Looking For A Stockton
Car Accident Attorney?
Car Accident Lawyer Stockton
Expert Support for the Most Critical Times
Car accidents can change someone’s life in an instant, leaving them with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, emotional trauma, and away from work. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Stockton car crash, you need a strong legal expert on your side. Care for the Injured has access to a trusted network of car accident attorneys who work diligently to help victims recover maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
With years of experience handling complex car accident claims and numerous auto accident cases, the attorneys fight aggressively against insurance companies to ensure you get the justice and financial support you need.
When you work with an attorney from Care for the Injured, you will have an advocate who knows Stockton’s streets, courts, and legal landscape inside and out.
With Care for the Injured, you can have the peace of mind that everything will work in your favor. Book your free consultation today!
A City at Risk – Stockton Car Accident Statistics
Stockton’s growing population and busy roadways contribute to a high number of vehicle accidents every year. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Stockton reported over 2,350 injuries and fatalities in a single year due to traffic accidents. Speeding was a factor in more than 500 crashes, and nearly 300 accidents involved alcohol-impaired drivers.
Pedestrians and bicyclists face significant danger, with over 200 injuries reported annually. Many of these incidents occur in high-traffic areas and intersections where drivers fail to yield. The city’s most dangerous intersections include:
Hammer Lane & West Lane
March Lane & Pacific Avenue
Charter Way & Wilson Way
Highway 99 & Cherokee Road
Common Types of Auto Accidents in Stockton
Rear-end collisions
One of the most common accident types in Stockton, these crashes typically happen due to tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops. Even at low speeds, rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries such as whiplash, herniated discs, and concussions.
Intersection collisions
Stockton’s congested intersections see frequent T-bone and side-impact crashes, often caused by drivers running red lights or failing to yield. These crashes tend to result in severe injuries, particularly to drivers and passengers on the side of impact.
Sideswipe accidents
Many drivers fail to check their blind spots when changing lanes on I-5, Highway 99, or busy city streets. Sideswipe accidents can push vehicles off the road, causing rollovers or secondary crashes.
Pedestrian accidents
Pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain high in Stockton, especially near schools, shopping centers, and public transit stops. Many of these accidents occur at night due to poor visibility and lack of driver attention.
Bicycle accidents
Cyclists often share the road with fast-moving traffic, increasing the risk of severe injuries when hit by a car. Pacific Avenue, Hammer Lane, and El Dorado Street are some of the most dangerous areas for cyclists in Stockton.
See if you may qualify
for compensation
Answer the questions below:
Multi-vehicle pileups
Highway 99 and I-5 experience frequent chain-reaction crashes due to heavy traffic and high speeds. These accidents can involve several vehicles, leading to extensive injuries and property damage.
Rollover accidents
SUVs, trucks, and vehicles with a high center of gravity are more prone to rollovers, especially on rural roads and sharp freeway exits. Rollover accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Head-on collisions
Wrong-way drivers and drowsy driving often cause head-on crashes, which are among the deadliest types of car accidents. These incidents frequently occur on two-lane roads with no median barriers.
Hit-and-run accidents
Hit and run cases are on the rise in Stockton, leaving victims with medical bills and no responsible party to cover their losses. California law allows victims to seek compensation through uninsured motorist coverage.
Parking lot accidents
Low-speed collisions in parking lots can still result in significant property damage and injuries, particularly to pedestrians or cyclists navigating between vehicles.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Stockton, CA
Distracted driving
Phone use, adjusting the radio, eating, and even talking to passengers cause countless accidents in Stockton. Studies show that sending a text message while driving increases crash risk by 23 times.
Failure to yield
Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield at intersections, pedestrian crosswalks, and freeway onramps.
Speeding
Speeding not only increases crash risk but also makes accidents more severe. In 2023, speeding contributed to nearly 30% of all fatal crashes in California.
Running red lights and stop signs
Intersections are one of the most dangerous places for drivers, as reckless motorists often ignore traffic signals, leading to severe collisions.
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Drunk and drug-impaired driving remains a significant issue in Stockton. A single DUI-related accident can lead to life-threatening injuries, permanent disabilities, and fatalities.
Aggressive driving
Road rage, tailgating, and reckless lane changes contribute to dangerous driving conditions in Stockton.
Weather conditions
Rain and fog frequently reduce visibility and create slippery road conditions, leading to increased accidents in winter months.
Pedestrian accidents
As one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., Stockton sees a high number of accidents involving pedestrians. Many of these incidents occur at crosswalks, often due to drivers failing to yield or being distracted. Pedestrian-involved accidents are particularly severe and can result in life-altering injuries or fatalities.
Βicycle accidents
With a growing number of cyclists sharing the roads, bicycle accidents are common in Stockton. Drivers who fail to share the road, check for cyclists when turning, or open car doors into bike lanes (dooring accidents) frequently cause these incidents.
