Stockton Car Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Car Crash? We’ll Help You Fight for Your Rights

Every driver has a duty of care to other motorists on the road. However, some drivers neglect to fulfill this moral and legal obligation and can end up injuring others in a collision. While no one expects to end up hurt in a road crash, sustaining injuries due to the recklessness of others is a risk you always take when you get behind the wheel.

cars driving on the road - Stockton Car Accident Lawyers

When you get hurt because of someone else’s carelessness on the road, you deserve nothing less than justice and the proper financial compensation for the physical and emotional trauma you endure. Our team of Stockton car accident lawyers is the legal advocate you need to stand up for your rights in court and get you the compensation you deserve.

Feel like everything is spinning after control after getting hurt in a car accident? Let’s regain control of your life, starting with pursuing legal action or filing a claim for your troubles. Book an appointment with our team for a FREE CONSULTATION today!

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Our Car Accident Lawyers in Stockton Can Help with All Types of Crashes

No matter the situation, our Stockton car accident lawyers are ready to build a strong case for you. We can handle a wide array of car crashes, including:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Head-on crashes
  • T-Bone accidents impacting your car from the side
  • Multi-vehicle pileups
  • Accidents involving buses or commercial vehicles
  • Hit-and-run accidents, where we work with the authorities to track down and identify the negligent driver

We can also help chart a course for your claim in cases with particularly complex liability issues. Whatever type of car accident you find yourself in, our team is all hands on deck. From gathering evidence at the scene to crafting the best legal strategy for your lawsuit, we’ll fight aggressively and passionately to make sure you get the compensation you’re owed.

What Causes These Devastating Car Accidents?

In every car accident, there’s always a smoking gun. These road crashes don’t happen without a root cause. Unfortunately, most of the time, they occur because of the negligence and carelessness of one or more persons, sometimes even government entities. Here are some of the common causes of car collisions not just in Stockton but anywhere in the country:

  • Distracted drivers who keep their eyes on their phones instead of the road.
  • Going above the speed limit which slows down a driver’s reaction time when another vehicle is in the way.
  • Violating traffic rules, like ignoring signs or running a red light.
  • Tailgating or driving too close to the vehicle in front of you, which is a common cause of rear-end collisions.
  • Impaired driving when you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Exhaustion and lack of sleep, specifically for drivers employed by private companies who give them long hours.
  • Road rage, which results in unnecessarily aggressive driving.
  • Poor road conditions, from potholes to obstructions in the street.
  • Defects in the vehicle, such as faulty brakes, engine failures, and more.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Car Accident Injuries?

In Stockton, one or more parties can be determined to be at fault for a car accident and the resulting injuries to those involved.

These may include other drivers who slammed into your car, vehicle manufacturers responsible for defective parts of a car, or a company for which a commercial driver works. If the accident was caused by poor road conditions or a dangerous road design, you could even sue a government entity for their negligence.

Our team of compassionate Stockton car accident lawyers leaves no stone unturned to hold negligent drivers responsible for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced. We’re not afraid to go after any entity on your behalf, whether it’s another motorist, a private company, or even the City of Stockton itself.

How Our Stockton Car Accident Attorneys Prove Fault After a Road Crash

Most of the time, it’s pretty obvious who is to blame for a car accident. But in some situations, it’s unclear who contributed more to a crash. In those cases, we help you determine fault and build a case to protect you from blame and bring those who were actually negligent to justice.

Here are the four things we demonstrate to prove that the other party is liable for the accident:

  1. Duty of care:  In Stockton, every driver owes everyone on the road a duty of care. That means they must follow all traffic laws and street signs to ensure everyone on the road is safe and unharmed.
  2. Breach of duty:  We prove that the negligent party breached their duty of care, whether it’s because they were distracted while driving, had a DUI, ran a red light, or showed other reckless behavior that caused the crash.
  3. Causation:  We demonstrate that their negligence was a factor that directly caused your injuries.
  4. Damages:  We present evidence of the damages you incurred following the accident. These damages include medical bills, emotional trauma, and, in fatal accidents, the wrongful death of a loved one.

