If you or a loved one were injured as a pedestrian in San Dimas, California, understanding your legal options is essential to protecting your rights and recovering damages. Pedestrian collisions often cause serious physical injuries and financial hardship from medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care. A focused legal approach helps preserve evidence, document losses, and pursue fair compensation from negligent drivers, insurers, or responsible entities. This guide explains the steps to take after a pedestrian accident in San Dimas, what claims commonly arise, and how to move forward while prioritizing your recovery and the best possible outcome for your case.
Local knowledge of San Dimas and Los Angeles County procedures can make a meaningful difference when handling pedestrian accident claims. Timely actions such as reporting the accident, seeking medical treatment, and preserving evidence like photos and witness information can strengthen a case. Insurance claims often require detailed documentation and negotiation, and understanding statutes of limitations in California is important to avoid losing the right to file. This section outlines practical steps victims should take immediately after a collision and how careful planning and clear documentation support a stronger claim for compensation.
Legal support helps injured pedestrians navigate insurance procedures and legal requirements so they can focus on recovery. A dedicated legal approach aims to establish liability, gather medical and accident evidence, and calculate both economic and noneconomic damages including medical bills, future care needs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. In San Dimas, where local traffic patterns and roadway conditions can affect liability, having professional guidance reduces the risk of accepting undervalued settlement offers and ensures that key deadlines are met under California law. Effective representation also coordinates with medical providers and negotiates with insurers to seek a fair result.
Law Republic APC handles personal injury matters across California, including pedestrian accidents in San Dimas and Los Angeles County. Our team assists clients with case assessment, evidence collection, demand preparation, and negotiations with insurance carriers. We prioritize clear communication about case progress and realistic outcomes so clients understand the process and potential recovery. From initial consultations through resolution, our approach is to build a thorough factual record and pursue compensation for medical expenses, wage loss, and long term needs while guiding clients through decisions at each stage of the claim.
A pedestrian accident claim typically seeks to show that another party failed to exercise reasonable care, causing injury through negligent driving, dangerous road conditions, or other avoidable conduct. In San Dimas, proving fault may involve witness statements, traffic camera footage, police reports, and medical records demonstrating the link between the crash and injuries. Compensation may address immediate medical costs, rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering. Understanding how liability is established and what damages are recoverable helps injured pedestrians make informed decisions about pursuing a claim or settlement.
Navigating the insurance landscape is a core part of pedestrian injury claims. Insurers may request recorded statements, medical authorizations, and detailed documentation of losses. Having a structured plan for gathering records and responding to insurer inquiries reduces the chance of mistakes that can weaken a claim. California’s laws about comparative fault can also affect recovery if a pedestrian is found to share responsibility. Knowing how these factors interact in San Dimas accidents enables injured individuals to protect their rights and pursue compensation that accounts for both immediate and future needs.
A pedestrian accident claim arises when a pedestrian is injured due to the actions or inactions of a driver, property owner, or municipality. Common scenarios include crosswalk collisions, vehicles striking someone on the sidewalk, or hit-and-run incidents. Establishing a claim requires showing duty, breach, causation, and damages. Evidence such as police reports, witness testimony, and medical records helps link the defendant’s conduct to the injury. In San Dimas, pedestrian safety features, signage, and roadway maintenance can be factors in liability when conditions contributed to a crash.
Building a pedestrian injury case involves several steps: documenting the scene, obtaining medical treatment and records, identifying witnesses and evidence, and calculating damages. Early preservation of evidence and timely reports to insurers are important. Investigation may involve accident reconstruction, review of traffic signals or crosswalk placement, and analysis of police findings. Settlement negotiations rely on a detailed demand package with medical bills, wage loss documentation, and expert reports when necessary. If no fair settlement is reached, filing a lawsuit within California’s statute of limitations may be the next step.
Understanding common legal and medical terms helps victims follow the claims process. Key concepts include liability, negligence, comparative fault, damages, and statute of limitations. Medical terminology frequently appears in records and billing statements, while legal documents may reference discovery, depositions, and demands. Familiarity with these terms allows injured pedestrians to better evaluate correspondence from insurers and to ask informed questions during case strategy discussions. This glossary summarizes terms you are likely to encounter during a pedestrian injury claim in San Dimas and Los Angeles County.
