A pickup truck crash can upend your life in an instant, especially on busy Spring Park routes like Shoreline Drive near Lake Minnetonka. Medical appointments, missed work, and insurance calls pile up quickly, and it can be hard to know what to do first. At Metro Law Offices, we help people in Spring Park and across Hennepin County navigate Minnesota’s injury laws after a pickup truck collision. Our team focuses on protecting your rights from day one, coordinating benefits, and pursuing fair compensation so you can focus on healing and getting life back on track.
Because pickup trucks are heavier and often tow equipment or trailers, the forces involved in these crashes can cause significant injuries. Minnesota’s no-fault system offers important benefits, but it can be confusing to access everything you are entitled to. Our goal is to simplify the process, explain your options, and act quickly to preserve evidence unique to truck-related cases. If your collision happened in Spring Park or nearby communities, Metro Law Offices can step in to handle insurers, document your losses, and position your claim for the best possible result under Minnesota law.
After a pickup truck accident, prompt guidance helps level the playing field with insurance companies that move fast to limit payouts. A legal team can coordinate medical benefits under Minnesota’s no-fault rules, track wage loss, and identify all available coverage, including liability, underinsured, and umbrella policies. In Spring Park, collisions may involve trailers, commercial pickups, or multiple policies, making early investigation essential. With a dedicated advocate handling calls, deadlines, and negotiations, you reduce stress and avoid missteps that can undervalue your claim, while building strong documentation that supports a full and fair recovery.
Metro Law Offices is a Minnesota personal injury law firm committed to serving Spring Park and the greater Hennepin County community. We handle motor vehicle cases daily, including pickup truck collisions that raise unique issues like cargo securement, trailer sway, and heightened stopping distances. Our approach is hands-on and local, combining clear communication with thorough case development. We coordinate treatment, collect records, and engage with insurers so our clients can focus on recovery. From first call through resolution, you can expect steady updates, practical guidance, and service shaped around the needs of Spring Park families.
Representation in a pickup truck accident case means more than sending a demand letter. It begins with listening to your story, confirming coverage, and setting up Minnesota no-fault benefits for medical care and wage loss. It continues with investigating fault, preserving evidence like dashcam footage and electronic data, and evaluating how your injuries affect daily life. In Spring Park, crashes may involve lakeside roads, limited shoulders, and seasonal traffic, all of which shape liability. Effective representation aligns these facts with Minnesota law to present a clear, supported claim to the at-fault insurer and your own carriers.
As your claim progresses, your legal team manages deadlines, communicates with adjusters, and works with your providers to document the full scope of your injuries. That includes charting symptoms over time, capturing work restrictions, and accounting for ongoing care. We also investigate every available coverage layer, including underinsured motorist protection, which is common in serious pickup truck crashes. When negotiations begin, your file should speak for itself, with organized records, liability analysis, and a settlement demand that reflects both economic and non-economic losses under Minnesota law.
A pickup truck accident claim seeks compensation for injuries and losses caused by the negligent operation, maintenance, or loading of a pickup truck. That can include rear-end impacts on Shoreline Drive, trailer-related collisions, lane-change crashes with limited visibility, or incidents involving cargo falling from an open bed. In Minnesota, injured people typically start with no-fault benefits for medical expenses and certain wage loss, then pursue additional recovery from the at-fault driver when damages exceed those benefits. Claims may also involve commercial pickups used for work, rideshare interactions, or multiple policies that could provide coverage.
Successful pickup truck claims in Spring Park focus on four pillars: liability, damages, coverage, and timing. Liability requires evidence that another party was negligent, such as unsafe following distances with a loaded truck. Damages must be documented through medical records, wage proofs, and a strong narrative of pain and limitations. Coverage research identifies every applicable policy, including underinsured motorist protection. Timing matters because insurers act quickly, and Minnesota law imposes strict deadlines. A structured process brings these elements together, from benefit setup and investigation through demand, negotiation, and, if needed, filing suit.
Understanding a few core terms will help you follow each step of your Spring Park claim. Minnesota uses a no-fault system for initial medical and wage benefits, while fault-based claims target additional compensation from the at-fault driver. Comparative fault can reduce recovery if both drivers share blame, and statutes of limitation set filing deadlines. Evidence preservation, including spoliation letters, protects key materials like photos, video, and maintenance records. With these concepts in mind, you can better track how your case moves from early benefits to final resolution.