The Most Common Car Accident Injuries in Stockton
Car accidents often result in severe injuries that go far beyond simple recovery. Following are some of the most common injuries associated with vehicle crashes in Stockton and their potential long-term impacts.
Fractured limb or limbs
Fractured pelvis
Herniated disc
Traumatic brain injury
Spinal Cord Injuries
Lacerations
Contusions
Whiplash
Facial trauma
Torn tendons
Sprains and strains
Burns
Fractured clavicle
Fractured ribs
Internal bleeding and internal organ damage
Broken ankle
Fractured skull
Amputation
Permanent scarring and disfigurement
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Stockton?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Stockton, act quickly to protect your health, preserve critical evidence, and safeguard your legal rights. Take immediate steps so you can strengthen your claim and ensure you meet California’s strict legal deadlines for filing a case. Here’s what you should do right away:
Ensure Your Safety First
If you are physically able, move yourself and your vehicle to a safe location away from oncoming traffic to prevent further harm.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Contacting emergency services is one of the most crucial steps after a collision. Calling 911 ensures that police officers and medical personnel are dispatched to the scene. Law enforcement will document the crash and file an official police report, which can serve as critical evidence in your case.
Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly
Try to gather evidence at the scene of the accident to be able to build a strong case. Use your smartphone to take clear photographs and videos of:
The accident scene, including all vehicles involved
Visible damage to vehicles and property
Skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions
Any injuries sustained by you or others involved
The license plates and driver’s license information of all parties
Exchange Information with Other Drivers
If possible, obtain contact and insurance details from all parties involved.
File a Police Report
Even if the accident seems minor, filing a police report is necessary. The report serves as an official record of the crash and can provide unbiased documentation of what happened. Insurance companies and courts often rely on police reports when determining fault and liability.
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Even if you feel fine after the accident, get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away but can become serious over time.
Seek for Legal Advice from An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
After taking care of your immediate medical needs, it is highly recommended that you seek legal guidance before speaking with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your payout or deny your claim altogether. Care for the Injured can connect you with skilled car accident lawyers who will:
Investigate the accident and gather crucial evidence
Handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies
Fight for maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Take your car accident case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement
The lawyers within our network work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay unless we win your case.
California Car Accident Laws
Car accident claims in California are governed by a set of legal rules that determine how fault is assigned and how much compensation a victim can receive.
Statute of Limitations in California
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit after a car accident. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This includes claims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injuries.
If you miss these deadlines you may lose your right to seek compensation.
California is a fault-based state
California follows a fault-based system. This means that the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. Unlike no-fault states, where each driver's own insurance pays for their damages regardless of fault, California allows victims to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Victims of car accidents have three primary options for seeking compensation:
Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company – This is the most common approach, where you seek payment for damages from the other driver’s liability insurance.
Filing a claim with your own insurance company – If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if you have it.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver – If the insurance settlement offer is too low or if liability is disputed you can take legal action in court.
Comparative negligence rule
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Unlike some states that bar compensation if a person is more than 50% at fault, California allows recovery no matter how high your fault percentage is. Even if you were 90% at fault, you could still recover 10% of your damages.
Because insurance companies often try to shift blame onto victims to reduce payouts, it’s crucial to have an experienced car accident injury attorney who can fight back against unfair fault claims and maximize your compensation.
Minimum insurance requirements
California law requires all drivers to carry at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, as well as $5,000 for property damage. However, many accidents exceed these limits, making uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage important.
How Can Care for The Injured Help
Care for the Injured is not a personal injury law firm but a network of highly experienced local attorneys who understand the pulse of Stockton.
Legal Services Offered
Personal injury claims for car accidents
If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. Even if you were partially at fault, California’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages, with your compensation reduced by your percentage of fault.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist claims
Stockton has a high number of uninsured and underinsured drivers, leaving many victims struggling to recover damages. If you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company. Our personal injury lawyers can help negotiate fair compensation, even in hit-and-run cases.
Wrongful death claims
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost future income, and loss of companionship. Even if the deceased was partially at fault, families can still pursue damages under California’s comparative negligence rule.
Contact Care for the Injured
All car accident lawyers in the Care for the Injured network understand the complexities of the legal system and can navigate it much more effectively than someone without any formal training. As your advocate, they will use their skills to protect your rights, help you understand your legal options all the way, and fight for a fair outcome.
We understand how overwhelming this situation can be and are committed to providing the support and guidance you need. Reach out today and book a free case evaluation to learn how the injury lawyers we work with can fight on your behalf for a fair and just outcome for your case.
Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a personal injury lawyer after a car accident in Stockton?
While not every accident requires an attorney, having legal representation can significantly improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize settlements, and our local personal injury attorneys can protect your rights, gather evidence, and negotiate for the maximum payout.
What If the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim under your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Our attorneys can help you explore all available legal options.
We don’t just handle car accidents here in California
Don’t Delay
*
Don’t Delay *