on the state), they can’t file for negligence.
• Pure comparative negligence. The victim can be up to 99% at fault for the accident and still damages awarded. In the example above, the victim may be found 30% at fault and be awarded $10,000 in damages. They’d receive $7,000–$10,000 minus 30%.

New York is a pure comparative negligence state, which means the other party will be highly motivated to have as much blame assessed onto the victim as possible. That’s why you should work with an experienced slip and fall injury attorney who understands what tactics they’ll use and how to counter them.

What Should I Do if I Was Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident?

Call the Law Offices of Thomas Lavin at 718-829-7400 for a free case evaluation. Filing for damages for injuries from slip and fall accidents can be complicated. Each case is unique, and we can guide you through the specifics of your case to determine the best approach and what the likely outcomes will be.

Note: It’s crucial that you don’t communicate with the other party’s insurance representatives or lawyers. Because of New York’s pure comparative negligence laws, they’ll want you to accept as much fault for the injury as possible to avoid paying out. They might also try to get you to agree to a much lower settlement than you might be eligible for. Refer all communications to your attorney.

What Is New York’s Scaffold Law?

New York’s Scaffold Law is a labor law that puts all responsibility for the safety of employees using scaffolding during construction projects directly onto the construction company’s owners or general contractors. It applies explicitly to gravity-related accidents that cause injuries to the employee who falls.

The reason for this law is that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports about 80 deaths annually from scaffolding falls, along with 4,500 injuries. In fact, of the top four causes of death in the construction industry, falls are the top cause, followed by being struck by an object, being electrocuted, or being caught in or crushed by materials or machinery. But the last three account for just over half as many deaths as falls do by themselves.

Who Can File Claims Under the Scaffold Law?

The Scaffold Law was designed to apply to a particular set of circumstances and people, meaning not everyone who was injured in some way involving gravity and something or someone falling is eligible to make a claim using it. The law is only for people working in the construction industry itself, not for third parties such as people providing maintenance or decoration on a building or scaffolding. It also doesn’t apply to bystanders, pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, or anyone else passing by who happens to be injured by something or someone falling from scaffolding. Those people would need to file a personal injury lawsuit.

This means that injured employees who want to file a claim under the Scaffold Law will need to prove their eligibility. If you’re not sure you’re eligible, contact an experienced construction industry accident attorney to go over the specifics of your case and determine which legal process best fits.

If I File a Claim Under the Scaffold Law, Does That Mean I Can’t Receive Workers’ Compensation?

Not at all. Workers’ compensation is still available to you. The Scaffold Law provides additional avenues of filing for claims, not a one-or-the-other. What’s more, they can fulfill different needs.

Workers’ Compensation

This compensation is meant to handle medical bills (including any rehab or therapy needed as part of the recovery), lost wages, and disability benefits. However, workers’ compensation only provides a portion of the lost wages, not an equal amount. It rarely covers non-economic damages, or if it does, it only includes a minor amount.

Scaffold Law Claims

Claims awarded from a Scaffold Law claim can help bridge the gap between the lost wages and the amount paid by workers’ compensation, providing a full rather than partial income. In addition, workers can claim non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or experiencing a loss of enjoyment of life. Victims may also be able to use the Scaffold Law to file claims against a third party (for example, a separate company that constructed the scaffolding rather than the victim’s primary employer).

What Are Scaffolding Requirements According to the Scaffold Law?

There are several requirements. According to the law, if the scaffolding violates any of these requirements, employees have the right to work on the scaffolding until the violations have been corrected. This is not a complete list, but it includes some of the significant issues.

• Scaffolding should be built on surfaces that are even and stable, making the scaffolding more secure than erecting it on uneven spaces.
• When built 20+ feet above ground, scaffolding must have a safety railing that’s at least 34 inches tall. The railing has to be securely attached to the scaffolding and run its entire length with no gaps. There need to be safety nets or canopies to protect people below from falling objects. The nets or canopies must be regularly inspected and either repaired or replaced if they begin to wear out.
• Scaffolding must be able to hold four times its maximum weight.
• Scaffolding and all materials related to it must be inspected before the beginning of each shift, with any issues or problems corrected before use.
• The job site must have a “competent person” on-site who is trained to identify potential gravity-based risks and has authorization to make sure they’re fixed.

What Types of Injuries Are Caused by Gravity-Based Scaffolding Accidents?

There are many types of injuries, and each is different in severity depending on several variables, including the height someone fell (or something fell from above and landed on someone). These are injuries frequently caused by scaffolding accidents.

• Cuts and bruises.
• Broken bones (anywhere in the body).
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). A concussion is a type of TBI. So are brain bleeds, in which blood pools and prevents oxygen from reaching the brain, a dangerous situation.
• Spinal cord injuries. These can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis.
• Organ damage. This could be any organ in the body, which can have long-term or permanent ramifications and could even lead to death.
• Amputations of toes, feet, legs, fingers, arms, or hands.
• Death.

What Should I Do if I Was Injured in a Construction Accident Involving Scaffolding?

Call the Law Offices of Thomas Lavin at 718-829-7400 for a free case evaluation. We understand how traumatic it is to suffer this kind of accident and cope with the outcomes of the injuries. Our team of experienced, knowledgeable construction accident attorneys will discuss the specifics of your case in detail to see if the Scaffold Law applies. If it does, we can help develop an approach to strive for the best possible outcomes.