If you were injured as a pedestrian in La Mesa, you may face medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing recovery needs. Law Republic APC handles personal injury matters for residents and visitors in La Mesa and surrounding areas, helping injured people pursue compensation from insurance companies and negligent drivers. Our team will explain the local laws, deadlines, and what evidence matters most after a collision. Early action can preserve essential proof such as accident scene photos, witness statements, and medical records that strengthen a claim and improve the prospects of a fair resolution.
A pedestrian collision can upend daily life and create a range of financial and emotional stresses. In La Mesa, collisions often occur at crosswalks, intersections, and parking lot entrances where right of way can be disputed. Understanding your options after a crash means knowing how to document injuries, obtain thorough medical care, and work with insurers while protecting your legal rights. Law Republic APC combines local knowledge with a client-focused approach to guide injured pedestrians through settlement negotiations or litigation when needed, always prioritizing clear communication and practical next steps for recovery.
Seeking legal guidance after a pedestrian collision helps injured people navigate complex insurance processes and pursue full compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. In La Mesa, local traffic patterns and municipal reporting sometimes affect liability determinations, and having legal guidance ensures that key evidence is preserved and presented effectively. Counsel can coordinate medical documentation, handle communication with insurers, and develop a claim strategy tailored to each client’s circumstances. The benefit of organized representation is clearer case management, realistic settlement expectations, and persistent advocacy when insurers undervalue losses or deny responsibility.
Law Republic APC represents people injured in pedestrian collisions across California, with focused attention on cases arising in La Mesa and San Diego County. Our attorneys prioritize client communication and thorough investigation, connecting injured clients with medical professionals and arranging for evidence collection such as scene photos, witness interviews, and traffic camera inquiry. We approach each claim with a practical plan to recover damages while keeping clients informed at every stage. The firm’s goal is to secure prompt, fair compensation so clients can concentrate on recovery and getting life back on track.
A pedestrian accident claim involves establishing that another party’s negligence caused an injury and damages. In La Mesa, this can include collisions with motor vehicles, bicycles, or other road users. To build a claim, it is important to document injuries, gather witness accounts, and obtain police or incident reports. Medical treatment records will link injuries to the collision, and photographs of the scene and injuries strengthen the factual record. Liability may hinge on driver behavior, signage, crosswalk placement, or visibility conditions, so timely investigation is essential to preserve perishable evidence.
Claims proceed through settlement negotiations with insurers or, if necessary, civil litigation. Insurers typically request recorded statements and medical authorizations; handling these interactions carefully can protect claim value. Damages commonly sought include past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. California’s comparative fault rules may reduce recovery proportionally if the pedestrian is found partly responsible, so developing a strategy that minimizes shared fault is an important part of representation in La Mesa cases.
A pedestrian accident claim asserts that a defendant, usually a driver or vehicle owner, breached a duty of care and caused an injury. The claim identifies specific acts such as distracted driving, failing to yield, speeding, or ignoring traffic controls that led to a collision with a pedestrian. Building a claim requires connecting conduct to harm through evidence like police reports, witness testimony, and medical documentation. Compensation seeks to make the injured person whole by addressing financial losses and non-economic harms, while procedural steps follow state timelines and pre-litigation negotiation norms common in La Mesa and across California.
Successful pedestrian claims rely on establishing duty, breach, causation, and damages. After an initial consultation, investigation focuses on the accident scene, photographic evidence, witness statements, and vehicle or traffic data. Medical care is coordinated to document injuries and prognosis. Demand materials are prepared for insurers and may include itemized medical bills, wage documentation, and narrative explanations of impact. If settlement is not achievable, filing a lawsuit initiates formal discovery and potential trial. Throughout, strategic decisions consider liability exposure, damages, and realistic paths to resolution while protecting client interests.
Understanding common legal terms helps injured pedestrians follow the progress of a claim in La Mesa. Terms such as liability, comparative fault, medical lien, and settlement each play specific roles in how damages are assessed and recovered. Clarifying these concepts early assists decision-making about medical treatment, settlement offers, and whether to pursue litigation. This glossary section provides concise definitions and plain-language explanations so clients can communicate clearly during negotiations and make informed choices about case strategy, preserving their rights and optimizing recovery potential.