Want to get an idea of who might be at fault in your car accident? Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

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(844) 308-8180

Economic and Non-economic Damages We Can Secure for You

Compensatory damages pertain to the amount the other party is obligated to pay you in return for your troubles if they’re proven to be liable for the crash. These damages are classified into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages cover your direct expenses and losses. They include medical bills, lost wages if you were forced to miss work because of the accident, property damage, home care expenses, rehabilitation treatments, and more. If you’re filing a claim on behalf of a loved one who died from a wrongful death after a car accident, you may also be entitled to damages for funeral costs or loss of dependency.

Meanwhile, non-economic damages address the emotional toll the accident put on you. This includes compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, permanent disability, and lowered quality of life, among many others.

The Most Dangerous, Accident-Prone Intersections in Stockton

Road accidents happen anywhere, but they’re much more likely to happen in busy intersections. Here are some of the most dangerous, high-traffic intersections in Stockton that you should be extra vigilant at:

  • March Lane and Pacific Avenue:  A busy intersection with plenty of traffic due to its proximity to malls and shopping centers like Sherwood Place and Weberstown Mall.
  • Hammer Lane and West Lane:  The pace of the roads near this intersection forces drivers to go from slow to fast quickly, which can lead to accidents.
  • Pacific Avenue and Benjamin Holt Drive:  These roads run through residential and commercial areas, making them busy routes for people going from home to work or establishments.
  • Da Vinci Drive and March Lane:  This intersection is busy and has a complex road design, which can be confusing for some drivers.
  • El Dorado Street and March Lane:  Many of the city’s residents pass by this intersection to get to downtown Stockton, making it heavily trafficked, especially during peak travel hours.

At Thompson Law

We know that car accidents bring forth many sources of stress, from having to recover from physical injuries to dealing with the financial burden of it all. Our mission is to lighten that load for anyone who gets hurt on the road, especially if they were injured at the hands of negligent drivers. We’re dedicated to holding those drivers responsible for their actions and fighting for your rights, so you get the compensation you need to recover financially.

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Stay Extra Alert When Driving at These High-Traffic Landmarks in Stockton

Aside from intersections and roads with a high volume of traffic, it’s also important to be extra alert and vigilant at Stockton’s most popular landmarks. These attractions bring in tons of visits from locals and tourists alike, leading to road congestion and a higher risk of getting into an accident. Here are some to be extra careful driving past:

  • The Lincoln Center:  A popular shopping and dining destination among locals.
  • Adventist Health Arena:  Stockton’s primary venue for concerts and sports events.
  • The Haggin Museum:  A cultural attraction that draws in many visitors on weekends with special events and exhibits.
  • University of the Pacific:  A university with heavy traffic, thanks in part to its thousands of students and faculty.
  • Banner Island Ballpark:  Home to the beloved Stockton Ports and where thousands of baseball lovers gather to watch games.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

It’s natural to feel frozen and shaken up after getting in a car accident. But as soon as you’re able, check yourself for any injuries and seek medical attention right away. Even if you don’t feel any pain, get help just to rule everything out. Call emergency services if you see anyone on the scene with noticeable injuries.

Then, report the accident to the police by calling 911. This helps you get a police report as soon as you can, which is vital for insurance claims and building a case through your lawyers.

Don’t forget to exchange information with the other driver, including their name, contact details, and their license plates. Take as many photos and videos as you can of the scene of the accident, too. This can help you make the necessary claims for property damage later.

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as you can. Send them all the reports and documentation you’ve gathered as well.

Finally, contact an experienced car accident attorney in Stockton. Your lawyer can help you navigate all the overwhelming next steps, like talking to the other party’s insurance agent and filing a lawsuit if you deem it necessary.

How to Get a Copy of Your Stockton Car Accident Report

While you can obtain your car accident report at your local police station, the City of Stockton makes it easy for its residents to access these reports online.

All you have to do is head to the city’s online Traffic Accident Report portal and fill in the necessary information. These include the date of the accident, the names of those involved, and the location where the crash happened. These steps ensure that you have the legal right to obtain the document. After that, pay the $14 fee and wait until you’re given access to the report.

