Randy Ballard, 55, dies in crash in Lea County, New Mexico.

After a serious or fatal personal injury, take these steps to help the recovery process

When someone suffers a serious personal injury, the first days and weeks are spent getting medical treatment and dealing with the new reality of disability, pain, lost work, and disruption to normal life. When someone dies from their injuries, family members are forced to deal with grief, anger, and loss as they struggle to move forward.

After a serious or fatal personal injury, an injured person, or the family left behind, incur damages including the cost of current and future medical expenses, lost work and wages, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Go here to learn how to protect the rights of personal injury victims and their families.