What Happens After You Hire Us

After a serious injury or a wrongful death, your life fills with decisions you never asked for. Medical visits stack up. Bills arrive. Insurance calls interrupt your day. Family members step into roles they never expected. You may feel pressure to move fast when your body and mind need time to recover.

When you hire Jackson and Wilson, you gain a team that steps in to carry the weight. The work starts immediately. The goal stays simple. Protect you, preserve the truth, and prepare your case with the care it deserves.

This page shares an overview of what we do in accident and collision cases and what we recommend experienced lawyers do. Not every step applies to every case. Many steps happen at the same time. Certain methods remain internal because we protect our work product. You still deserve to know the level of attention that goes into a well prepared case

We start with your needs and your timeline

We talk with you about what happened, how you feel, and what you need right now. We help you deal with urgent issues connected to the collision and the impact on your household.

We help you access quality medical care

We support you in getting treatment or surgery through your own doctor. We can also recommend well respected medical experts in the community when you want help finding the right care.

We identify the responsible parties and the legal path

We determine the correct defendants and theories of liability. We research the law and potential causes of action. We look for every source of responsibility supported by the facts.

We coordinate insurance and medical payments

We coordinate payment of medical bills through health insurance and automobile medical payments coverage. We handle medical liens when needed so providers receive payment at the end of the case and you avoid out of pocket strain.

We gather key reports and early proof

We obtain the traffic collision report. We notify all interested parties by telephone and in writing that we represent you. We begin building the case record from day one.

We investigate drivers, owners, and witnesses

We use an investigator to interview drivers and witnesses by phone or in person depending on the facts. We obtain declarations under oath from important witnesses. We contact each driver and send the registered owner a detailed questionnaire to capture their account. We send a declaration asking the at fault driver to admit responsibility.

We track and confirm all insurance coverage

We request disclosure of all insurance coverage for each driver and owner, including automobile, homeowner, and umbrella coverage. We contact insurance companies and claim adjusters for each driver and owner and document every communication.

We request records based on the type of case

Different cases require different records. Auto, motorcycle, large truck, premises cases, professional malpractice, dog bites, brain injury, paralysis, burns, assaults, batteries, and wrongful death each involve targeted document requests. We tailor requests to the facts and the claim.

We preserve evidence before it fades

We make a formal demand to preserve all evidence. We identify whether any driver acted in the scope and course of employment so we can evaluate company responsibility and additional insurance or assets.

We capture witness detail in writing

We send a detailed questionnaire to each witness requesting a full description of what they saw. Written witness information helps preserve accuracy.

We complete required DMV reporting and requests

We send the DMV an accident report required by California law. We request insurance disclosure through the DMV process when needed.

We investigate the scene and the vehicles

We document the scene with photographs and video, including perspectives each driver had on approach, road design, obstructions, skid marks, and property damage. We locate vehicles at tow yards or storage facilities and document damage with photographs and video.

We collect and preserve physical evidence

We collect and preserve evidence such as broken glass, damaged tires, seat belt defects, and damaged clothing when the facts call for it. We protect items that may later explain how injuries occurred.

We handle practical property damage needs

We coordinate rental transportation when appropriate. We investigate repair costs or replacement value for vehicles and damaged property such as phones and glasses. We negotiate repair or replacement with the adjuster. We coordinate reimbursement of your deductible.

We collect medical records and billing

We obtain complete medical records and billing. We coordinate payment through appropriate coverage sources. We keep your file organized and updated as treatment continues.

We document lost income and out of pocket losses

We use focused documentation to confirm lost earnings and employment benefits. We document out of pocket expenses tied to the collision.

Additional Steps In Wrongful Death Matters

We coordinate independent autopsy when needed
We support the family through decisions about an independent autopsy when the situation calls for it.

We handle funeral related costs and benefits issues

We coordinate funeral expense documentation. We coordinate veteran benefits when applicable. We refer the family to an estate planning specialist to review and update documents. We review life insurance policies for available benefits. We calculate financial losses such as income and retirement benefits.

We document the relationship and loss

We conduct extensive interviews with surviving family members to understand the relationship and the depth of loss, including love, society, companionship, and affection.

Building the Case Toward Settlement Or Trial

We explain the legal theories and the plan

We counsel you on the legal theories, responsible parties, and causes of action. We keep the plan clear so you understand each step.

We investigate assets and background

We conduct an asset background check on the defendant, including real estate and other relevant financial information.

We research similar results and review our own prior work

We search for settlements and verdicts in similar cases. We pull and review prior cases handled by our firm along with legal analysis, pleadings, discovery, and trial materials that inform strategy.