Liability refers to legal responsibility for harm caused by negligent or wrongful actions. In a pedestrian collision in La Mesa, establishing liability often involves demonstrating that a driver failed to exercise reasonable care, such as by running a red light, failing to yield at a crosswalk, or driving while distracted. Evidence like eyewitness testimony, police reports, and scene photos supports claims of liability. Understanding who is legally responsible guides settlement discussions and determines which insurance policies and parties are targeted for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Comparative fault is a legal principle in California that reduces a claimant’s recovery by their percentage of blame for an accident. If a pedestrian in La Mesa is found partly responsible—for example, crossing outside a crosswalk or ignoring signals—their awarded damages will be reduced proportionally. This makes detailed investigation important to minimize any assigned fault. Demonstrating driver negligence and obtaining witness statements can help offset claims of pedestrian negligence. Understanding comparative fault helps set realistic expectations and tailor case strategy during negotiations with insurers or in court.
Damages are the measurable losses a person seeks to recover after an injury. In pedestrian collisions, damages commonly include past and future medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering. Properly documenting damages in La Mesa involves collecting medical bills, treatment plans, wage statements, and testimony about how injuries affect daily life. Accurate damage accounting supports settlement negotiations and courtroom presentations and helps ensure claimants seek compensation that reflects both immediate needs and long-term impacts of the injury.
A demand package is a collection of documents presented to an insurer or opposing party that outlines the claim and requested compensation. It typically includes medical records, itemized bills, evidence of lost wages, a narrative of the accident, and photographs. For a La Mesa pedestrian claim, a comprehensive demand shows the causal connection between the collision and injuries, quantifies economic and non-economic losses, and establishes a basis for settlement. Sending a well-prepared demand can prompt serious negotiation and often leads to offers that resolve claims without filing a lawsuit.
After a pedestrian collision, injured people can choose a limited-scope arrangement for discrete tasks or pursue full representation covering investigation, negotiation, and litigation. Limited help may include document review or a one-time consultation for claim valuation, which can be appropriate for minor injuries with straightforward liability. Full representation is used when damages are significant, liability is contested, or insurers are uncooperative. In La Mesa, the choice depends on injury severity, the complexity of liability, and whether ongoing medical treatment will affect future compensation. Clear communication about goals and costs helps determine the right approach.
A limited approach can work when a pedestrian sustains minor injuries and the at-fault party’s responsibility is obvious. In such cases, focused assistance with document preparation or settlement review may be enough to secure compensation without ongoing representation. This path suits people who prefer managing much of the process themselves but want guidance on settlement figures or legal documents. Even with apparent liability, it remains important to obtain and retain medical records and incident documentation to avoid undervalued insurance offers and ensure a fair resolution.
When insurance coverage is adequate and the claim involves well-documented, limited damages, a limited arrangement can be cost-effective. This often applies when medical treatment is complete, bills are manageable, and the insurer’s liability acceptance is likely. Limited representation may include calculating damages and negotiating a single settlement. In La Mesa, this option suits those comfortable handling communications with insurers while relying on legal review at key moments to avoid signing away rights or accepting an insufficient offer that does not account for long-term impacts.
Comprehensive representation is typically recommended for serious injuries, disputed liability, or complex insurance issues. In La Mesa pedestrian collisions where medical treatment is ongoing or long-term rehabilitation is necessary, full representation ensures that future medical needs and lost earning capacity are considered in settlement demands. A dedicated legal team coordinates medical documentation, secures relevant evidence, and handles insurer tactics that could reduce compensation. This approach helps injured people pursue complete recovery of economic and non-economic losses through persistent negotiation or litigation if required.
When fault is disputed or insurers deny responsibility, comprehensive legal representation protects an injured person’s interests through detailed investigation and advocacy. In La Mesa cases, conflicting witness accounts or unclear traffic conditions can complicate claims. Counsel can subpoena traffic camera footage, conduct accident reconstruction, and negotiate with multiple insurers when vehicle owners, employers, or municipal entities might share liability. Such thorough preparation increases the chance of securing fair compensation and ensures procedural deadlines and legal requirements are met if a lawsuit becomes necessary.
