When you’re suffering after an accident in Oxnard, finding the right personal injury lawyer isn’t just important—it’s essential. We understand that navigating medical bills, insurance claims, and lost wages while trying to recover can feel overwhelming. That’s why connecting with a skilled Oxnard personal injury attorney should be your top priority.
Our comprehensive directory features experienced personal injury lawyers in Oxnard who specialize in helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident on Highway 101, suffered a slip and fall at The Collection, or experienced workplace injuries at the Port of Hueneme, we’ll help you find legal representation that understands local laws and has a proven track record of success in Ventura County courts.
Why You Need an Oxnard Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident
Navigating Complex Legal Procedures
Hiring an Oxnard personal injury lawyer provides essential guidance through complicated legal processes after an accident. California personal injury law involves numerous procedural requirements, filing deadlines, and legal documentation that can overwhelm injured victims. Our directory features attorneys who handle these complexities daily, allowing you to focus on recovery rather than deciphering legal jargon. Professional representation ensures your case follows proper protocols, preventing potentially costly procedural mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies employ tactics designed to minimize payouts, making professional representation crucial after an Oxnard accident. These companies maintain teams of adjusters and attorneys whose primary goal is protecting their employer’s financial interests. Without proper legal representation, you might accept settlements far below what your injuries merit. Oxnard personal injury lawyers understand insurance company strategies and can counter lowball offers, aggressive tactics, and attempts to shift blame. Their negotiation expertise typically results in settlements 3-4 times larger than what unrepresented claimants receive.
Accurately Calculating Damages
Determining the full extent of compensation you deserve requires specialized knowledge that experienced Oxnard injury attorneys possess. Beyond immediate medical expenses, numerous damages factors into personal injury settlements, including:
- Future medical treatments and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Emotional distress considerations
- Property damage reimbursement
Our directory includes lawyers who work with medical experts, economists, and life-care planners to accurately calculate both economic and non-economic damages, ensuring your settlement reflects the true impact of your injuries.
Local Legal Knowledge and Connections
Oxnard personal injury lawyers bring valuable local expertise that significantly strengthens your case. These attorneys maintain established relationships with Ventura County courts, local medical providers, and area law enforcement. Their familiarity with local judges, court procedures, and Oxnard insurance defense firms provides strategic advantages when advocating for your case. Additionally, their connections with local accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and investigators create a comprehensive support network that substantiates your claim with compelling evidence.
Contingency Fee Arrangements
Financial accessibility makes professional legal representation available to all accident victims in Oxnard, regardless of their current situation. Most personal injury attorneys in our directory work on contingency fee arrangements, meaning they collect payment only if they secure compensation for you. This arrangement typically involves:
- No upfront legal fees
- No hourly billing concerns
- Payment calculated as a percentage of your settlement
- Free initial consultations to evaluate your case
This payment structure aligns the attorney’s interests with yours and provides access to high-quality legal representation without additional financial burden during your recovery.
5 Qualities to Look for in an Oxnard Personal Injury Lawyer
Experience with California Personal Injury Law
Experience with California personal injury law is the foundation of effective legal representation. Look for attorneys who have spent years specifically handling personal injury cases in Ventura County and understand the nuances of local regulations. Firms like Schurmer Reese Davies bring over 45 years of specialized experience in personal injury and wrongful death claims throughout Oxnard and surrounding areas. This deep expertise ensures your lawyer can navigate complex statutes, identify applicable laws to your specific situation, and anticipate potential legal challenges unique to California’s legal framework.
Track Record of Successful Settlements
A proven track record of successful settlements demonstrates a lawyer’s ability to deliver results. Seek attorneys who can show documented evidence of substantial compensation secured for past clients in cases similar to yours. The best Oxnard personal injury lawyers maintain portfolios of their successful verdicts and settlements, allowing you to assess their effectiveness in negotiation and litigation. Past performance often indicates how aggressively a lawyer will fight for maximum compensation rather than accepting quick, inadequate settlement offers from insurance companies.