Top Hospitals in Stockton for Medical Attention After a Car Accident

Your utmost priority after gathering your bearings after a car accident should be to seek medical attention immediately. Here are some of the most reputable hospitals in Stockton with emergency departments ready to serve you. In these trusted hospitals, you can receive the urgent care you need should you find yourself in a road crash, whether you sustained minor or severe injuries:

  • Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center (1800 N California St.)
  • Adventist Health Dameron Hospital (525 Acacia St.)
  • Sutter Health Stockton Medical Plaza I (2505-2545 W Hammer Ln)

Should I Speak to the Insurance Company After a Car Crash?

If there’s one thing you should keep in mind about insurance companies that reach out to you after a car accident, it’s that they are not on your side. The other party’s insurance provider will pull out all the stops to try and give you the smallest payout they can. They’re not here for your interests but for those of the negligent party.

You have zero obligation to speak to these insurance agents. Should the other party’s insurance company reach out to you, keep the conversation as curt as possible. Don’t admit fault, and keep the details of the crash to a minimum. The less you say, the better.

Most importantly, tell them that you have legal representation and to contact your lawyer for anything. We’ll handle the rest and make sure you’re not getting lowballed or taken advantage of.

Common Insurance Tactics to Watch Out for After a Car Accident

Insurance companies are sly and clever, and they use plenty of tactics to try to minimize your payout, even if you were seriously hurt in a car accident. Here are some of those tricky tactics and how you should go about them.

Downplaying Your Injuries

If an insurance provider claims that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim, present medical records detailing what happened to you to prove otherwise. That’s why seeking medical attention immediately after a crash is pertinent.

Trying to Settle Quickly

Aggressive insurance adjusters will want to settle quickly with a low amount while framing it as the fastest, most convenient option. Don’t accept these lowball offers. Instead, have your lawyer evaluate your claim first and see the fair amount you should receive.

The Blame Game

Adjusters might also blame you for the accident in the hopes of lowering the amount they have to pay you. If this happens, don’t apologize or admit fault. Have the authorities and your legal counsel determine who was really at fault, given all the facts and evidence, before you give any statement.

Saying You Don’t Need a Lawyer

Providers may tell you that you don’t need to lawyer up in the hopes of you not having anyone in your corner advising you about their tactics. Don’t believe them. It’s always in your best interest to have an experienced car accident lawyer who will fight to get you the highest compensation possible.

Seek Maximum Compensation with Our Lawyers Today!

At Thompson Law, we believe everyone should feel safe on the road, or at least get the compensation they deserve if a reckless driver causes an unexpected car accident. With decades of experience under our belt, our lawyers know the ins and outs of traffic laws in Stockton like the back of our hand. Our compassionate lawyers are ready to represent you and advocate for your rights to make sure you get the compensation you deserve after a road crash.

Don’t settle for a minimal payout. Hire our Stockton car accident lawyers to ensure you get the maximum compensation possible to cover your medical expenses and mental anguish after a collision. Take the first step to pursuing legal action today, and reach out to us for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Why Choose Thompson Law

FAQs About Car Accident Cases in Stockton

How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident in Stockton?

The deadline for filing a personal injury claim, also referred to in the legal world as the statute of limitations, is two years after the car accident happened. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you work out your every move to make sure you gather evidence and file a claim or lawsuit before this deadline.

Can I still obtain damages if I am partially at fault for the car accident?

Yes, you can still secure compensation even if you contributed to the accident. California follows a comparative negligence law, which means the financial compensation you receive is reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if the court awarded you $200,000, but you were found to be 25% responsible for the accident, you walk away with just $150,000.

Do I need a car accident attorney if I don’t have serious injuries?

Yes, it’s still incredibly important to have an attorney represent you even if your injuries weren’t severe. Even without serious injuries, you’re entitled to receive fair compensation, and a dedicated car accident lawyer can help you get there. Insurance companies might sway you into thinking you should only receive a small amount, given your injuries are minor, but your lawyer will know how to negotiate the maximum payout for your case.

Can I file a claim if I was a passenger in the crash?

Yes, if you got hurt in a car accident as a passenger, you can file a claim against the driver at fault, whether or not they were in the same vehicle as you. Depending on your case’s circumstances, you could even sue both drivers involved.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.