If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle collision in Stevenson Ranch, you need clear guidance about your rights and next steps. Law Republic APC represents clients across Los Angeles County and focuses on helping motorcyclists secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Our approach centers on listening carefully to your account, preserving evidence from the crash scene, and coordinating with medical providers and investigators to build a persuasive claim on your behalf. We are available to discuss your situation and explain options during a free consultation over the phone or at our office.
Motorcycle collisions often cause serious injuries and complex legal issues, including questions of liability, insurance coverage and comparative fault under California law. In Stevenson Ranch, local roads and traffic conditions can affect how fault is determined and what evidence matters most. We prioritize timely action to obtain accident reports, witness statements and surveillance footage when available, because prompt investigation preserves crucial details. From negotiating with insurers to pursuing litigation when necessary, our goal is to maximize recovery while keeping you informed about every step of the process so you can focus on recovery and rebuilding.
Seeking legal help early after a motorcycle accident in Stevenson Ranch improves the chances of a successful outcome for your claim. Skilled representation helps ensure evidence is preserved, medical treatment is documented properly, and communications with insurance companies do not jeopardize your recovery. A knowledgeable attorney can identify all potential sources of compensation, including liability carriers, uninsured motorist coverage and third-party claims. Legal advocates can also arrange for expert accident reconstruction, secure necessary medical assessments, and prepare demand packages that clearly convey the severity of injuries and the long-term impacts on quality of life and earning capacity.
Law Republic APC serves clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Stevenson Ranch, handling personal injury matters such as motorcycle accidents. Our team focuses on client-centered service, providing clear guidance about legal options, timelines and likely outcomes. We coordinate with medical professionals, accident investigators and other consultants to present well-documented claims. From the initial consultation through settlement negotiations and, when needed, courtroom representation, we emphasize communication and practical solutions. Clients contact us at 818-532-5323 for a discussion about their case and the steps to protect legal rights and pursue fair financial recovery.
A motorcycle accident claim seeks compensation for harms suffered because of another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. In California, injured riders can pursue claims against motorists, vehicle owners, government entities, or product manufacturers whose actions or defects contributed to the crash. Proving liability typically requires showing duty, breach, causation and damages. Evidence such as police reports, witness testimony, medical records and scene photos strengthens a claim. Because motorcyclists are often at greater risk for serious injury, documenting the full extent of treatment and future care needs is essential to achieving appropriate compensation.
The legal process for motorcycle cases includes investigation, demand to insurers, negotiation and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. California’s comparative fault rule can reduce recovery if the rider is found partly at fault, so careful handling of accident facts is important. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts quickly, so having an attorney who knows what evidence to collect and how to value non-economic losses like pain and suffering can have a meaningful effect on the settlement amount. Timely medical care and consistent documentation of symptoms and treatment are vital components of a strong claim.
In motorcycle injury claims, terms like negligence, liability, damages and comparative fault frequently appear. Negligence refers to careless or reckless conduct that falls below the standard expected of a reasonable person. Liability is the legal responsibility to pay for harm caused. Damages encompass economic losses such as medical bills and lost income as well as non-economic losses like pain and emotional distress. California’s comparative fault framework assigns a percentage of fault to each party, which reduces recovery by the injured party’s share of fault. Understanding these concepts helps injured riders make informed decisions about pursuing compensation.
A successful motorcycle claim generally depends on establishing who caused the crash, the nature and extent of injuries, and the monetary value of losses. Initial steps include obtaining the accident report, interviewing witnesses, photographing the scene, and preserving physical evidence. Medical evaluation and ongoing treatment records document injuries and link them to the collision. From there, counsel prepares a demand package to insurers outlining liability and damages. If negotiations stall, filing a civil lawsuit can advance the claim. Throughout, communication about settlement strategy and timelines keeps the injured person informed and involved in decisions about their case.