Clear Communication Skills
Clear communication skills separate exceptional lawyers from merely competent ones. Your attorney should explain complex legal concepts in straightforward terms, provide regular case updates, and promptly respond to your questions. Look for lawyers who listen attentively during your initial consultation, demonstrate empathy toward your situation, and establish realistic expectations about your case timeline and potential outcomes. The ability to clearly communicate extends to negotiations with insurance companies and courtroom presentations, directly impacting your case’s success.
Resources to Investigate Your Case
Resources to investigate your case thoroughly are critical for building compelling evidence. Top Oxnard personal injury lawyers maintain networks of accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and investigators who can strengthen your claim. Assess whether a firm has sufficient staff and financial resources to properly document your injuries, analyze accident scenes, interview witnesses, and consult with relevant experts. Well-resourced firms can front the costs for comprehensive investigations, expert testimonies, and demonstrative evidence that can significantly increase your compensation amount.
Transparent Fee Structure
Transparent fee structure provides peace of mind during an already stressful time. Most reputable Oxnard personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect payment if they secure compensation for you. During your initial consultation, the lawyer should clearly explain their percentage fee, any additional costs you might incur, and how disbursements are handled. Look for attorneys who provide written fee agreements detailing all potential expenses and who are willing to answer questions about financial aspects without hesitation or vague responses.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases Handled by Oxnard Attorneys
Oxnard personal injury lawyers specialize in various types of cases to help victims receive the compensation they deserve. Understanding these common case types can help you determine if your situation qualifies for legal representation.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents represent the most frequent type of personal injury cases in Oxnard. These include car accidents, motorcycle collisions, truck crashes, bus incidents, Uber & Lyft accidents, and boating mishaps. Most motor vehicle cases stem from clear negligence such as reckless driving, DUI offenses, right-of-way violations, running red lights, or distracted driving. Oxnard attorneys with specialized experience in these cases understand the complex insurance regulations and can identify multiple liable parties to maximize your compensation.
Slip and Fall Incidents
Slip and fall accidents occur regularly throughout Oxnard and can result in serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, and spinal damage. These cases require proving that a property owner failed to maintain safe premises or neglected to address known hazards. Oxnard personal injury lawyers gather critical evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements to establish liability. They understand the nuances of premises liability law and can help overcome the challenges of proving negligence in these often complicated cases.
Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries affect numerous Oxnard residents annually, particularly in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. These cases often involve navigating both workers’ compensation claims and potential third-party liability suits. Experienced Oxnard attorneys help injured workers secure benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent disabilities. They also identify when workplace accidents result from defective equipment, contractor negligence, or OSHA violations that may enable additional compensation beyond standard workers’ compensation benefits.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice cases involve healthcare professionals failing to provide appropriate standard of care, resulting in patient harm. Oxnard personal injury lawyers who handle these complex cases work with medical experts to establish negligence in situations involving surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, or birth injuries. They navigate California’s strict medical malpractice laws, including damage caps and specific filing requirements. These specialized attorneys understand the medical terminology and standards necessary to build compelling cases against healthcare providers and institutions.
Product Liability Claims
Product liability claims arise when defective or dangerous products cause injury to consumers. Oxnard attorneys handling these cases pursue compensation from manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for design defects, manufacturing flaws, or inadequate warning labels. They investigate product history, similar incidents, and regulatory compliance to establish liability. Product liability cases in Oxnard cover everything from defective auto parts and dangerous medications to faulty household appliances and contaminated food products, requiring specialized legal knowledge to navigate successfully.