A comprehensive approach coordinates medical documentation, evidence collection, and negotiation strategy so that settlement offers reflect the full scope of loss. For injured pedestrians in La Mesa, this means accounting for immediate medical bills and future care, lost income, and quality-of-life impacts. Legal representation also helps prevent early lowball offers from limiting recovery and ensures communications with insurers do not unintentionally harm the claim. Comprehensive management reduces stress for clients by centralizing tasks and advocating for timely, appropriate compensation while protecting procedural rights throughout the process.
Full representation also offers strategic leverage during negotiations and litigation if needed. Attorneys can present a cohesive narrative supported by medical experts, witness statements, and accident reconstructions to demonstrate liability and damages. In La Mesa, knowing local court practices and insurer tendencies helps craft persuasive demands and settlement positions. Additionally, comprehensive representation handles liens and billing issues, coordinates rehabilitation services, and ensures that any settlement accounts for long-term consequences, providing injured people with greater confidence that their recovery needs have been thoroughly considered.
Comprehensive representation emphasizes early and thorough evidence collection, which is especially important in La Mesa where environmental factors like lighting or signage can affect liability. Prompt gathering of scene photos, witness contact information, and medical records preserves perishable evidence and strengthens the factual case. This approach often includes obtaining traffic camera footage, securing accident reconstructions if warranted, and organizing medical timelines. Well-documented claims are more persuasive to insurers and juries, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome and helping ensure compensation addresses both present and future needs.
A full-service approach prepares a case for settlement negotiation while maintaining readiness for litigation if necessary. Insurers often respond more reasonably when a claim is backed by thorough documentation and credible legal advocacy. For La Mesa pedestrians facing firm opposition from insurers or multiple liable parties, having representation that negotiates strategically and is prepared to file suit if needed enhances the possibility of obtaining fair compensation. This readiness also helps preserve negotiating leverage and discourages low settlement offers that fail to consider long-term effects of the injury.
After a pedestrian collision in La Mesa, securing scene evidence helps preserve the strongest possible claim. Take clear photos of vehicle positions, skid marks, traffic signage, crosswalk markings, and visible injuries as soon as it is safe to do so. Obtain contact information for witnesses and request a police report number to ensure the incident is officially documented. Early evidence prevents disputes about conditions and supports medical and legal timelines. Keeping a contemporaneous record of symptoms and treatment appointments also strengthens a claim by demonstrating the progression of injury and recovery needs.
Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements and medical authorizations early in a claim. Before providing statements or signing broad releases, consider getting guidance to understand how such communications could affect recovery. Be cautious about accepting the first settlement offer, which may not cover long-term needs. If you choose to speak with an insurer, stick to factual descriptions and avoid speculation about the cause of the collision or the extent of injuries. Consulting with legal counsel can help preserve negotiating leverage and prevent inadvertent concessions that reduce compensation.
Legal representation matters when injuries, financial losses, or liability disputes complicate recovery. An attorney can coordinate medical documentation, communicate with insurers, and pursue claims against at-fault parties, including drivers or vehicle owners whose policies apply. In La Mesa, local traffic and municipal factors can influence fault determinations, and representation helps ensure timely evidence collection such as traffic camera footage or witness statements. When injuries require ongoing care or when insurers undervalue claims, legal advocacy provides structure and direction so injured people can focus on rehabilitation rather than navigating complex claims processes alone.
Representation is especially important when multiple parties may share fault, when an insurer denies liability, or when the full extent of future medical needs is uncertain. Counsel can assess damages comprehensively, including future care and long-term earnings impact, and negotiate or litigate to pursue fair compensation. Choosing legal help also protects against signing releases or accepting offers that fail to address future expenses. For La Mesa residents and visitors, having someone manage deadlines, document preservation, and settlement strategy reduces stress and improves the likelihood of a reasonable outcome.
Pedestrian claims often arise from circumstances such as drivers failing to yield at crosswalks, collisions in parking lots, low-visibility conditions after dark, or incidents involving distracted or impaired drivers. Uneven sidewalks, inadequate signage, and poorly marked crosswalks can also contribute to accidents. In many cases, witnesses or video evidence are key to proving liability. Knowing these common scenarios helps injured pedestrians identify relevant facts and collect supporting evidence, which strengthens demands to insurers or arguments in court if litigation becomes necessary to recover compensation for injuries and losses.