This glossary explains common terms you’ll encounter when handling a motorcycle accident claim. Familiarity with these phrases will help you understand correspondence from insurers, legal documents, and advice from your legal team. Knowing what to expect at each stage of the claim process reduces uncertainty and enables better decisions about treatment, settlement offers and litigation. If any term is unclear during the course of your case, ask for a plain-language explanation so you can participate fully in planning the next steps to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Negligence means failure to act with reasonable care, such as running a red light, failing to yield, or distracted driving that causes a crash. In a motorcycle claim, establishing negligence usually requires showing the other driver breached a duty to others on the road, and that breach caused the collision and resulting injuries. Evidence like traffic citations, witness statements and video footage can support a finding of negligence. Understanding how negligence applies to the facts of your case helps clarify who may be responsible for paying compensation for medical care, lost earnings and other damages.
Comparative fault allocates responsibility among parties when multiple people contributed to an accident. In California, an injured person’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a rider is found 20 percent responsible, their monetary recovery is reduced by that amount. Comparative fault makes thorough investigation and careful presentation of evidence important, because even small adjustments in assigned percentages can significantly affect the final award. Skilled advocacy focuses on minimizing any misplaced fault and clearly linking the other party’s conduct to the injuries and damages claimed.
Damages are the losses for which a person may recover compensation after a motorcycle accident. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, vehicle repair or replacement, and lost earnings. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Where applicable, punitive damages may be sought to punish particularly reckless conduct. Accurate documentation of expenses, quality-of-life impacts and future care needs is necessary to present a credible valuation of damages during settlement talks or in court.
A demand package is a written presentation sent to an insurer that details liability and quantifies damages with supporting evidence. It typically includes accident reports, witness statements, medical records, bills, photographs and a narrative explaining how the crash occurred and why the other party is at fault. A well-organized demand package makes it easier for carriers to evaluate a claim and can speed negotiations. Preparing a thorough demand requires gathering all relevant documentation and presenting it in a clear, persuasive format that highlights the full extent of the injured person’s losses.
When choosing representation after a motorcycle accident in Stevenson Ranch, individuals often weigh the benefits of limited legal help against full-service representation. Limited help might involve document review or advice on handling medical bills and insurance communications. Comprehensive representation covers investigation, negotiation, litigation readiness and coordination of experts. The right level depends on injury severity, complexity of liability and insurance concerns. Discussing your situation with a firm that handles motorcycle claims can clarify which approach best protects your interests and preserves your ability to seek full compensation for medical care and future needs.
Limited legal assistance can be appropriate when injuries are minor, liability is clear and medical treatment is limited, meaning recovery is likely to be direct and swift. In those situations, help reviewing insurer communications, ensuring bills are submitted correctly, and confirming a fair settlement might be sufficient. Even with less severe accidents, documenting treatment and preserving the option to escalate if complications arise is wise. An initial consultation helps determine whether a limited engagement will protect your rights or if a broader approach is needed to address potential long-term impacts.
A limited approach may also work when available insurance coverage is low and the responsible party’s carrier is cooperative and responsive. If liability is undisputed and insurers make reasonable offers that fully cover documented medical costs and other losses, a short-term engagement to negotiate and finalize a settlement can be efficient. However, caution is needed because injuries sometimes develop over time, and an early settlement without accounting for future care could leave an injured rider undercompensated. Reviewing potential future needs before accepting any offer helps safeguard long-term interests.
Comprehensive representation is often necessary when injuries require extensive medical treatment, ongoing therapy or future surgical care. In these scenarios, accurately estimating future medical costs, rehabilitation needs and potential loss of earning capacity requires careful review and coordination with medical professionals. Full-service counsel documents the long-term impacts of the crash, secures expert opinions when needed, and pursues a settlement that accounts for future financial needs. Protecting the right to pursue compensation for long-term care can prevent avoidable financial strain on families during recovery.
When liability is contested or multiple parties may share responsibility, a comprehensive approach is usually advisable. Determining fault among several drivers, government entities or product manufacturers may require accident reconstruction, witness interviews and subpoenaing evidence. Full-service representation manages these complex tasks, develops legal strategies to allocate liability fairly, and prepares for litigation if insurers refuse reasonable offers. This approach ensures thorough investigation and preserves legal options to pursue maximum compensation on behalf of the injured rider.