The Personal Injury Claim Process in Oxnard, California
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
The first step in pursuing a personal injury claim in Oxnard involves meeting with a qualified attorney for an initial consultation. This consultation is typically offered free of charge and serves as an opportunity for the lawyer to evaluate the merits of your case. During this meeting, the attorney will discuss your legal rights, available options, and assess the potential for securing a successful settlement or lawsuit. They’ll carefully examine the circumstances surrounding your injury, evaluate the extent of your damages, and determine whether another party’s negligence can be established as the cause of your injuries.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Following the initial consultation, your Oxnard personal injury attorney will launch a comprehensive investigation to build a strong foundation for your claim. This crucial phase involves collecting and analyzing various forms of evidence to establish liability and document the full extent of your damages. Your lawyer will gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, expert testimonies, and photographic evidence from the accident scene. They may also work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other professionals to strengthen your case with authoritative evidence that clearly demonstrates fault and the impact of your injuries.
Filing Deadlines and Legal Requirements
Adhering to California’s strict legal deadlines is essential when pursuing a personal injury claim in Oxnard. Personal injury cases in California typically must be filed within two years of the accident date, though certain circumstances may alter this timeframe. Your attorney will ensure all necessary documentation is properly prepared and submitted within these critical deadlines. They’ll also handle all procedural requirements, including filing the initial complaint, serving the defendant, and managing all court-mandated paperwork throughout your case. This attention to legal requirements helps prevent potentially devastating procedural errors that could jeopardize your right to compensation.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Once your case is properly documented and filed, your Oxnard personal injury lawyer will initiate negotiations with the relevant insurance companies. These negotiations require skill and experience, as insurance adjusters often employ tactics designed to minimize settlement amounts. Your attorney will present a compelling demand package that thoroughly documents liability and the full scope of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Using their knowledge of similar case outcomes and local settlement trends, they’ll advocate aggressively to secure fair compensation that reflects the true value of your claim rather than the insurance company’s initial lowball offers.
Trial Preparation and Representation
While most personal injury cases in Oxnard reach settlement before trial, your attorney will prepare your case as if it will proceed to court. This thorough preparation involves organizing evidence, preparing witnesses, developing persuasive legal arguments, and anticipating defense strategies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will provide skilled courtroom representation throughout the trial process. They’ll present your case to the judge or jury using compelling arguments and evidence, cross-examine witnesses, address procedural matters, and work diligently to secure a favorable verdict that fully compensates you for your injuries and losses.
How Oxnard Personal Injury Lawyers Calculate Compensation
Experienced Oxnard personal injury lawyers utilize specific methodologies to accurately calculate fair compensation for accident victims. These calculations involve several key components that directly impact the value of your claim.
Medical Expenses and Ongoing Treatment
Medical expenses form a fundamental part of economic damages in personal injury claims. Oxnard attorneys meticulously document all healthcare costs, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and any treatments you’ve undergone since your accident. They factor in expenses for physical therapy, prescribed medications, laboratory tests, and diagnostic procedures necessary for your recovery. Future medical interventions are also calculated based on expert medical testimony and documentation from healthcare providers regarding your diagnosis, treatment plan, and long-term prognosis. Comprehensive medical documentation strengthens your claim by establishing the full extent of your injuries and associated costs.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
Lost wages represent a crucial economic damage component that Oxnard personal injury lawyers carefully calculate. They document all income you’ve lost while recovering from your injuries, including missed workdays, reduced hours, or inability to perform job functions. Beyond immediate wage losses, attorneys assess diminished earning capacity—how your injuries affect your ability to earn income in the future. This assessment often involves economic experts who analyze your occupation, skills, education, and projected career trajectory to determine lifetime earning losses. Thorough documentation of employment records, income history, and expert testimony helps establish the full financial impact of your injuries on your professional life.
Pain and Suffering Considerations
Oxnard personal injury lawyers understand that not all damages are economic. Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life resulting from your injuries. Attorneys calculate these non-economic damages using various methods, including the multiplier approach (multiplying economic damages by a factor based on injury severity) or the per diem method (assigning a daily rate for pain experienced). They document your suffering through medical records, personal journals, testimony from family members, and psychological evaluations. Experienced attorneys effectively communicate how your injuries have impacted your daily activities, relationships, and overall enjoyment of life to maximize this aspect of your compensation.