Collisions at marked crosswalks and intersections are common and often hinge on whether a driver failed to yield or obey traffic signals. Factors such as signal timing, signage visibility, and driver attention can all affect fault determinations. Gathering witness statements, pedestrian signal data, and photos of the crossing condition can be decisive in these claims. In La Mesa, documenting the precise location and any obstructed sightlines helps build a factual record that demonstrates how the collision occurred and supports requests for appropriate compensation.
Pedestrian injuries in parking lots and driveways often involve limited visibility, vehicle backing maneuvers, or distracted drivers. Liability may turn on whether the driver exercised reasonable care and maintained a safe speed. Witness accounts and surveillance footage from nearby businesses can be valuable in reconstructing how an incident unfolded. In claims arising in La Mesa, contacting property owners for camera footage and collecting photographic evidence of sightlines and signage strengthens the case and helps establish that the driver’s actions led to the pedestrian’s injuries.
Low-light conditions, rain, or fog can reduce visibility and increase the risk of pedestrian collisions. These cases require attention to factors like street lighting, reflective clothing, and vehicle headlight functioning. Evidence such as weather reports, photographs of lighting conditions, and witness descriptions can help explain how visibility affected the incident. In La Mesa, documenting environmental conditions and any contributing municipal maintenance issues can be important for demonstrating how those factors contributed to the collision and for pursuing compensation from negligent parties or responsible entities.
If you or a loved one was injured while walking in La Mesa, prompt action helps protect your claim and recovery prospects. Law Republic APC offers case evaluations to explain potential legal options, timelines, and what evidence to secure. We help injured people gather medical records, preserve scene evidence, and communicate with insurers while focusing on the client’s physical and financial recovery. You don’t need to manage these steps alone; informed advocacy ensures that claims are developed carefully and that settlement demands or court filings reflect the full extent of documented losses and future needs.
Choosing representation provides structured guidance through each stage of a claim, from investigation to negotiation or court. Law Republic APC supports clients by collecting evidence, arranging medical documentation, and crafting persuasive demands to insurers. For injured pedestrians in La Mesa, having someone coordinate communications and pursue fair compensation reduces the administrative burden and increases the chance of a reasonable resolution. We focus on keeping clients informed, explaining options clearly, and making strategic decisions that reflect individual recovery goals.
Representation also helps preserve rights under California law, including meeting filing deadlines and complying with procedural requirements. When insurers undervalue claims or deny liability, legal advocacy ensures thorough preparation for potential litigation. Our team handles negotiations and, when needed, files suit to protect client interests. This comprehensive management aims to secure compensation for medical costs, lost income, and non-economic losses while providing steady communication and support so clients can focus on healing and planning for recovery.
Finally, legal representation assists with resolving ancillary issues such as medical liens, wage documentation, and coordination with healthcare providers to document prognosis. For La Mesa clients facing ongoing medical needs, this coordinated approach helps ensure settlements reflect the full scope of future care and financial impact. We work to present a clear, organized claim that insurers and courts can evaluate, improving the likelihood of a settlement that covers immediate needs and anticipated long-term consequences of the injury.
Our process begins with a focused intake to understand the accident, injuries, and available evidence. We then open an investigation to collect police reports, witness statements, and scene documentation while coordinating medical care and record collection. A demand package is prepared with itemized damages and medical records to present to insurers. Negotiation follows, with readiness to file a lawsuit if settlement is not sufficient. Throughout, we keep clients informed about developments, options, and likely timelines so they can make informed decisions about settlement offers or litigation.
The initial step is a detailed consultation to gather facts about the collision and injuries. We advise on preserving evidence like photos, witness contacts, and police report numbers and guide clients on seeking prompt medical care to document injuries. Early steps may include requesting traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and securing scene photographs. Preserving perishable evidence quickly is essential to building a persuasive claim, and this initial phase sets priorities for investigation and documentation to support later settlement demands or litigation if necessary.