Choosing comprehensive representation helps ensure that all aspects of a motorcycle injury claim are handled properly, reducing the risk of missed evidence or undervalued damages. Full-service counsel secures medical documentation, consults with appropriate specialists, and assesses non-economic losses such as pain and loss of lifestyle. This approach can also mitigate the stress of dealing directly with insurers and deadlines while allowing the injured person to focus on recovery. A thorough strategy often results in stronger negotiation positions and better outcomes than piecemeal assistance.
Another benefit of a comprehensive approach is readiness for litigation if settlement negotiations do not produce fair compensation. Preparing a case for court increases leverage during discussions with insurers and demonstrates a commitment to securing appropriate damages. Comprehensive representation also helps manage liens, coordinate benefit subrogation and address complicated insurance policy issues. For riders facing long-term consequences from a crash, a full-service approach provides the detailed assessment and legal advocacy necessary to pursue durable financial recovery.
A comprehensive approach places emphasis on collecting and preserving all relevant evidence, including scene photos, surveillance, witness statements and medical records. Proper evidence collection supports accurate valuation of economic and non-economic losses. Coordinating with medical providers and consulting appropriate professionals helps establish the relationship between the crash and long-term treatment needs. Presenting well-documented claims reduces the likelihood that insurers undervalue your losses and strengthens the case if litigation becomes necessary to pursue fair compensation for the full scope of damages.
Comprehensive representation includes strategic negotiation with insurers while maintaining readiness to file suit if favorable terms are not offered. Demonstrating that a case is litigation-ready often improves settlement leverage and can lead to more realistic offers from carriers. Counsel can prepare persuasive demand letters, compile medical evidence, and, if needed, initiate litigation within California’s legal deadlines. This dual focus on negotiation and courtroom preparation ensures that injured riders are not pressured into unfair early settlements and have a clear path to pursue full and fair compensation.
After a motorcycle collision in Stevenson Ranch, preserving evidence right away can make a critical difference in a claim. Take photographs of vehicle positions, road conditions, visible injuries and any traffic control devices. Collect contact information from witnesses and write down your own recollection of the incident while details are fresh. Report the crash to local authorities and obtain a copy of the police report. Prompt evidence preservation helps establish the facts of the collision and supports insurance discussions or litigation if necessary, making it easier to pursue appropriate compensation.
Insurance adjusters often contact injured parties early after a crash to gather statements and make settlement offers. Before giving recorded statements or accepting early offers, consider consulting with counsel to understand potential long-term needs and claim value. Keep copies of all communications with insurers and avoid admitting fault or downplaying symptoms. Having legal representation handle negotiations can prevent inadvertent missteps and ensure offers are evaluated against a full accounting of past and future damages, improving the chances of obtaining fair compensation.
There are several reasons injured riders in Stevenson Ranch should consider hiring a lawyer. Legal assistance helps ensure evidence is preserved, communications with insurers are handled properly, and all sources of compensation are identified. When injuries result in significant medical bills, lost income or ongoing care needs, a legal advocate can quantify those losses and pursue recovery on behalf of the injured person. Legal counsel also helps protect against unfair reductions for comparative fault and negotiates with insurers who may attempt to limit payouts to reduce their liability exposure.
Another reason to consider representation is the complexity of claims involving multiple vehicles, government entities or defective equipment. Investigating and proving fault in those situations often requires specialized investigation and access to resources such as accident reconstruction and medical opinion. Retaining counsel early preserves rights, ensures deadlines are met, and positions your claim for stronger negotiation or litigation if needed. A law firm can also coordinate with healthcare providers to link treatment to the collision and manage subrogation and lien issues that commonly arise in serious injury cases.
Riders commonly seek legal assistance after collisions that involve head-on impacts, left-turn crashes, rear-end collisions, or incidents with negligent motorists who failed to yield or were distracted. Other common situations include collisions caused by unsafe road conditions, defective motorcycle parts, or collisions with uninsured or underinsured drivers. Serious injuries, disputes over liability, or offers from insurers that do not fully cover treatment costs also prompt riders to consult counsel. Early legal help can address investigation needs, evidence preservation and strategies for pursuing appropriate compensation.