Personal Injury Protection, often called no-fault, provides benefits for medical care and a portion of lost wages after a motor vehicle crash, regardless of who caused it. In a Spring Park pickup truck accident, no-fault can help you get treatment started quickly without waiting for liability decisions. Your attorney can open the claim, submit bills, and address denials or requests for more information. While no-fault helps with immediate needs, it does not compensate for everything. When your losses exceed those benefits, a fault-based claim may seek additional recovery from the at-fault party.
Comparative fault is the rule that your compensation can be reduced if you share responsibility for the crash. Insurers may argue that a driver in Spring Park should have yielded or kept a safer distance from a pickup towing a trailer. A careful investigation counters those arguments by securing witness statements, photos, and reports that clarify what really happened. Even if some responsibility is assigned to you, you may still recover damages so long as your fault does not exceed the other party’s. Accurate evidence collection is key to fair fault allocation.
The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit. Waiting too long can end your ability to recover, even if the facts are strong. In Minnesota, deadlines can vary based on the type of claim and insurance involved, so it is important to act promptly after a Spring Park pickup truck crash. Early action preserves evidence, protects your rights, and keeps your case on track. Your legal team will monitor every deadline, from notice requirements to suit filings, so negotiations do not jeopardize your ability to pursue full compensation.
A spoliation letter is a formal notice sent to an opposing party to preserve evidence relevant to the claim. In pickup truck cases, this may include dashcam video, cargo logs, maintenance records, or telematics. Sending timely notice prevents destruction or loss of critical information that can prove liability. For Spring Park collisions near Lake Minnetonka, nearby business cameras or home security systems may also capture useful footage. Your legal team will identify potential sources, request preservation, and follow up to secure materials that can strengthen your case and protect your rights.
Some pickup truck claims resolve with a limited approach focused on no-fault benefits and a straightforward liability demand. Others need comprehensive representation that digs into complex coverage, multiple drivers, or disputed fault. The right path depends on injury severity, available insurance, and how clearly liability can be shown. In Spring Park, lakeside traffic patterns, tourism, and trailer use can add layers. A thoughtful evaluation early on helps determine whether quick negotiation is realistic or whether deeper investigation, expert consultation, and litigation readiness are needed to protect the value of your claim.
A limited approach may work when liability is clear and injuries resolve quickly with conservative care. Think of a low-speed rear-end impact by an unladen pickup, prompt medical treatment, and a smooth recovery. In those cases, timely no-fault coordination and a focused settlement package can secure fair compensation without prolonged dispute. For Spring Park residents, strong scene photos, immediate medical documentation, and consistent follow-up often encourage an insurer to settle. Even in simpler cases, a measured strategy ensures that wage loss, mileage, and out-of-pocket costs are fully captured and fairly evaluated.
When there is a single at-fault driver with adequate coverage and no conflicting policies, a shorter path to settlement is possible. If the pickup was privately owned, not used for commercial purposes, and there are no disputes about trailer involvement or cargo, negotiations can move faster. In Spring Park, clear police reports, cooperative witnesses, and prompt insurer contact strengthen this approach. While every claim deserves careful attention, streamlined cases may not require extended litigation tactics. The goal is to secure a fair resolution without unnecessary delay or expense, while protecting your rights.
Pickup truck collisions often involve contested narratives, especially when trailers, blind spots, or sudden lane changes are alleged. If your Spring Park crash included multiple vehicles or conflicting accounts, a comprehensive approach is wise. That can include obtaining 911 audio, canvassing for nearby video, and consulting with reconstruction professionals when needed. Insurers may push partial fault to reduce payouts; detailed analysis helps counter those efforts. A broader strategy also identifies additional coverage sources, such as employer policies or underinsured motorist benefits, that could be vital in a serious injury claim.
If injuries are significant, your claim requires careful development over time to measure the full impact on work, family, and daily life. Spring Park residents may need ongoing therapy, specialty evaluations, or future care planning. A comprehensive approach coordinates providers, secures narrative reports, and calculates long-term losses with documentation that is hard to dismiss. It also prepares for advanced negotiations and, if necessary, litigation. This depth helps ensure that settlement discussions reflect the true cost of the crash, not just initial bills, and positions your case to pursue the full recovery available under the law.