Collecting scene evidence and witness statements early strengthens liability and causation claims. We identify potential sources of surveillance footage, photograph conditions such as signage and road markings, and gather contact details for witnesses. In La Mesa, local businesses or traffic cameras may capture the incident, so timely requests are often necessary. Preserved evidence supports both settlement negotiations and trial preparation and helps counteract insurance arguments that rely on incomplete or delayed documentation.
Coordinating and documenting medical care creates the medical narrative tying injuries to the collision. We help clients access appropriate treatment, obtain records and billing statements, and track recovery progress. Thorough medical documentation supports claims for future treatment, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity. Having a clear medical timeline and provider statements about prognosis strengthens negotiation posture and ensures injuries are accurately presented to insurers or juries.
Once evidence and medical documentation are in place, we prepare a demand package that outlines liability, itemizes damages, and requests compensation. The demand includes medical records, billing, wage loss documentation, and a narrative describing the incident and its effects on daily life. We present the demand to the insurer and begin negotiations, responding to adjuster questions and pushing for fair offers. If settlement progress stalls, we evaluate filing a lawsuit while continuing negotiation efforts to maximize recovery without unnecessary delay.
A persuasive demand package clearly links the accident to documented injuries and quantifies economic and non-economic losses. It includes medical summaries, itemized bills, wage statements, and supporting photographs or witness statements. Presenting organized evidence helps insurers assess liability and encourages serious settlement discussions. In La Mesa cases, including local context such as traffic conditions or crosswalk issues can make the narrative more complete and compelling during negotiation.
During negotiations, we evaluate offers against realistic assessments of damages and risk. We communicate with adjusters, respond to document requests, and negotiate terms that address future medical needs and other long-term impacts. Settlement decisions factor in comparative fault, insurance policy limits, and the client’s recovery prognosis. If offers do not fairly compensate, we prepare to escalate to litigation while continuing to pursue resolution where advisable to avoid unnecessary delay in recovery.
If settlement is not achievable, litigation begins with filing a complaint and engaging in discovery to further develop the factual record. Discovery may include depositions, expert reports, and additional document requests. We prepare trial materials, retain appropriate consultants, and continue negotiating while preparing for court. Litigation timelines vary, and readiness to proceed can improve settlement leverage. Throughout, clients receive regular updates and guidance to balance the benefits and risks of pursuing trial versus accepting a negotiated resolution.
Discovery allows deeper investigation into liability and damages through depositions, requests for documents, and interrogatories. This phase can reveal additional information about the defendant’s actions, maintenance records, or prior incidents at the location. Expert analysis, such as accident reconstruction or medical opinions, may be obtained to support claims. Thorough discovery strengthens trial preparedness and can also prompt renewed settlement discussions based on newly discovered evidence.
Trial preparation includes assembling exhibits, witness preparation, and crafting persuasive testimony that presents a clear narrative to the jury. We coordinate with medical professionals, witnesses, and consultants to ensure testimony supports the damages claimed and the causation theory. Clients are prepared for the process so they understand what to expect in court. The goal is to present a credible, well-documented case that accurately reflects the injuries and losses sustained and to pursue compensation through the legal system when negotiation does not yield fair results.
Immediately after a pedestrian collision, prioritize safety and medical care. If you can move safely, get out of traffic and seek medical attention even for seemingly minor injuries. Call 911 to report the crash so a police report is created, and request that the responding officers document the scene. Collect names and contact information from witnesses and take photos of the vehicle positions, injuries, and any roadway or weather conditions that may have contributed. Preserving evidence early improves the strength of a claim. Keep records of medical visits, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans, and obtain a copy of the police report. Notify your insurer as required and consider consulting a legal professional before providing recorded statements or signing releases to ensure your rights and future recovery are protected.
In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the injury, so prompt action is important. Missing statutory deadlines can bar a claim from proceeding, though specific circumstances and government defendant rules may alter timelines. For claims against public entities, shorter notice requirements may apply, and speaking with counsel early helps preserve rights and ensure compliance with any shorter timelines. Even when deadlines are not imminent, early investigation is valuable because perishable evidence such as witness memories, surveillance footage, and scene conditions may be lost. Timely preservation and documentation support stronger negotiation positions and better outcomes for injured pedestrians.