Left-turn collisions are a frequent cause of motorcycle injuries when a vehicle turns across the path of an oncoming rider. These crashes often raise questions about right-of-way and visibility. Securing witness accounts, traffic camera footage and scene measurements supports proof of fault. Medical records showing the pattern of injuries and timely imaging are essential to link harm to the crash. Legal representation helps gather the necessary evidence, communicate with insurers, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income and long-term impacts caused by the collision.
Collisions caused by distracted or impaired drivers can produce severe outcomes for motorcyclists. Proving a driver’s inattention or impairment often involves combining police reports, witness testimony, cellphone records where permissible, and any available video. Prompt investigation helps capture perishable evidence and identify responsible parties. A legal advocate coordinates these efforts and works to hold negligent drivers and their insurers accountable for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for pain and suffering resulting from the crash.
Hit-and-run accidents and collisions with uninsured motorists create additional hurdles for injured riders seeking compensation. When the at-fault driver cannot be located or lacks insurance, uninsured motorist coverage and other resources may provide recovery. Investigation into vehicle descriptions, surveillance footage and witness accounts can sometimes identify the responsible party. An attorney helps navigate uninsured motorist claims, preserve evidence and pursue all available compensation options, while advising on how to document losses and medical care to support a recovery through alternative insurance sources.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Stevenson Ranch, Law Republic APC is available to discuss your case and explain next steps. We provide an initial consultation to review facts, advise on preserving evidence and discuss how medical care should be documented to support a claim. Our goal is to relieve the burden of dealing with insurers and paperwork while pursuing the best possible financial recovery. Call 818-532-5323 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn how to protect your rights following a motorcycle collision.
Law Republic APC focuses on personal injury matters throughout Los Angeles County, including Stevenson Ranch motorcycle collisions. We emphasize responsive communication, careful investigation and strategic negotiation to pursue fair compensation for injuries and losses. From obtaining police reports to coordinating medical documentation and consulting with appropriate professionals, our team manages the complex tasks that insurance companies sometimes overlook. We aim to keep clients informed about options and likely timelines while pursuing recovery that reflects the full impact of the crash on health and livelihood.
Clients who choose our firm benefit from dedicated case handling and practical guidance tailored to their situation. We evaluate potential sources of compensation, address insurer tactics, and prepare claims for negotiation or litigation when necessary. Our team assists with lien resolution, medical billing issues and communicating with healthcare providers to document the relationship between the incident and ongoing treatment. We encourage injured riders to contact us early so we can begin preserving evidence and building a comprehensive claim on their behalf.
We also understand the stresses that follow a serious motorcycle collision, including financial pressures and recovery concerns. Our approach aims to reduce those burdens by managing legal tasks, exploring settlement opportunities and preparing for court if insurers refuse fair offers. Transparent communication about case status and settlement options helps clients make informed decisions. To learn more about how we can assist with a Stevenson Ranch motorcycle claim, call 818-532-5323 or reach out online for a consultation.
Our process begins with an initial consultation to gather facts and review immediate needs, followed by a focused investigation into liability and damages. We collect police reports, witness statements, photographs and medical records, then coordinate with medical and technical professionals as appropriate. After compiling the evidence, we draft a demand package and engage with insurers to negotiate a fair settlement. If negotiations do not produce acceptable results, we prepare and file a lawsuit within California’s legal deadlines and pursue the matter through discovery and trial preparation while keeping the client informed at every step.
The first phase involves meeting with the injured rider to record the details of the crash, identify witnesses and collect preliminary evidence. We advise on preserving perishable information, obtaining medical care and obtaining a copy of the police report. The investigation may include photographing the scene, retrieving surveillance records and interviewing bystanders. This early work sets the foundation for insurance negotiations and potential litigation and helps ensure that important facts are not lost due to delay.
Collecting evidence at the outset includes securing the police report, photos of the scene, contact information for witnesses and any available video or telemetry data. Timely action is important because surveillance footage and witness memories may be lost or degrade over time. Documenting visible injuries and vehicle damage soon after the accident supports later claims about impact and causation. We coordinate these efforts and advise on what information will most effectively support a claim for damages.