Property Damage Assessment
Property damage calculations involve determining the fair value of any personal property damaged in your accident. In vehicle accident cases, Oxnard personal injury lawyers document the cost of repairs or replacement value of your vehicle if it’s deemed a total loss. They also include compensation for personal items damaged during the incident, such as electronics, clothing, or other valuables. Attorneys gather repair estimates, replacement receipts, and pre-accident valuation documentation to support your property damage claim. They may consult with specialized appraisers to establish accurate values for unique or high-value items, ensuring you receive appropriate compensation for all material losses resulting from the accident.
When to Contact an Oxnard Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident
1. Immediately Following Medical Treatment
Contact an Oxnard personal injury lawyer right after receiving medical care for your injuries. Seeking prompt medical attention isn’t just crucial for your health—it creates essential documentation of your injuries that strengthens your case. Medical records establish a direct link between the accident and your injuries, preventing insurance companies from claiming your injuries came from another source. California’s statute of limitations gives you two years to file a personal injury claim, but waiting diminishes your chances of preserving crucial evidence.
2. Before Speaking with Insurance Companies
Reach out to a personal injury attorney before engaging with any insurance adjuster. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims quickly, hoping to secure statements that minimize their liability. These adjusters often use seemingly innocent questions to extract harmful admissions. An experienced Oxnard personal injury lawyer shields you from these tactics and handles all communication with insurers, ensuring your rights remain protected throughout the claims process.
3. When Facing Mounting Medical Bills
Connect with a lawyer when medical expenses begin accumulating after your accident. Hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation therapy create substantial financial burdens during recovery. Personal injury attorneys in Oxnard work diligently to secure compensation covering both current and future medical expenses related to your injuries, preventing these costs from causing lasting financial harm to you and your family.
4. After Experiencing Lost Wages or Income
Consult a personal injury lawyer when your injuries prevent you from working. Lost income compounds the financial stress of an accident, especially when recovery requires extended time away from your job. Oxnard personal injury attorneys calculate not just your immediate lost wages but also diminished earning capacity if your injuries cause long-term work limitations, ensuring you receive fair compensation for all income-related losses.
5. When Dealing with Serious or Permanent Injuries
Seek legal representation immediately if you’ve suffered severe or permanent injuries. Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations dramatically impact your quality of life and future earning potential. These complex cases require specialized legal expertise to properly value long-term care needs, ongoing medical treatment, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering that significantly affect your life moving forward.
Questions to Ask During Your Initial Consultation with an Injury Attorney
When meeting with an Oxnard personal injury lawyer for the first time, asking the right questions can help you determine if they’re the best fit for your case. Here are essential questions to ask during your initial consultation:
Have You Handled Cases Similar to Mine?
Before hiring a personal injury attorney, confirm they have experience with cases similar to yours. Ask for specific examples of past cases that resemble your situation and inquire about their outcomes. An experienced Oxnard lawyer should be able to provide details about previous settlements or verdicts in comparable cases without breaching confidentiality. Request testimonials or recommendations from former clients to gauge their satisfaction with the attorney’s representation.
How Long Have You Practiced Personal Injury Law?
Experience matters significantly in personal injury cases. Ask how many years the attorney has specialized in personal injury law, particularly in Oxnard and Ventura County. Lawyers with extensive experience will be familiar with local courts, judges, and insurance companies operating in the area. This knowledge can prove invaluable when navigating the complexities of your case and anticipating potential challenges.
What’s Your Fee Structure?
Understanding the financial aspects of your representation is crucial. Most Oxnard personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Ask what percentage they charge, whether this percentage changes if your case goes to trial, and if there are any other costs you might be responsible for regardless of the outcome. Request a written fee agreement that clearly outlines all financial arrangements.
Who Will Handle My Case Directly?
Many law firms assign cases to associates or paralegals after the initial consultation. Ask who will be your primary point of contact and who will be handling the day-to-day aspects of your case. Will you work directly with the attorney you’re meeting with, or will your case be handed off to someone else? Understanding the communication structure helps set appropriate expectations about accessibility and responsiveness.