Liability refers to legal responsibility for harm caused by one party’s actions or omissions. In a pedestrian accident claim, liability determines who must compensate the injured person for medical bills, lost income, and other losses. Liability is established by proving that the responsible party owed a duty of care, breached that duty through negligent conduct, and caused the pedestrian’s injuries as a result. Identifying liable parties may include drivers, vehicle owners, or entities responsible for roadway maintenance. Clear evidence linking conduct to injury is essential to holding a party liable under California law.
Damages are the losses a victim can recover through a legal claim or settlement. They include economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, as well as noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. In some situations, punitive damages may be sought when conduct is particularly reckless. Calculating damages takes into account current costs and projected future needs based on medical opinions and vocational assessments. Clear documentation and credible expert opinions can strengthen claims for appropriate compensation in San Dimas pedestrian cases.
Negligence is a legal theory that a person is responsible for harm caused by failing to exercise reasonable care. For pedestrian accidents, negligence may involve distracted or speeding drivers, failure to yield, or unsafe road conditions. To prove negligence, it must be shown that a duty of care existed, the duty was breached, the breach caused the injury, and damages resulted. Evidence such as traffic citations, eyewitness statements, and technical analysis of the crash can support a negligence claim in the courts and in negotiations with insurers.
Comparative fault allocates responsibility when more than one party shares blame for an accident. California follows a comparative fault system that can reduce a pedestrian’s recovery if they are found partially responsible. For example, if a pedestrian is determined to be 20 percent at fault, their award is reduced by that percentage. Understanding how comparative fault may apply helps shape strategy for evidence gathering and argument. Minimizing shared responsibility through thorough documentation and witness accounts is a focus during settlement negotiations.
Victims may choose a limited approach, handling initial insurer contact and small claims themselves, or pursue a more comprehensive legal response that includes detailed investigation and negotiation. A limited approach may suffice for minor injuries with straightforward liability and minimal ongoing treatment. However, when injuries are significant, liability is disputed, or future care is likely, a comprehensive approach that preserves evidence and prepares for litigation often yields better outcomes. Evaluating the case’s complexity, potential future expenses, and insurance resistance helps determine the best path forward.
A limited approach can be reasonable when injuries are minor, treatment is brief, and responsibility is clearly on the driver. If medical bills are low and recovery is complete without ongoing care, a victim may choose to negotiate directly with insurers and accept a settlement that covers immediate costs. It remains important to document treatment and secure a police report and witness statements. Even in straightforward cases, confirm that the settlement covers all known expenses and that no pending medical needs exist before finalizing any agreement.
When insurers acknowledge liability and provide a fair offer early, a limited approach may be efficient and cost-effective. This scenario often involves clear video or eyewitness evidence showing the driver at fault and relatively low medical costs. Even then, reading settlement releases carefully and ensuring all future costs are considered is important. If there is any doubt about future medical needs or if the insurer’s offer seems low compared to total losses, stepping up to a more comprehensive legal response is advisable to protect long-term interests.
Serious injuries that require surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, or ongoing medical care typically call for a comprehensive approach. These cases involve higher medical costs, potential future lost income, and complex causation issues that demand thorough investigation and documentation. A detailed damages assessment supported by medical and vocational opinions helps ensure the full scope of losses is recognized. For San Dimas residents facing substantial recovery needs, pursuing a comprehensive legal strategy helps create a stronger basis for fair compensation.
When fault is disputed, multiple parties may share blame, or roadway conditions and third-party responsibility are factors, a comprehensive response is necessary. Investigative steps such as reconstructing the accident, analyzing traffic signal timing, and interviewing multiple witnesses can clarify what happened. Complex liability scenarios often require formal discovery and, when appropriate, expert analysis. For San Dimas cases where the facts are not straightforward, a full legal approach preserves rights and builds the strongest possible claim for compensation.
A comprehensive approach addresses both immediate and long-term needs by thoroughly documenting medical treatment, future care projections, and lost earning capacity. This method also allows for deeper investigation into liability, which can reveal additional responsible parties or evidence that improves settlement leverage. Comprehensive case preparation increases the likelihood of recovering full monetary damages and helps avoid settling for amounts that fail to cover future expenses. For those in San Dimas with significant injuries or contested claims, this approach often leads to stronger overall recoveries.