A thorough approach improves leverage by aligning strong liability evidence with detailed medical proof and clear damages calculation. For a Spring Park pickup truck collision, that can mean scene photos, vehicle data, and maintenance records combined with organized treatment summaries and wage documentation. The result is a settlement package that reads clearly, anticipates insurer arguments, and demonstrates trial readiness if negotiations stall. This proactive stance often encourages better offers and reduces the risk of surprises later. It also helps clients understand each step, which eases stress throughout the process.
Comprehensive representation also broadens potential recovery by identifying every policy that could apply, including underinsured and umbrella coverage. When combined with consistent communication and timely updates, you always know where your claim stands and what is needed next. In Spring Park, where seasonal traffic patterns and trailer use can complicate claims, this method ensures no key issue is missed. The goal is a complete, well-supported record that reflects your full losses and provides a clear path to resolution through negotiation, mediation, or, when needed, litigation.
Coordinated documentation is the backbone of a strong claim. Medical records should connect symptoms to the pickup truck crash, show consistent treatment, and explain any gaps in care. In Spring Park, we combine that with scene evidence, photos, and statements that clarify how the impact occurred, including trailer dynamics or cargo issues. This alignment helps insurers understand the cause-and-effect relationship between the collision and your losses. When everything is organized and timely, adjusters have fewer grounds to delay, dispute, or undervalue your case, improving the likelihood of a fair settlement.
Thorough coverage analysis can reveal multiple layers of insurance. Beyond the at-fault driver’s policy, there may be employer or commercial coverage if the pickup was used for work, as well as underinsured motorist protection on your own policy. In the Spring Park area, where recreational towing is common, coverage issues can be complex. A careful review identifies all potential sources and preserves your rights under each. This increases the chance of recovering full compensation for medical bills, wage loss, and human damages, rather than stopping at the first, lowest available limit.
If it is safe, take wide and close photos of vehicle positions, skid marks, debris, and trailer connections. Note weather, lighting, and any nearby cameras that might have captured the impact along Shoreline Drive or side streets near Lake Minnetonka. Exchange complete information, including plate numbers for the pickup and any attached trailer. Ask witnesses for contact details. Preserve damaged items like car seats or cargo straps. Early documentation can neutralize later disputes about speed, following distance, or lane use, and it provides a clear foundation for liability analysis.
Insurers often ask for a recorded statement soon after the crash. While cooperation is important, you are not required to guess about details or minimize your symptoms. In pickup truck cases, seemingly small phrasing about trailers, cargo, or speeds can be used to dispute liability. Consider letting your attorney coordinate communications to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the facts are presented accurately. In Spring Park, we routinely handle these calls, provide necessary documentation, and prevent overreaching requests that could harm your claim or unnecessarily delay your benefits.
A lawyer helps you access Minnesota no-fault benefits promptly, organizes medical proof, and builds the liability case needed for settlement. For Spring Park residents, that includes investigating lakeside traffic patterns, trailer issues, and potential commercial involvement. Your attorney shields you from aggressive adjuster tactics and keeps the claim on schedule. If coverage is limited, we explore underinsured and umbrella options to avoid leaving money on the table. The result is a clearer path to fair compensation and less stress while you focus on recovery and family.
Pickup truck claims can become complex quickly, especially when multiple vehicles, disputed fault, or long-term injuries are involved. An attorney coordinates evidence, manages deadlines, and ensures that each part of your damages is properly documented, from medical bills and wage loss to pain and limitations. In Spring Park, seasonal traffic and boat trailer activity can raise unique issues that deserve early attention. With legal support, you gain a structured plan and advocacy during negotiations, mediation, or litigation, improving the likelihood of a resolution that reflects the true impact of the crash.
People often seek help after crashes with pickups that were towing, carrying unsecured cargo, or making sudden lane changes. In Spring Park, collisions near Lake Minnetonka can involve tight shoulders, busy intersections, and seasonal traffic that complicate fault. Rideshare passengers struck by a pickup face unique insurance questions, and commercial pickups may trigger employer coverage. When injuries linger, time away from work adds financial pressure. In these scenarios, a lawyer provides structure and protection, coordinating benefits, preserving evidence, and pursuing compensation across all applicable insurance policies.