We build the settlement demand package with depth

We prepare a written demand package that includes facts, the collision report, liability analysis, injury description, treatment course, medical records and bills, lost earnings, out of pocket losses, and our assessment of similar settlements and verdicts. We include supporting opinions from medical, economic, reconstruction, or biomechanical experts when needed. We include photographs, charts, and other exhibits. We often prepare a draft lawsuit early as part of readiness.

We prepare trial themes early

Early in the case, we prepare draft jury instructions and begin outlines of opening and closing arguments. This work keeps the case focused and helps guide every decision.

We negotiate with purpose and keep you informed

We coordinate settlement dialogue and share material developments with you. We apply decades of experience and thousands of cases to negotiate within your authority. You make the final decision on settlement.

When A Case Requires Litigation

We conduct additional legal research when needed

We reassess the law and the available causes of action as facts develop.

We file the lawsuit and control deadlines

We prepare the Superior Court summons and complaint and file them with the civil cover sheet. We calendar every post filing deadline, including service and return of summons.

We evaluate the assigned judge

We review the assigned judge and file a request for a new judge when appropriate.

We retain experts and locate defendants for service

We contact and retain consulting and trial experts. We use investigators and services to locate defendants when needed for proper service.

We serve the lawsuit and  statement of damages 

We serve the summons, complaint and a statement of damages. We send a letter explaining the defendant’s first party bad faith rights against their own insurance company.

We review defense filings and open a line of communication

We review answers, demurrers, and motions to strike. We call defense counsel to introduce ourselves and discuss case issues and potential settlement.

We manage discovery and protect you through it

We review defense discovery requests, including form interrogatories, special interrogatories, document demands, and deposition notices. We send you clear instructions. We calculate all due dates. We prepare and serve verified responses.

We serve your discovery and take key depositions

We prepare and serve your discovery to the defense, including interrogatories, requests for admissions, document demands, and deposition notices. We attend case management conferences. We prepare you for deposition and attend with you. We take depositions of defendants and important witnesses in person or by video.

We handle medical exams requested by the defense

We review independent medical exam demands. We provide you instructions. We respond with written conditions when needed. We attend and document the process by recording or video. We review the doctor’s report.

We keep discovery current through the life of the case

We respond to supplemental discovery. We serve supplemental discovery to the defense. We attend continued conferences and secure a trial date. We send you mandatory dates and the trial date.

We prepare for mediation or arbitration

We coordinate court ordered or voluntary mediation or arbitration. We prepare briefs and supporting documents. We prepare you for the session. We attend with you and present the case. If the case resolves, we prepare settlement documents, file notices, deposit funds into trust, and disburse funds with a detailed final statement.

When A Case Proceeds Toward Trial

We handle summary judgment motions when required

We prepare and file oppositions. We also prepare motions on your behalf when facts support them.

We manage expert exchange and expert depositions

We serve a demand for exchange of expert information. We respond to expert exchange demands. We notice and take expert depositions. We coordinate depositions of your experts taken by the defense.

We manage every pretrial deadline

We calendar and comply with mandatory pretrial discovery and trial document dates, often dozens of separate deadlines. We file jury fees and schedule pretrial conferences with opposing counsel.

We complete final evidence collection

We obtain final medical records and billing. We secure photos, video, and exhibits for trial.

We prepare the trial structure and required joint documents

We prepare motions in limine. We coordinate joint exhibit lists, statements of the case, stipulated facts, jury instructions, witness lists, verdict forms, and other required documents with opposing counsel.

We prepare the case for courtroom presentation

We complete final work on jury selection, opening statement, direct examination, cross examination, and closing argument. We prepare witnesses and ensure attendance through coordination and subpoenas when necessary.

If The Case Does Not Settle (and most do), We Try The Case

This is what we do when the other side is unreasonable and refused to settle your case. We’re good at this and the insurance companies know it. Our jury trial verdicts are the reason our partners have received top independent awards in ability and ethics and,  even named an Orange County Trial Lawyer of the Year (2009) California Litigation Lawyer of The Year (2013).

We handle post trial motions and appeal issues when needed

We review and oppose post trial motions. We attend hearings. We coordinate with you on appeal issues and representation when appropriate.

A Clear Note About Outcomes

Every case turns on its own facts, evidence, and the decisions of insurers, judges, and juries. Past results do not predict future outcomes. Strong preparation and steady guidance support the best possible positioning of your case within the legal process.

If you are carrying fear, confusion, or pressure after an injury or a loss, clear support changes everything. A well prepared case protects your story, your recovery, and your future decisions.