Comprehensive representation includes active negotiation with insurers, coordination with medical providers, and readiness to file suit if necessary. It provides a structured plan to preserve evidence and secure witness testimony while protecting the client’s interests throughout the claims process. For pedestrians concerned about future medical needs or ongoing loss of income, a robust legal strategy can include retained medical experts and vocational analysis to more accurately reflect future damages. This careful preparation supports better resolution outcomes and greater financial stability for recovery.
Comprehensive handling ensures early steps are taken to preserve critical evidence such as photographs, video footage, and witness statements. Prompt investigation reduces the risk that key details fade or become unavailable over time. Securing police reports, accident scene measurements, and medical records builds a factual foundation that supports claims and negotiations. In San Dimas, local knowledge of reporting procedures and contacts for accident reconstruction can be valuable for reconstructing events and establishing liability under California law.
Thorough case preparation strengthens a client’s position when negotiating with insurance companies, which often look for reasons to limit payouts. A detailed demand package showing documented medical costs, prognosis, and loss calculations makes it harder for insurers to undervalue claims. Preparing for litigation when appropriate also signals readiness to pursue full compensation in court, encouraging fairer settlement offers. For injured pedestrians in San Dimas, a stronger negotiation stance can result in higher recovery amounts and more comprehensive coverage of future needs.
After a pedestrian collision, gather as much documentation as possible while it is fresh. Take photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and any relevant signage or crosswalk markings. Obtain contact information for witnesses and request a copy of the police report. Seek medical attention promptly, and keep detailed records of all treatment, prescriptions, and follow-up care. This documentation forms the core of any claim and supports a clear timeline linking the accident to injuries and expenses for insurers and legal evaluation.
Insurance adjusters may request recorded statements soon after an accident. Providing a statement without legal guidance can unintentionally weaken a claim if information is incomplete or misinterpreted. Consider consulting with counsel before making formal recorded statements to insurers so that your rights are protected and responses are consistent with documented injuries and medical records. Legal guidance helps ensure communications are handled strategically to preserve claim value and avoid unintended admissions or omissions that can affect recovery.
Seeking legal help is often advisable when injuries are moderate to severe, liability is contested, or the insurer’s initial offer does not cover future medical needs. Professional handling can identify additional sources of recovery such as negligent property owners or municipal defects that contributed to the crash. Legal assistance also helps victims understand California deadlines for filing claims and protects against procedural missteps that could jeopardize recovery. For many pedestrians, legal support eases the administrative burden while helping pursue fair compensation.
Legal representation is useful when calculating non-economic damages like pain and suffering and when long-term care or lost earning capacity are factors. Counsel coordinates with medical professionals and vocational analysts to document prognosis and future treatment needs, then frames those losses for insurers. When multiple parties may share responsibility, legal guidance helps allocate fault appropriately under California comparative fault rules. For San Dimas residents, local knowledge of courts and insurers can also streamline the process and improve the prospects for a favorable outcome.
Pedestrian claims often arise from drivers failing to yield at crosswalks, distracted driving, speeding in residential areas, or collisions involving vehicles backing up in parking lots. Other causes include inadequate signage, poorly maintained sidewalks, or obstructed crosswalks that force pedestrians into unsafe areas. Hit-and-run incidents leave pedestrians dependent on investigative and legal measures to identify responsible parties. Understanding these common scenarios helps victims anticipate the types of evidence and witnesses that will be important when pursuing compensation.
Crosswalk and intersection collisions frequently involve disputes over right of way and signal timing. In many cases, witnesses, traffic camera footage, and timing data provide critical evidence about which party had the signal or whether the driver failed to yield. Documentation of visible crosswalk markings, signage, and traffic controls supports a claim focused on driver responsibility. Accurate scene photographs and witness contact information collected immediately after the incident can strengthen the account of events for insurance and legal purposes.