Trailers change how a pickup handles, affecting braking, turning, and visibility. A swaying or improperly loaded trailer can cause a collision even at modest speeds. If you were hit by a pickup towing near Spring Park, evidence about the hitch, load securement, and trailer lights can be decisive. Photos, witness accounts, and maintenance records often reveal issues that are not obvious at the scene. Your legal team will move quickly to secure these details, align them with your medical documentation, and present a strong claim to the appropriate insurers.
Shoreline roads around Lake Minnetonka can feature narrow lanes, limited shoulder space, and changing light conditions. Pickup trucks, especially when loaded, need more stopping distance. Debris, construction zones, and parked vehicles can create sudden hazards. If a pickup hit you or forced an evasive maneuver that caused injury, scene documentation is important. We look for nearby video, traffic control devices, and sightline issues that may explain why the crash occurred. A focused Spring Park investigation helps clarify liability and supports fair compensation for the injuries and losses you sustained.
When a rideshare trip is involved, multiple insurance policies may apply, including the rideshare company’s coverage and the at-fault pickup’s policy. The coverage depends on whether the app was on, a passenger was on board, and other factors. If you were a rideshare passenger in Spring Park and a pickup caused the crash, early notice to each insurer is essential. We coordinate no-fault benefits, preserve rideshare logs, and seek liability coverage from the responsible driver. This layered approach helps ensure no avenue for compensation is overlooked during your recovery.
Our firm is built around service, communication, and steady advocacy. We take time to understand your goals and tailor a plan that fits your situation. For Spring Park collisions, that can include quick evidence preservation, thorough coverage checks, and early coordination with your medical team. We keep you updated, return calls promptly, and provide straightforward guidance at every turn. With a focus on organization and preparation, we shape your case for effective negotiation and, if needed, courtroom readiness, always aiming for a resolution that reflects your full losses.
Pickup truck accidents often involve unique factors such as cargo securement, trailer sway, and increased stopping distances. We know how to document those issues and present them clearly to insurers. Our team prepares detailed demand packages that tie the facts to Minnesota law and highlight the full scope of your damages. When adjusters raise defenses or attempt to minimize injuries, we respond with evidence, timelines, and medical support that keep negotiations grounded in reality. The result is a stronger position and a clearer path toward fair compensation.
From the first call, Metro Law Offices handles the details that make a difference. We gather records, track expenses, and identify all coverage that could apply to your Spring Park claim, including underinsured motorist benefits. Throughout your case, you will always know what to expect and what we need from you. If litigation becomes necessary, the groundwork we have laid supports that transition. Our mission is to shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on recovery, family, and returning to normal life with confidence.
Our process is designed to move efficiently while protecting your rights. We start by activating Minnesota no-fault benefits, setting up your claim files, and creating a plan for records and communication. Then we investigate liability, gather evidence, and coordinate with your providers to document injuries and limitations. When your treatment stabilizes or we have sufficient clarity, we prepare a comprehensive demand and begin negotiations. If settlement is not fair, we advance to litigation. At each step, you receive clear updates and practical next steps tailored to your Spring Park case.
We begin with a detailed consultation to understand how the pickup truck crash happened, your injuries, and your goals. Next, we open your no-fault benefits, notify involved insurers, and establish a communication plan to reduce stress and protect your claim. We also outline what documents we will need and how to track expenses and missed work. For Spring Park clients, we identify potential local evidence sources early, such as nearby cameras and businesses. This foundation sets the stage for an organized, well-supported claim from the very start.
Your story drives the case. We listen carefully to understand the sequence of events, vehicle movements, and road conditions around Spring Park. We review your auto and health insurance to confirm coverages like underinsured motorist protection and medical payments. We also identify every insurer that needs notice, including potential employer or commercial policies for the pickup. With a clear picture of benefits and responsibilities, we map out immediate steps for care, documentation, and communication. This clarity helps avoid delays and ensures that important opportunities are not missed.
Early evidence collection shapes outcomes. We send preservation letters when appropriate, request reports, and gather photos, witness statements, and any available video. In trailer-related collisions, we seek information about load securement, maintenance, and lighting. At the same time, we notify insurers, direct them to communicate with us, and begin submitting no-fault materials. This dual track protects your rights and keeps the claim moving. For Spring Park incidents, we often canvas nearby businesses for cameras and document local traffic patterns to support our liability analysis.