Ensuring timely and consistent medical treatment is critical to documenting injuries and linking them to the crash. We work with clients to obtain records, imaging studies and provider notes that demonstrate the nature and extent of injuries. Tracking follow-up care, therapy and ongoing needs helps establish the full scope of medical expenses and supports claims for future treatment costs. This documentation is central to negotiations and, if necessary, the preparation of a case for trial.
After the investigation and medical documentation are in place, we prepare a demand package outlining liability and detailing economic and non-economic damages. The package includes medical bills, wage loss documentation, and a narrative describing the accident and its consequences. We submit the demand to the responsible insurer and engage in negotiations to reach a settlement that addresses current and anticipated future needs. Throughout this stage, we provide guidance on the strengths and risks of offers and the potential benefits of continued negotiation versus litigation.
A persuasive demand organizes the evidence to show both fault and the extent of losses. It includes medical records, billing statements, a chronology of treatment, witness accounts and any technical analyses. Presenting a clear connection between the collision and injuries, along with a realistic valuation of future needs, improves the likelihood of a fair offer. We craft such demands to highlight the most compelling aspects of a claim while anticipating insurer defenses and questions.
Insurance adjusters aim to minimize payouts, so strategic negotiation focuses on countering undervaluation and addressing disputed facts. We communicate demand rationale, respond to requests for additional information and counter low offers with documented evidence. Settlement discussions may include mediation when appropriate. Our goal is to secure a fair resolution without unnecessary delay, while preserving the option to file suit if carriers remain unreasonable or refuse to acknowledge the full extent of the losses.
If negotiations fail to produce fair compensation, filing a lawsuit becomes necessary to protect legal rights. Litigation includes formal pleadings, discovery, depositions, expert disclosures and trial preparation. Preparing for trial strengthens settlement leverage and shows insurers we are ready to pursue a full recovery in court. Throughout litigation, we manage deadlines, gather additional evidence, and work with professionals to support claims about causation and damages, always keeping the client informed about strategy and expected timelines.
Filing suit initiates the formal legal process and triggers discovery, where both parties exchange information and documents. Discovery may include written questions, document production and depositions of witnesses and parties. This phase allows a deeper probe into liability theories, insurance coverage and the full nature of injuries. Effective discovery uncovers facts that strengthen negotiating positions and clarifies the prospects for trial, enabling informed decisions about settlement offers versus continuing to litigate.
Trial preparation involves organizing exhibits, preparing witness testimony, retaining experts and crafting persuasive legal arguments. Even when a case is set for trial, many disputes resolve through settlement before courtroom presentation. Alternative dispute resolution such as mediation can provide a structured forum for negotiating an agreeable resolution. When trial remains necessary, thorough preparation ensures the strongest possible presentation to a judge or jury on behalf of the injured rider, seeking compensation that reflects the full impact of the crash.
Immediately after a motorcycle accident in Stevenson Ranch, prioritize safety and medical care. Move to a safe location if possible, call emergency services and request medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Report the crash to the police so an official accident report is created, and obtain the responding officer’s name and report number. Collect contact information from other drivers and witnesses, and take photographs of vehicle positions, visible injuries and road conditions if you are able to do so safely. Documenting the scene and seeking prompt medical care are essential to protecting both your health and your legal claim. Preserve any damaged gear and motorcycle parts, and avoid discussing fault at the scene beyond exchanging necessary information. Contact a law firm to discuss next steps for preserving evidence and handling communications with insurers while you focus on recovery.
In California, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury, meaning you typically must file a lawsuit within that period or risk losing the right to sue. There are exceptions that can extend or shorten this deadline depending on the circumstances, such as claims against government entities, which often have shorter notice requirements. Because deadlines vary, contacting legal counsel early helps ensure all applicable timelines are identified and met. Waiting to act can jeopardize evidence and witness recollection, so starting the claims process promptly is important even if a lawsuit is not immediately filed. An attorney can advise on critical deadlines, preserve evidence, obtain necessary records and initiate claims or notices in a timely manner to protect legal rights.