Parking lot and driveway strikes can be complicated by limited visibility and shared use of space between drivers and pedestrians. These incidents often require gathering surveillance footage from businesses, statements from bystanders, and evidence of obstructions such as landscaping or parked vehicles. Liability may extend beyond the driver to property owners if poor design or lighting contributed to the hazard. Thorough investigation and documentation are crucial to establish how the collision occurred and who bears responsibility for the resulting injuries.
Hit-and-run accidents present additional challenges because the responsible driver may flee the scene. In such situations, prompt reporting to law enforcement and collection of any available evidence, such as eyewitness descriptions, license plate fragments, or nearby surveillance footage, is important. Police investigations and coordination with insurers are necessary to pursue uninsured motorist coverage or other avenues of recovery. Keeping records of injuries and treatment remains essential to any later claim, regardless of the difficulty in identifying the at-fault driver.
Law Republic APC provides guidance to injured pedestrians in San Dimas from initial consultation through settlement or trial if needed. We assist with evidence gathering, communicating with insurers, and preparing thorough demand packages that reflect both immediate and projected losses. Our goal is to ease administrative burdens so clients can concentrate on recovery. If you are unsure about next steps after a pedestrian collision, contact us for an evaluation of your situation and advice on preserving important evidence and meeting legal deadlines in California.
Law Republic APC focuses on personal injury claims across California, including pedestrian accidents in San Dimas. We help clients identify responsible parties, gather necessary documentation, and build cases that reflect both current and future needs. Clear communication about possible outcomes and a thoughtful approach to negotiation help clients make informed decisions at each stage. Our process emphasizes prompt investigation and the development of a complete record to support fair compensation for medical care, lost income, and other losses sustained in pedestrian collisions.
We work to coordinate medical documentation and treatment planning, ensuring that medical providers’ records accurately reflect the injuries and expected recovery. This coordination assists in creating an accurate estimate of future medical costs and lost wages. Timely preservation of evidence and witness statements in San Dimas can be decisive, and we assist clients in assembling the factual picture insurers and courts need to assess liability. Our approach is to pursue thorough documentation and robust negotiation strategies that aim to maximize fair recovery under California law.
From initial outreach to resolution, clients receive support in understanding the process, deadlines, and settlement considerations. We explain California comparative fault rules and what they mean for potential recovery. Clients are advised on how to respond to insurer requests and which documents to preserve. For those with complex medical or financial situations, we help arrange evaluations that provide a clear basis for damages calculations. Our focus is on delivering practical, client-centered guidance tailored to the particular circumstances of each pedestrian case in San Dimas.
The legal process begins with an initial consultation to review the facts, injuries, and available evidence. Next steps include securing medical records, obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, and assessing liability and damages. We prepare a demand package for the insurer and negotiate on behalf of the client. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and pursuing discovery and litigation may be necessary. Throughout, we keep clients informed about progress and options so they can make reasoned choices for their case in San Dimas and Los Angeles County.
Immediately after a pedestrian accident, prioritize medical care and safety. Report the crash to law enforcement, obtain the police report number, and collect evidence such as photographs and witness contact information. Preserve medical treatment records and document all expenses. These early actions help establish a strong record linking the accident to injuries and losses. Prompt evidence preservation is particularly important in San Dimas where video footage or witnesses may become unavailable over time, and timely documentation supports later claims and negotiations.
Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible and follow recommended treatment plans. Document all medical visits, diagnoses, test results, prescriptions, and referrals. These records create a continuity of care showing the relationship between the accident and injuries, which insurers require to evaluate claims. Tracking recovery milestones and any setbacks helps quantify damages and supports projections of future care. Accurate medical documentation is central to building a persuasive demand for compensation covering both present and anticipated medical needs.
Photograph the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and any contributing roadway conditions. Get names and contact information for witnesses and note environmental factors like lighting or weather. If available, obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses and request the police report. Collecting these items early strengthens the factual account of the collision, making it easier to establish liability. Well-preserved evidence increases credibility with insurers and supports more accurate reconstruction if that becomes necessary.
After initial evidence is preserved, a deeper investigation develops the case by analyzing liability, medical prognosis, and economic losses. This stage may involve securing expert opinions, reviewing traffic and municipal records, and consulting with medical providers about long-term treatment needs. Detailed documentation of lost wages and daily activity limitations is compiled. A comprehensive demand package is prepared, and negotiations with insurers begin. Thorough development at this stage aims to present a clear, documented claim that reflects the full scope of damages.