As treatment progresses, we deepen the investigation. We obtain complete medical records, employment documentation, and out-of-pocket expenses. We evaluate the pickup’s role, including speed, following distance, and whether a trailer or cargo affected control. We analyze comparative fault arguments and assess all coverage sources. With these pieces in place, we build a clear narrative tying the crash to your losses. For Spring Park claims, we incorporate local road features and seasonal factors that may influence liability. The goal is a well-supported file that is ready for effective negotiation.
Complete records are essential. We collect medical notes, imaging, therapy summaries, and billing statements to show the course of your recovery. We coordinate with providers for narrative letters that explain diagnoses, restrictions, and future care needs. We also gather employment documentation to confirm wage loss and work limitations. In Spring Park cases, we track how injuries affect everyday life, from commuting along Shoreline Drive to family activities around Lake Minnetonka. This documentation paints a full picture of your damages and strengthens the negotiation position.
We align facts with Minnesota law to clarify liability and the value of your claim. That includes addressing comparative fault arguments and identifying any violations such as unsafe following distance or improper cargo securement. We quantify medical expenses, wage loss, and human damages with organized exhibits that are easy for adjusters to understand. For Spring Park collisions, we consider road conditions, lighting, and seasonal traffic. This careful assessment informs a demand that is firm, fair, and supported, making it harder for insurers to deny or devalue your case.
When your claim is ready, we present a comprehensive settlement demand with evidence, medical support, and a clear damages calculation. We negotiate with a plan, addressing defenses and highlighting trial readiness. If the offer is not fair, we discuss filing suit and continue building the case for mediation or trial. Throughout, you remain informed and in control. For Spring Park clients, that means steady updates, timeline expectations, and prompt responses to questions so you understand each decision and its impact on your path to recovery.
Negotiation works best when your case file is complete and organized. We present the facts, address defenses up front, and set a reasonable framework for resolution. If helpful, we engage in mediation with a neutral facilitator to bridge remaining gaps. We continue to update the file with new treatment or bills to keep the evaluation current. For Spring Park cases, we emphasize local road dynamics and practical realities that insurers must account for. Our goal is a fair settlement that reflects the true impact of your injuries and losses.
If negotiations stall, we are prepared to file suit to protect your rights and keep your claim moving. Litigation involves discovery, depositions, and, when appropriate, expert consultations, with ongoing evaluation of settlement options. We manage deadlines, court filings, and strategic decisions, always keeping you informed. For Spring Park collisions, we build the case around clear liability and well-documented damages. Even during litigation, many cases resolve through continued negotiation or mediation. A strong, prepared position helps achieve fair results, whether by settlement or by presenting your case in court.
Ensure safety, call 911, and seek medical care. If you can, take photos of the scene, vehicles, trailer connections, and any debris on Shoreline Drive or nearby roads. Get names and contact information for witnesses, and exchange insurance details with the pickup driver. Report the crash to your insurer but avoid guessing about speeds or injuries. Keep damaged items and save all receipts. Early documentation supports liability and helps your benefits start smoothly. Next, consider contacting Metro Law Offices for guidance. We can activate Minnesota no-fault benefits, coordinate treatment, and handle insurer communications so you can focus on recovery. Our team will work to preserve evidence, identify all available coverage, and evaluate the full scope of your damages. A quick call can prevent missteps that might reduce your claim’s value and ensure the process starts on the right foot.
Minnesota’s no-fault system provides benefits for medical expenses and a portion of wage loss regardless of fault. After a Spring Park pickup truck crash, these benefits help you access care promptly without waiting for the at-fault insurer to accept liability. However, no-fault does not cover everything, and there are documentation requirements and deadlines to follow. Coordinated submission of bills and records prevents delays and denials. If your losses go beyond no-fault benefits, you may pursue a fault-based claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer for additional damages, including pain and limitations. Your attorney evaluates coverage, organizes proof, and presents a demand that reflects your total losses. This two-track process ensures your immediate needs are addressed while also seeking full compensation from the responsible party when the evidence supports liability.
