Mediating Your Stockton Car Accident Case: Learn About the Role of a Stockton Car Accident Mediator
After a car accident in Stockton, many people may wonder if going through the litigation process and a full-blown trial is the only way to get justice under California personal injury laws. Indeed, many Stockton car accident victims assume that the only way to resolve their claim is through a lawsuit or a lengthy court battle, and they are not aware of an alternative way to resolve their case: mediation. In Stockton, the mediation process is commonly used to help injured Stockton car accident victims reach an agreement with the negligent or otherwise at-fault party (and their insurance company) who injured them without going to trial. Mediation can take place at many stages of a Stockton car accident case, and can often be a quicker, less expensive, and even less stressful way to resolve an injured car accident victim’s claims.
One important element of any Stockton car accident mediation is a person called a “mediator.” But who exactly is the mediator, and what is the role of a mediator in a Stockton car accident case? We answer those questions here.
Who is the Mediator in a Stockton Car Accident Mediation?
Stockton car accident victims who are interested in mediation as an option to resolve their claims may wonder who exactly a mediator is. Simply put, a mediator is a neutral third party who helps the injured car accident victim and the liable party (and in many cases, their insurance company) work through the issues in the case towards an agreement. Importantly, the mediator is not a judge, does not take sides, and does not decide who is right or wrong. Rather, the mediator is typically a retired judge or a lawyer who is experienced in car accident lawsuits. In a Stockton car accident case, the mediator is there to guide the negotiations and help both sides communicate more effectively, so that they may ultimately resolve the case.
What is the Role of a Mediator in a Stockton Car Accident Mediation?
The truth is that without a mediator present, it would be unlikely that an injured car accident victim and the liable party would sit down calmly to resolve the injured victim’s claims. This is where a mediator comes in. The role of a mediator is to help the parties explore possible solutions, understand each other’s positions, and see whether they can reach a settlement. The mediator may meet with both sides together or separately, ask questions, point out areas of agreement, and help keep the conversation productive. The mediator does not give legal advice or force anyone to accept an outcome. The mediator’s job is only to assist the parties in reaching a voluntary resolution if possible. If the parties do reach an agreement, they may enter into a memorandum of understanding or a settlement agreement.
Getting Legal Help with Your Stockton Car Accident Mediation
If you are in the Stockton area and you need legal help with your car accident case, or you are set to go to mediation and need a strong legal advocate by your side, contact the experienced Stockton car accident lawyers at The Law Firm of R. Sam. The experienced Stockton car accident lawyers at The Law Firm of R. Sam are here to help victims of serious car accidents in Modesto, California and Stockton, California get compensation due for their injuries and losses. Contact The Law Firm of R. Sam today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.