Maison Law’s team of experienced Stockton car accident lawyers represents injury victims throughout the city and area. In order to understand the impact these accidents can have, it’s important to look at the underlying data that shows how prevalent they are. Regardless of the type of accident or level of injury you’ve suffered, we can help. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to learn more.
Number of Drivers in Stockton
A great starting point for understanding the issue of car accidents in Stockton is to look at just how many drivers there are. If you spend any amount of time commuting to work or to school, you know how busy many of the roads and streets in the city can be. According to data from the San Joaquin Council of Governments, the number of vehicles–and people with access to them–in Stockton itself has increased in recent years. In 2017, data showed that:
- There was an average of 2.02 vehicles per household.
Obviously, the more vehicles there are, the more chances you have to encounter them on a daily basis. This, in turn, increases the likelihood that you’ll be in an accident. While they can’t be avoided, the chances you’ll be in one can be reduced by:
- Staying alert
- Following traffic laws
- Not driving recklessly or speeding
- Using your signals and turn indicators
- Not being distracted by texting or passengers
Reducing your chances of being in a car accident is very important, but the reality is that you can be involved in one at any time.
Car Accident Totals in Stockton
Over the past several years, Stockton has unfortunately seen a fair amount of car accidents throughout the city. In fact, data from the California Highway Patrol’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), between 2018 and 2022 there was an average of:
- 1,492.4 car accidents per year that resulted in injuries or fatalities.
Obviously, this average is a kind of overall view of the issue. But it still shows the sheer magnitude of what you’re dealing with when you get behind the wheel in Stockton. Not only are there a huge number of car accidents that can leave you or your loved ones injured, there’s also a number of different kinds of accidents you can be in.
Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Stockton
In looking at the most common types of car accidents in Stockton, you can see that there’s many different kinds of these accidents that you could find yourself in. According to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Record System (SWITRS), the most common types of car accidents that they investigated in 2022 were:
- Broadsides (Side-impact or T-bone)
- Rear-ends
- Collisions with an object
- Sideswipes
- Vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents
Obviously, every car accident–regardless of the type–is unique in terms of what can happen to you. However, it’s often the type of accident involved that can provide some insight into what you’ll be dealing with in terms of injuries and damages. For example, a rear-end collision is going to affect your back, neck, and spine more predominantly. On the other hand, a side or front impact collision is going to more likely result in injuries to the front of your body, like your chest, arms, and legs.
But what’s important to understand is that regardless of your level of injury, there’s certain things you need to do after any car accident:
- Get to a safe area on the side of the road, away from traffic
- Check your injuries and get medical assistance
- Call the police and report the accident
- Exchange insurance and contact information
When Do Car Accidents Usually Happen in Stockton?
What makes a car accident so difficult is not just that it often results in injuries that change your life, but that it can happen at any time. You never really know when a car accident will happen in Stockton, but in looking at SWITRS data, it shows when they happen the most. Not surprisingly, of the 1,481 car accidents in 2022:
- 69 happened on Tuesday afternoons between 3:00 PM and 5:59 PM.
- 57 happened at the same timeframe on Wednesday afternoons
- 54 happened on Friday afternoons between noon and 2:59 PM.
As you might expect, the reason for the higher number of accidents during these time frames are due to the fact that they happened during peak rush hour traffic, when people are driving home from work or school.
Along the same lines, car accidents are more frequent on Friday nights because people are out starting their weekend festivities, very often consuming alcohol and then potentially driving while under the influence.
Experienced Stockton Car Accident Lawyers
No matter when or where you’re involved in an accident, Maison Law’s Stockton car accident lawyers can help you through the recovery process. We’ll explain your options, give you an outline of the general process, and help you tally and put together a strong case for your damages. This includes losses like:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages or income
- Repair costs for your car
- Loss of your quality of life
Don’t hesitate–contact us today to set up your free, no-obligation consultation so we can get to work for you.