Initially, medical bills and some wage loss are paid through your no-fault Personal Injury Protection coverage, even if the pickup driver caused the crash. Your health insurance may also contribute after no-fault benefits are applied. It is important to submit records and bills correctly to avoid delays. We help set up benefits and respond to insurer requests so your care continues without interruption. When your damages exceed no-fault benefits, you may seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer. That claim can include medical bills, wage loss, and human damages. In Spring Park cases, we also look for other coverage like underinsured motorist protection. Our goal is to assemble a complete picture of your losses and pursue recovery from every applicable policy to help make you financially whole.
Yes, you may still have a claim if you share some responsibility. Minnesota follows comparative fault, which can reduce your recovery by your percentage of fault. Insurers often argue that an injured driver could have reacted differently, especially in pickup truck cases involving trailers. Detailed evidence and careful analysis help ensure fault is allocated fairly. In Spring Park, we use photos, witness statements, reports, and, when helpful, expert input to clarify how the collision occurred. Even if you carry some responsibility, you can still recover so long as your fault does not exceed the other party’s. We will evaluate the facts, address defenses, and present a strong case designed to preserve the value of your claim under Minnesota law.
Timelines vary with injury severity, treatment duration, and how quickly insurers cooperate. Many claims move into negotiations when treatment stabilizes and the long-term picture is clearer. Complex factors, such as disputed fault, multiple vehicles, or commercial pickups, can add time. The key is building a complete file that supports a fair resolution instead of rushing into an undervalued settlement. At Metro Law Offices, we provide timeline expectations based on your Spring Park case and keep you updated at each step. While some claims resolve in negotiations, others may require mediation or litigation to reach a fair result. Our priority is to move efficiently while ensuring your settlement reflects the full scope of your injuries and losses.
Depending on the facts, recoverable damages may include medical expenses, wage loss, diminished earning capacity, and human damages such as pain and limitations. Property damage and out-of-pocket costs are also part of the evaluation. In pickup truck cases, we consider the added forces of impact and how injuries affect your daily life, both now and in the future. For Spring Park residents, we tailor the claim to your circumstances, documenting how the crash changed work, family responsibilities, and activities around Lake Minnetonka. We support each category with records, statements, and, when appropriate, provider opinions. This organized approach helps insurers understand the full value of your claim and encourages a settlement that accounts for all of your losses.
Be cautious. Adjusters may request a recorded statement soon after the crash. While cooperation matters, you are not required to speculate about speeds or minimize symptoms. In pickup truck collisions, small wording about trailer sway or following distance can be used to dispute liability. Consider having your attorney coordinate communications to avoid misunderstandings. Metro Law Offices regularly handles insurer calls for Spring Park clients. We provide necessary information, submit records, and decline overreaching requests that are not required. This protects your claim while keeping the process moving. If a statement is appropriate, we will prepare with you and attend, ensuring the facts are presented accurately and respectfully.
If the pickup was used for work or owned by a business, additional coverage may apply, including employer or commercial policies. These cases can involve different adjusters, more paperwork, and stricter procedures. Early notice and evidence preservation are especially important to protect your rights and ensure relevant materials, like maintenance and employment records, are retained. For Spring Park collisions, we quickly identify whether commercial coverage is involved and send the appropriate notices. We then coordinate benefits, gather records, and pursue recovery across all policies. This comprehensive approach helps prevent gaps and increases the likelihood of a fair settlement that reflects the full scope of your injuries and financial losses.
We offer a free, no-pressure consultation to explain your options and how fees work. Injury cases are typically handled on a contingency fee, which means you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. We discuss costs, percentages, and expectations up front so there are no surprises as your case progresses. At Metro Law Offices, transparency matters. We put our fee agreement in writing and keep you informed about case expenses and potential outcomes. If you have questions at any point, we address them promptly. Call 651-615-3322 to discuss your Spring Park pickup truck accident and learn how we can help without any upfront attorney fee.
Many cases settle before a lawsuit is filed, and many lawsuits settle before trial. Whether your Spring Park claim goes to court depends on factors like liability disputes, injury severity, and insurer willingness to make a fair offer. We prepare every file as if it could go to trial, which often encourages reasonable negotiation. If litigation becomes necessary, we guide you through each step, including discovery, depositions, and mediation. We continue to evaluate settlement opportunities while preparing to present your case in court if needed. Our focus is on achieving a fair resolution, whether through a well-negotiated settlement or, when appropriate, by proceeding to trial.