What’s Your Assessment of My Case?
A reputable Oxnard personal injury lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case’s strengths and weaknesses. Ask about potential challenges, the approximate value of your claim, and the likelihood of reaching a settlement versus going to trial. While no attorney can guarantee specific outcomes, experienced lawyers can offer informed predictions based on similar cases they’ve handled in the Oxnard area.
How Long Will My Case Take?
While it’s impossible to provide an exact timeline, ask for an estimated duration of your case based on the attorney’s experience with similar claims. Inquire about factors that might extend or expedite the process and how the lawyer plans to handle potential delays. Understanding the typical timeline helps you prepare mentally and financially for the journey ahead.
How Do You Communicate With Clients?
Effective communication is essential in attorney-client relationships. Ask how frequently you can expect updates on your case and through what channels (email, phone, in-person meetings). Inquire about their typical response time to client inquiries and whether they have a system for urgent matters. A lawyer’s communication style should align with your preferences and needs.
What Resources Do You Have to Investigate My Case?
Personal injury cases often require thorough investigation and expert testimony. Ask about the resources the lawyer has available, including relationships with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and investigators. Oxnard personal injury lawyers with robust networks of professionals can build stronger cases and more accurately value your claim.
How to Afford an Oxnard Personal Injury Lawyer: Fee Structures Explained
Contingency Fee Arrangements
Contingency fees make quality legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation. Under this arrangement, you pay nothing upfront or during your case. Instead, your Oxnard personal injury lawyer only collects payment if they win your case or secure a settlement. The fee typically ranges from 33% to 40% of your final compensation amount. For example, if your settlement is $100,000 and your attorney charges a 35% contingency fee, they’ll receive $35,000, leaving you with $65,000. This payment structure aligns your lawyer’s interests with yours—they only get paid when you do.
Initial Consultation Costs
Most reputable Oxnard personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations. During this meeting, you can discuss your case details, ask questions about the attorney’s experience, and learn about their approach without any financial commitment. Take advantage of these free consultations to interview multiple lawyers before making your decision. This allows you to find the right legal representation without spending money upfront.
Case-Related Expenses
Beyond attorney fees, personal injury cases involve various expenses such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, medical record retrieval costs, and investigation expenses. Ask potential attorneys how they handle these costs. Some law firms cover these expenses throughout your case and deduct them from your settlement later. Others might require you to pay certain costs as they arise. Understanding this arrangement before hiring an attorney prevents unexpected financial surprises.
Fee Structure Transparency
Always request clear documentation of the fee structure before signing any agreement. Reputable Oxnard personal injury lawyers provide written fee agreements that outline all potential costs, the contingency percentage, and how case expenses will be handled. This transparency ensures you understand exactly what to expect financially throughout your case. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if any part of the fee agreement seems unclear—a good attorney will take time to explain everything thoroughly.
No Recovery, No Fee Guarantee
The “no recovery, no fee” policy offers significant financial protection for accident victims. If your case doesn’t result in compensation, you typically won’t owe attorney fees. This arrangement removes the financial risk of pursuing a personal injury claim, allowing you to seek justice without worrying about legal bills. Before hiring a lawyer, confirm that they offer this guarantee and understand any exceptions that might apply.
Local Advantages of Hiring an Oxnard-Based Personal Injury Attorney
Familiarity with Local Laws and Regulations
Oxnard-based personal injury attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of California’s specific legal framework as it applies to Ventura County. They’re intimately familiar with local statutes of limitations, liability rules, and compensation limits that directly impact your case. This localized expertise enables them to navigate the complexities of Oxnard’s legal landscape with precision, identifying opportunities and potential challenges that out-of-town attorneys might miss. Local attorneys understand exactly how state laws are interpreted and applied within Oxnard’s jurisdiction, giving your case a significant advantage from the start.