Yes. Under California’s comparative fault rules, a pedestrian’s actions can affect the amount of compensation recovered. If a pedestrian is found partially responsible—for example, crossing outside a crosswalk or failing to obey signals—their recovery will be reduced proportionally to their assigned percentage of fault. Therefore, documenting the circumstances and demonstrating driver negligence is important to limit any reduction in damages. Even if some fault is assigned to the pedestrian, recovery is still possible unless the pedestrian is 100% at fault. Careful investigation, witness statements, and scene evidence are essential to present a clear account of the incident and to minimize any allocated fault during settlement discussions or at trial.
Compensation in a pedestrian accident case can include economic damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving severe permanent injury, claims may seek future medical care and lost earning capacity. Each case is unique, and accurate documentation of expenses and impacts on daily life strengthens damage claims. Damages depend on liability, insurance coverage limits, and the degree of injury. Presenting a comprehensive record of treatment, prognosis, and how injuries affect everyday functioning helps ensure that both immediate and anticipated future losses are considered during settlement or trial.
Insurers evaluate pedestrian injury claims by assessing liability, the severity of injuries, medical records, and documented economic losses. Adjusters consider who was at fault, whether policy limits cover the claim, and the credibility of medical and witness documentation. Early incomplete treatment records or lack of scene evidence can lead to lower initial offers, so providing thorough documentation improves claim valuation. Insurers may also weigh the risk of litigation and potential jury awards when deciding offers. Strong evidence of liability and well-documented damages can prompt more reasonable settlement offers, while disputed facts or weak medical documentation may lead to protracted negotiations or litigation.
Video surveillance and traffic camera footage can be available and highly useful in reconstructing pedestrian collisions, especially in urban and commercial areas of La Mesa. Local businesses, city traffic systems, or private residences may capture footage that clarifies vehicle speed, driver actions, and pedestrian movement. Promptly identifying and preserving such footage is critical because recordings are often overwritten after short periods. A timely investigation helps locate potential sources of video and issue preservation requests or subpoenas when needed. Gathering this evidence early strengthens claims by providing objective documentation of how the collision occurred and may be decisive in assigning liability.
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, options may include pursuing an uninsured motorist claim under your own policy, if you have that coverage, or identifying other parties who may share liability such as vehicle owners or employers. Uninsured motorist coverage can compensate for medical bills and lost wages when available, subject to policy terms. Exploring multiple avenues helps maximize recovery when the at-fault driver cannot pay directly. An attorney can review applicable coverages, identify additional responsible parties, and assist with claims against your own insurer when necessary. Timely action is important to evaluate insurance policy limits and contractual terms that affect recovery options.
Comparative fault in California reduces a claimant’s recovery by their percentage of fault for the incident. For example, if a pedestrian is found 20% at fault, their total damages award will be reduced by 20%. This rule encourages thorough fact development to demonstrate the defendant’s greater responsibility and minimize any assigned pedestrian fault. Clear evidence, witness statements, and scene documentation help make that showing. Legal counsel assists in framing arguments that limit pedestrian responsibility, such as highlighting driver speed, distraction, or failure to yield. Even when partial fault is assigned, claimants can still recover damages, making strategic case development important to maximize compensation.
Giving a recorded statement to an insurer is a common request, but it should be approached with caution. Insurers may use recorded statements to probe for inconsistencies or to reduce liability exposure. Before providing an in-depth recorded statement, consider consulting with a legal professional who can advise on how to respond without harming your claim. Simple factual statements are generally safe, but speculative or emotional comments can be problematic. If representation is involved, your attorney can handle communications or prepare you for necessary statements so that your words do not unintentionally limit recovery. Legal guidance helps ensure that required information is provided while protecting claim value and avoiding admissions that could reduce compensation.
The time to resolve a pedestrian injury claim varies widely based on injury severity, complexity of liability, and whether litigation is required. Some straightforward claims settle within a few months after medical treatment stabilizes and documentation is complete, while contested claims or those requiring litigation can take a year or more to resolve. Factors like the need for expert testimony and court schedules affect timelines. Keeping records updated, following medical recommendations, and cooperating with investigation efforts can help move the claim forward efficiently. A clear case plan and active negotiation often lead to timely resolutions when both sides have a realistic understanding of damages and liability.
