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LEGAL BRIEF
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MAY 2026 FriedmanSimon.com
FROM ARIZONA TO NEW YORK A ROAD TRIP TO REMEMBER
With Take a Road Trip Day coming up in May, I found myself thinking about the longest and most memorable drive of my life. It was the trip my wife and I made from Arizona to New York just before I started law school. I had been accepted to Hofstra Law School on Long Island, and we were living in Arizona, finishing up undergrad at Arizona State. We had very little money, very few belongings, two small Jack Russells, and a maroon Hyundai Elantra. We packed that car full of everything we owned. The backseat was so full that you could hardly see out the back window. School was starting the following week, so it was time to go. We drove because we had to get the car there, and flying wasn’t an option. We were college kids, figuring things out as we went. That trip to New York had a little bit of everything. We headed east through places like Texas and Oklahoma and drove until we were just too tired to keep going. Then we would start looking for whatever motel or roadside hotel we could find. I had done a few longer road trips before, but my wife hadn’t. She was definitely not the type who had ever stayed at some of the places we ended up. This was back in the earlier days of smartphones, so things were getting more convenient but not quite what we’re used to today. At least twice, we booked a place on the phone, showed up in the middle of nowhere, and got told they had no record of us or that their system wasn’t working. Then we had to get back in the car and drive another 60, 70, or even 100 miles. Somewhere in New Mexico, the Elantra also started sputtering and dying because of the elevation, which is not what you want with two dogs in the car and not much around.
I ended up calling my grandfather from a gas station, and he told me to try higher octane fuel. For whatever reason, that did the trick. We got the car going again and kept moving. Looking back, the whole trip had plenty of moments that could have felt like disasters at the time. But for all the stress, it still stands out as one of the best times I can remember. Part of that was the scenery; the countryside we drove through was the most beautiful I had ever seen. Part of it was timing. We weren’t headed to a vacation or some big luxury destination. We were heading to law school, a tiny apartment, and to a life we hadn’t really figured out yet. It was just the two of us on a new adventure, and there was something special about that. I’ve always loved road trips, and I still do. I think the biggest reason is because the trip itself becomes part of the experience. If the only thing that matters is getting to the destination, then the drive feels long and miserable. But if you make the drive part of the trip, it becomes a lot of fun. You stop and look around. You take a little more time. You enjoy the strange roadside places, the open country, and the things you never would’ve seen from an airport gate.
That old Elantra trip wasn’t glamorous, and it definitely wasn’t smooth. Still, it reminded me that some of the best memories come from the stretches of life when you’re simply trying to get someplace new and just doing your best to enjoy the ride.
-Michael J. Mills
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Help After an Uninsured Crash
When a Raise Comes With Guilt Understanding the Emotional Side of Money
MVAIC BASICS FOR INJURED DRIVERS
At Friedman & Simon LLP Injury Lawyers, our goal is always to win the best possible case result for our clients. A critically important part of our work is identifying every potential source of recovery. It is natural for an accident injury victim to be fearful when there appears to be no applicable insurance coverage. While we always strive to recover the maximum amount, this month we'd like to share information about a "safety net" for these situations, which many people are unaware of. When a driver leaves the scene of a crash or when it turns out the other vehicle has no insurance, many people assume they are out of luck. But in New York, that's not always true. There is something called the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation, usually shortened to MVAIC, that can sometimes help in those situations. MVAIC may apply when the other vehicle is uninsured or unidentified, like in a hit-and-run, and no available coverage should apply first. If another policy may cover the claim, that typically has to be explored before MVAIC comes into play. In general, the accident must also have happened in New York, and the injured person must qualify as a New York resident under the law. The timing is also critical. In a hit-and-run case, the accident generally must be reported to the police within 24 hours. There is also a notice requirement. The injured person must submit a Notice of Intention within 90 days for accidents involving an unidentified vehicle and 180 days for accidents involving an identified vehicle. If you wait too long, you can lose your claim before it ever begins. Even when MVAIC applies, it isn't a limitless safety net. In many injury cases, the maximum coverage is $25,000, and in wrongful death cases, it may be $50,000. The claimant still has to cooperate by providing accident information, medical records, and other documentation, and they may have to submit to an examination under oath. In a personal injury case, you may also still need to satisfy New York's serious injury threshold. The main thing to keep in mind is that if you are hurt in a crash and the other driver disappears or has no insurance, don't assume you have no options, but don't sit on it either. Report it, document it, and speak with a lawyer quickly. In this area, missing the deadline can be just as damaging as the accident itself.
Let’s talk about a feeling no one puts on their resume: money guilt.