Medical and vocational assessments quantify current and future impacts of injuries on earning capacity and daily life. Medical professionals provide diagnoses and treatment forecasts, while vocational analyses assess work limitations and potential income loss. Combining these evaluations produces a reliable estimate of future costs and economic damages. Clear, evidence-based assessments are persuasive tools in settlement negotiations and litigation, helping ensure compensation accounts for both medical care and diminished future earning potential where applicable.
Investigative steps include obtaining complete police reports, interviewing witnesses, reviewing any available video, and assessing roadway conditions or maintenance records. Accident reconstruction may be necessary in complex cases to clarify speed, positioning, and causation. Identifying additional liable parties such as vehicle owners or property managers is part of this phase. A detailed factual record helps counter insurer defenses and prepares the case for negotiation or litigation if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached through initial discussions.
Once the case is developed and damages are documented, formal negotiations with insurers commence. A well-prepared demand package that includes medical records, lost wage documentation, and expert opinions increases the chance of a fair settlement. If insurance negotiations fail to produce a reasonable outcome, filing a lawsuit and proceeding through discovery, depositions, and trial may be necessary. Throughout this phase, strategic decisions balance the likelihood of success, time to resolution, and the client’s needs for immediate financial support.
A strategic negotiation involves presenting a clear liability case and credible damages estimates while anticipating insurer defenses. Settlement discussions focus on achieving compensation that covers both current medical expenses and projected future needs. If an insurer offers less than the demonstrated damages, further negotiation or preparation for litigation is required. Clients are guided through offers and counseled on whether accepting a settlement meets their long-term interests, with attention to ongoing medical needs and potential future expenses that a settlement should address.
When litigation becomes necessary, preparation includes formal discovery, witness depositions, expert reports, and trial strategy. Trial preparation focuses on presenting a coherent narrative supported by documentary and testimonial evidence. The goal is to persuade a judge or jury of liability and the appropriate amount of damages. Litigation demands careful timing and adherence to procedural rules under California law. For San Dimas clients facing contested liability or inadequate settlement offers, litigation remains an essential path to seek fair compensation when negotiation is unsuccessful.
Immediately after a pedestrian collision, ensure your safety and seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Call emergency services if necessary, report the incident to police, and request a copy or report number. Document the scene with photographs of the vehicle, visible injuries, and the area around the accident, including crosswalks, signage, and road conditions. Collect names and contact information from witnesses and note any circumstances such as lighting or weather that may have contributed to the crash. These actions preserve evidence that supports a future claim. After addressing immediate medical and safety needs, notify your insurer and consider contacting a law firm for advice before providing detailed recorded statements. Keep records of all medical treatment, missed work, and related expenses. Early legal consultation helps you understand California deadlines and insurance procedures and can guide the handling of communications to protect your rights while building the case for full compensation.
In California, the general statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can bar a claim, so timely action is important. Certain circumstances, such as claims against a government entity or latent injury discovery, may have different deadlines or notice requirements. Reporting requirements and shorter notice periods often apply to claims involving public agencies, so reviewing those rules promptly is necessary to preserve the right to seek compensation. Because deadlines vary depending on the defendant and circumstances, consulting promptly after an accident ensures you understand the specific timeline that applies to your case. Early investigation and documentation also improve the ability to pursue a claim within applicable timeframes and to preserve evidence that may otherwise be lost or degraded over time in San Dimas and Los Angeles County.
California follows a comparative fault rule that allows recovery even if the injured person shares some responsibility, but the amount awarded is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them. For example, if a pedestrian is found to be 20 percent at fault, any recovery would be reduced by that percentage. This means victims who are partly to blame can still pursue compensation, and it is important to gather evidence that minimizes any shared fault allocation. Because allocation of fault can significantly affect recovery, thorough documentation and witness accounts are vital to counter claims of pedestrian negligence. Legal guidance can help present evidence showing the driver’s primary responsibility and mitigate factors that might be used to argue shared fault. Addressing comparative fault early improves negotiation and litigation outcomes.