Knowledge of Local Courts and Judges
Working with an Oxnard personal injury lawyer provides you with representation from someone who regularly appears in Ventura County Superior Court. These attorneys have firsthand experience with local court procedures, filing requirements, and scheduling practices that can significantly impact your case timeline. They’ve developed professional relationships with court staff, clerks, and administrators that help facilitate smoother proceedings. Additionally, local attorneys understand the tendencies and preferences of Ventura County judges, allowing them to tailor arguments and presentation styles accordingly. This insider knowledge can prove invaluable when strategizing your case approach and anticipating how specific legal issues might be decided.
What to Do While Your Personal Injury Case Is Pending in Oxnard
Finding the right Oxnard personal injury lawyer is just the beginning of your journey toward justice. After securing legal representation we recommend focusing on your medical treatment and following your doctor’s orders completely.
Document everything related to your accident and injuries including pain levels treatments and how the injury affects your daily life. This documentation strengthens your case significantly.
Stay off social media or at minimum avoid discussing your case accident or injuries online. Insurance companies monitor these platforms looking for statements that could hurt your claim.
Trust your attorney’s expertise and maintain regular communication about any changes in your condition. With the right legal team on your side you’ll be well-positioned to receive the compensation you deserve while focusing on what matters most—your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a personal injury lawyer in Oxnard?
A personal injury lawyer helps navigate complex legal procedures, ensures you don’t miss filing deadlines, and handles insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. Statistics show represented claimants typically receive settlements 3-4 times larger than unrepresented individuals. Attorneys also accurately calculate all potential damages, including future medical costs and pain and suffering, while working on a contingency fee basis so you pay nothing upfront.
How soon after an accident should I contact an attorney?
Contact an attorney as soon as possible after receiving medical treatment. Early legal intervention prevents costly mistakes when dealing with insurance companies and ensures critical evidence is preserved. Don’t give recorded statements to insurers before speaking with a lawyer. Prompt legal consultation is especially important when facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, or serious injuries, as California has strict filing deadlines.
What types of cases do Oxnard personal injury lawyers handle?
Oxnard personal injury lawyers typically handle motor vehicle accidents (car, truck, motorcycle), slip and fall incidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and product liability claims. Each case type requires specialized knowledge of relevant laws and regulations. Experienced attorneys evaluate the unique circumstances of your situation to determine liability and pursue appropriate compensation strategies.
How do personal injury lawyers calculate compensation?
Personal injury lawyers calculate compensation by factoring in medical expenses (current and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering (using multiplier or per diem methods), property damage, and rehabilitation costs. They may consult with medical and economic experts to accurately project long-term financial impacts of injuries, ensuring all potential damages are accounted for in settlement negotiations.
What should I ask during an initial consultation?
Ask about the attorney’s experience with similar cases, their success record, fee structure, who will directly handle your case, their assessment of your claim’s strengths and weaknesses, estimated timeline, communication methods, and investigation resources. These questions help determine if the lawyer has the expertise and approach that matches your needs. Most reputable attorneys offer free initial consultations.
How do contingency fee arrangements work?
Contingency fee arrangements mean you pay nothing upfront and the attorney only gets paid if they win your case, typically taking a percentage (usually 33-40%) of the settlement amount. This arrangement aligns your attorney’s interests with yours and provides access to quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation. Be sure to discuss any potential case-related expenses and get all fee agreements in writing.
What are the advantages of hiring a local Oxnard attorney?
Local Oxnard attorneys understand California’s specific personal injury laws, local court procedures, and filing deadlines. They have established relationships with local judges, court staff, and medical providers that can benefit your case. Their familiarity with Oxnard insurance practices, liability rules, and typical settlement values for various injuries in Ventura County gives you a strategic advantage in negotiations.
How long will my personal injury case take?
Most personal injury cases take between 3-18 months to resolve, depending on case complexity, injury severity, and whether settlement is possible or trial becomes necessary. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within months, while complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take longer. Your attorney can provide a more specific timeline after evaluating your unique circumstances.