Whether insurance covers your medical bills depends on the available policies and who is at fault. If another driver is responsible, their liability insurance may cover your medical expenses, subject to policy limits and any disputes over fault. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may provide recovery if you carry it. Additionally, medical payments coverage or health insurance can pay bills initially, with the right to reimbursement from any subsequent personal injury recovery. Insurance claims often involve negotiations about what treatment is necessary and reasonable, and insurers may request detailed documentation. Legal representation can help present the medical evidence that supports coverage for necessary treatment and can pursue additional sources of compensation when insurance limits are insufficient to cover all losses.
If the at-fault driver flees the scene or lacks insurance, options remain for recovery. Start by reporting the hit-and-run to law enforcement and providing any descriptions or surveillance footage that may identify the driver. Your uninsured motorist coverage, if purchased, may cover medical expenses and certain other losses when an at-fault driver cannot be located or lacks insurance. It is important to notify your insurer and seek guidance on the available coverages and processes. An attorney can assist with investigating the incident, preserving any evidence that may help identify the responsible party, and filing claims under uninsured motorist policies when appropriate. Legal counsel also helps navigate negotiations and potential litigation against other responsible parties or entities that may share liability.
Fault in motorcycle accidents is determined by analyzing the conduct of all involved parties and how that conduct compares to what a reasonable person would have done in similar circumstances. Evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, and vehicle damage patterns helps establish who had the duty to act and whether that duty was breached. Traffic laws, right-of-way rules and the physical evidence at the scene guide determinations of fault. California applies comparative fault, which means multiple parties can share responsibility and an injured party’s recovery is reduced by their share of fault. Clear documentation and timely investigation are important to minimize wrongful allocations of fault and support the strongest possible claim for compensation.
Yes, under California’s comparative fault rules you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault, but your recovery will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are assigned 25 percent fault, your recoverable damages are reduced by that amount. This framework makes it important to dispute any inaccurate fault allocations and present evidence that limits your share of responsibility. Working with counsel helps ensure that causation and fault are portrayed accurately and that mitigating factors are highlighted. Thorough evidence collection and legal argumentation can reduce your assigned fault and maximize the compensation you receive for medical expenses, lost income and non-economic losses.
Pain and suffering damages compensate for physical and emotional injuries that do not have direct monetary receipts. Courts and insurers evaluate pain and suffering based on the severity of injuries, duration of recovery, impact on daily life, and medical documentation of ongoing symptoms. Evidence such as treatment records, testimony about daily limitations and expert opinions about long-term effects strengthens claims for non-economic damages. There is no fixed formula mandated by law for calculating these damages, and valuations vary by case. Detailed documentation of how injuries affect work, personal relationships and recreational activities helps justify a fair award for pain and suffering during settlement talks or at trial.
Yes, seeing a medical professional after a crash is important even if you feel okay initially. Some injuries, such as soft tissue damage or concussions, may not present symptoms immediately but can worsen over days or weeks. A medical evaluation establishes a baseline and links any later symptoms to the collision, which is important for both treatment and potential claims. Consistent follow-up and adherence to treatment recommendations strengthen a claim by documenting the progression of injuries and associated costs. Failing to seek timely care can be used by insurers to argue that injuries were unrelated or less severe, so prompt medical attention protects both health and legal interests.
Many personal injury firms handle motorcycle claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees are collected only if recovery is achieved. The specific percentage varies by firm and may depend on whether the case settles or goes to trial. Contingency arrangements reduce upfront financial barriers and align the firm’s interest with achieving an effective outcome. Ask any prospective firm to explain their fee agreement and what costs or expenses you might be responsible for during the case. Understanding the fee structure and how expenses are handled helps you make an informed choice about representation. A transparent fee agreement will detail when fees are earned and how settlement funds are allocated to cover medical liens, expenses, and attorney compensation.
Key evidence in motorcycle accident claims includes the police or incident report, photographs of the scene and vehicle damage, witness statements, medical records and bills, and any available video footage. Mechanical or maintenance records and helmet or gear condition can also be relevant when equipment failure or protective gear is at issue. Timely collection of this evidence preserves critical details that support liability and damages claims. Expert opinions, such as accident reconstruction or medical assessments, often play an important role in complex cases, helping to explain how a collision occurred and the relationship between the crash and injuries. Coordinating these resources strengthens settlement negotiations and prepares a case for litigation if needed.