Compensation in pedestrian injury cases typically includes economic damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, prescription medications, and lost income due to missed work. It can also include future medical care and reduced earning capacity when injuries have long-term effects. Collecting all medical bills, employer documentation of lost wages, and estimates of future care helps quantify these economic losses for negotiations or court presentations. Noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life may also be recoverable depending on the circumstances. In rare cases where conduct was particularly egregious, additional remedies may be pursued. An organized presentation of both economic and noneconomic damages supports a more complete assessment of fair compensation.
Whether medical bills are covered while a case is pending depends on insurance coverage and negotiations. Many injured victims use health insurance to cover initial medical treatment and may pursue reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance later. In some situations, medical providers may accept liens or deferred payment arrangements pending resolution of the claim. Communicating with medical providers about payment options and documenting all costs is important while claims proceed. Health insurance may have subrogation rights, meaning the insurer can seek reimbursement if the victim recovers from the at-fault party. Understanding how health insurance and auto insurance interact in pedestrian cases helps manage immediate medical costs and ensures that any recovery properly accounts for reimbursements or liens that may be asserted against the settlement.
Fault in pedestrian accidents is determined by examining evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photos, traffic camera footage, and any citations issued. Investigators assess whether the driver or another party failed to act reasonably under the circumstances, such as speeding, failing to yield, or driving while distracted. Roadway features or visibility issues are also analyzed to determine if they played a role in the collision. Establishing a clear sequence of events supports assigning responsibility for the injuries. Legal doctrines and local traffic rules are applied to the facts to determine liability. In some instances, multiple parties may share fault, and percentage allocation is used to adjust compensation. Careful fact-finding and documentation are essential for accurately determining fault and protecting a pedestrian’s right to recovery under California law.
If a driver flees the scene, report the incident promptly to law enforcement and provide any available descriptions, partial license plate information, or surveillance sources that might identify the vehicle. Police can investigate, and nearby businesses or residences may have captured footage that helps locate the driver. Prompt reporting increases the likelihood of identifying the at-fault party and holding them accountable through criminal and civil proceedings. If the driver is not identified, uninsured motorist coverage may provide a path to recovery if you have such coverage. Document all treatment and expenses and communicate with your insurer about uninsured motorist claims. Legal guidance helps navigate both criminal investigation updates and civil claim options to pursue compensation even when the driver initially fled the scene.
Insurers calculate settlements by evaluating liability strength and the scope of documented damages including medical bills, lost wages, and projected future expenses. They also consider noneconomic factors such as pain and suffering and the comparative fault allocation. Adjusters review medical records and may request independent medical examinations. Settlement offers reflect the insurer’s assessment of risk, potential trial exposure, and the desire to minimize payout while resolving claims efficiently. A thorough presentation of medical documentation, credible expert opinions, and detailed loss calculations increases the likelihood of a fair settlement. Demonstrating clear causation and comprehensive damages reduces insurer leverage to undervalue claims, and readiness to litigate when necessary often leads to better negotiation results.
Providing a recorded statement to an insurer early in the claims process can be risky without guidance, because unintentional inconsistencies or incomplete information can be used to devalue your claim. Insurers may use recorded statements to seek admissions about fault or the extent of injuries. Consider consulting with counsel before giving formal recorded statements to ensure your rights are protected and statements are consistent with medical documentation and other evidence. If you do provide information, stick to basic facts about the incident and avoid speculation about fault or future medical prognosis. Inform your medical providers about the accident and ensure records reflect injuries and treatment. Coordinating communications with insurers helps maintain clarity and supports fairer claim resolution.
Confirming the value of a pedestrian injury claim involves compiling all medical expenses, estimating future treatment costs, documenting lost income, and assessing noneconomic harms like pain and suffering. Medical opinions and vocational assessments help project future care and earning losses. An organized, evidence-based approach provides a range of appropriate compensation and supports negotiation or litigation. Comparing similar case outcomes can offer perspective, though each case is unique in facts and damages. Legal review helps identify potential additional sources of recovery, including claims against vehicle owners, employers, or property owners, and accounts for California comparative fault rules. A clear damages calculation and credible supporting evidence are essential to confirm claim value and to press for a settlement that adequately addresses both current and future losses.