You work hard, earn a promotion, maybe finally hit a salary you once dreamed about, but instead of pure excitement, you feel a tiny knot in your stomach. If that sounds familiar, you aren’t alone. Many high earners wrestle with guilt when their financial success outpaces that of friends, family, or even their past selves. One reason is comparison. When someone close to you is struggling financially, enjoying your own success can feel unfair. People may downplay achievements, overpay for group dinners, or lend money they can’t really spare just to ease the discomfort. Psychologists often link this to “survivor-style” guilt: the sense that doing well somehow betrays the people you care about. Another culprit is imposter syndrome. Even accomplished professionals sometimes feel they don’t deserve their income or opportunities. When that doubt creeps in, every purchase can feel indulgent, and each raise feels suspiciously generous. A feeling that you could lose success at any moment takes hold. Childhood messages about money can also linger longer than we expect. If you grew up hearing that wealth is selfish, scarce, or morally questionable, earning more as an adult can create an emotional tug-of-war between success and identity. When you factor in cultural expectations, especially the pressure to always put others first, guilt can begin to feel like part of the paycheck. Ironically, this guilt can end up sabotaging financial growth. People who feel undeserving may avoid negotiating salaries, investing in themselves, or pursuing bigger opportunities, limiting the very stability that could help them and others in the long run. The fact is that earning more doesn’t reduce someone else’s chances of success. Financial well-being isn’t a fixed pie. In fact, feeling secure can make generosity more sustainable and meaningful because giving from choice feels very different than giving from guilt. If your success brings complicated emotions, remember that feeling guilty doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful. This just means you’re compassionate. The ultimate goal is to learn how to enjoy success, stay generous, and build a life that reflects your values without apology.
If you have questions after a hit-and-run or uninsured driver crash, contact our office as soon as possible so we can help you determine whether MVAIC or another source of recovery applies and ensure you take the required steps on time.
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Easing Everyday Pain With Nostalgia
WHY OLD MEMORIES CAN SOFTEN DISCOMFORT
If you have ever sat in a waiting room and scrolled far enough on your phone to hit an old photo or song from your childhood, you may have noticed something. For a minute, the noise in your head quiets. The ache in your shoulder or the sting of a blood draw might not feel quite as sharp. The warm rush that comes with “I remember this” is nostalgia, and it may do more than make us smile. In a recent study, adults had a heating pad that went from cold to very hot placed on their forearms while they looked at images. In some trials, the pictures came from their childhood, like old cartoons and commercials.
In others, the pictures were newer and emotionally neutral. The heat remained the same, but people rated the pain as lower when viewing nostalgic images. Brain scans showed why. Areas of the brain that help “turn the volume down” on pain became more active. Of course, nostalgia isn’t medicine, but the study shows it might take the edge off everyday discomforts. The findings also offer real support for the next time you know discomfort is coming. If you are sitting in a waiting room before an in-office procedure, or trying to get through a tough stretch at physical therapy, pull up
an old photo that makes you smile, or play a song you loved as a teenager. In the study, people looked at pictures, but the same idea works with music, keepsakes, and even familiar smells from a past time in your life. None of this replaces real medical care, and it’s not going to erase serious pain. But for those everyday aches and stressful appointments, it can help. You might even make a small “comfort file” on your phone with a few photos and songs tied to good memories. Then, when something feels uncomfortable, you can reach for a nice distraction that might make you feel better … just sitting in your pocket.
SUDOKU
Shrimp Taco Soup
Ingredients • 1 tbsp chili powder • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 cups water • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained • 10 oz frozen corn • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined • Jalapeño slices, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp onion powder • 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided • Black pepper, to taste • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 small onion, diced • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes • 2 tsp agave
cilantro, Greek yogurt, crushed tortilla chips, and lime wedges, for toppings as desired
1. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and pepper. 2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat, then add onion and peppers; cook 5–6 minutes. 3. Stir in seasoning mix. 4. Add tomatoes, agave, water, remaining salt, and more pepper to taste. Let simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Stir in beans and corn, then add shrimp. 6. Cook 4–5 minutes, until shrimp are cooked through. 7. Add desired toppings before serving. Directions
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
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The Long Way to Long Island INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 Money, Success, and That Strange Little Knot in Your Stomach
Coverage for Hit-and-Run Accidents Turning Memories Into a Coping Tool
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Shrimp Taco Soup
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The Science of Sky-High Slumber
Have you ever wondered how birds manage to fly thousands of miles without a layover? For one seabird, the secret is a good power nap … in the sky … mid-flight. The great frigatebird can stay aloft for two months without touching the ground and snoozes while its wings are still busy flapping. While scientists once thought the idea of birds staying air-bound for their shut-eye was just a feathered fable, new research is shedding light on the frigatebird’s rest routines. Frigatebirds are unique among seabirds because they can’t swim. Though they fly over large bodies of water, they can’t take a break on the sea, as they could drown. Researchers began to wonder how these birds undertake this voyage without sleeping. Surely, the flyers had to be catching z’s while in the pilot’s seat, right? A study found that these seabirds take 10-second siestas, totaling about 45 minutes of sleep a day. They still have to do a little steering with their eyes closed, so they only shut down one side of their brain. This allows them to avoid mid-air crashes, and it only occurs when they glide upward on an updraft. Up, Up, and Asleep The Birds Who Snooze While Soaring
Other birds, like mallard ducks, literally sleep with one eye open. Like the frigatebird, they keep one side of their brain awake so they can react to movement, predators, and the world around them. But their earth-bound naps are not quite as impressive.
The majority of bird species like to find a comfy perch, like a branch, when they sleep. They keep their feet
tight around the support so they don’t take a tumble while they dream. They usually sleep for a minute at a time for about 10–12 hours of rest each day. Does the thought of micro-naps while soaring through the skies make you feel tired? Renowned artist
Leonardo da Vinci is rumored to have slept only 90 minutes every day, in 15-minute bursts. But he did that on land. For the rest of us, high-
altitude power naps are only for the birds.
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