At Maison Law, our dedicated and highly experienced Stockton personal injury lawyers have helped numerous clients who have faced situations similar to yours. We understand the emotional and financial challenges that you and your family are faced with when there’s a car accident that results in injuries.
After these unfortunate incidents, you don’t have to navigate the recovery process on your own. We’re here to provide you with effective legal guidance and support. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer After a Traffic Accident?
If a car collision only leaves you with some minor bumps and bruises, or just car damage, you may not need the help of a lawyer. But if your injuries end up being serious and another motorist caused the crash, it’s wise to talk to a lawyer about your options.
When medical costs are high, car insurance adjusters fight hard to avoid having to pay out full compensation. They’ll try to shift blame in an accident or question the seriousness of your injuries. Your Stockton Car Accident Lawyer is your shield against these bad-faith tactics. Your Maison Law attorney fully investigates your accident and uses strong evidence to back up your case. Then your lawyer demands the most in compensation possible for your suffering.
Stockton Car Accident Claims Process
Car Accident Dangers in Stockton
You can practice safe driving, but unfortunately, the chances that you’ll one day be forced into a collision is pretty high. Statistics from the California Highway Patrol’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) show that there has been an average of 1,492 car accidents per year across Stockton over the last five years.
A speeding driver on I-5 can lose control and slam into the back of your SUV. A distracted driver on Pacific Avenue looking at a cell phone screen might accidentally jump a median and meet your vehicle head-on.
A traumatic car accident injury might have a lasting impact on your life, spanning weeks, months, or even years. Whether it be dealing with significant injuries, facing a temporary or possibly permanent inability to work due to those injuries, or facing unexpected medical bills and other expenses, the challenges that come out of a car accident can quickly become overwhelming.
Your Maison Law representative goes over your medical charts and speaks to healthcare professionals. Your lawyer determines how much you’ll need in support now and in the years ahead and then demands that amount for you and accepts no less.
Who is Responsible For a Car Crash?
One of the most important aspects of any car accident in Stockton is figuring out who is responsible for:
- Causing the accident
- Covering your injuries and other damages
In legal terms, this is known as “liability”, and the key to establishing liability is proving negligence. In essence, negligence hinges on four elements:
- The other driver or party had a duty of care for others on the road
- The other driver or party breached this duty
- Their breach directly led to the accident
- The accident, in turn, caused your injuries and other incurred damages
With these elements established, you can gain a clearer understanding of who bears responsibility for your injuries and losses. It’s worth noting that liability can be distributed among various parties depending on the accident’s circumstances, and in some instances, a portion of the responsibility may even rest with you. In a broad sense, the following parties can potentially be held liable in a car accident claim in Stockton:
- Other drivers
- Vehicle owners, which isn’t the driver in some cases
- Manufacturers of vehicles or their parts
- Government agencies
- Employers
- Repair shops or mechanics
Common Causes for Car Accidents
Stockton is not unlike many other places in California in that there are a number of people on the road driving from place to place. What this means, at least in practical terms, is that there’s a higher chance that you’ll be involved in a car accident. However, there’s another–often more telling–facet of car accidents in Stockton: similar underlying causes. Simply put, these causes are present throughout Stockton, and frequently lead to these accidents. They include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI) – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a grave concern as it impairs one’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. It not only endangers the driver but also poses a significant risk to other road users.
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving encompasses a wide range of behaviors, including texting and driving, using a phone, eating, or engaging in any activity that diverts attention from the road. These distractions can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
- Speeding – Driving at speeds above the posted speed limits is a common cause of accidents. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions, making it a hazardous practice.
- Reckless driving – Reckless driving involves a disregard for safety, such as aggressive weaving between lanes, tailgating, and other risky maneuvers that put other motorists at great risk.
- Fatigued driving – Driving a vehicle when extremely tired or drowsy can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigue impairs cognitive function and reaction time, making accidents more likely.
- Disregarding traffic laws – Failing to obey traffic laws and rules can lead to chaos on the roads. This includes running red lights, not yielding the right of way, and ignoring stop signs, all of which can result in accidents and harm to others.
- Tailgating – Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is a dangerous behavior that reduces the space for reaction in case of sudden stops. It often leads to rear-end collisions.
- Running stop signs and lights – Ignoring stop signs and traffic signals poses a significant threat to safety. These signs and signals are in place to control the flow of traffic and protect all road users.
- Aggressive driving – Aggressive driving includes behaviors like aggressive overtaking, road rage, and confrontational interactions with other drivers. Such actions can escalate into dangerous situations.
- Driving without seatbelts – Failing to wear seatbelts is a risky choice that significantly increases the chances of injury or fatality in the event of an accident.
Types of Car Accidents in Stockton
Not only are there several different causes of accidents in Stockton, there’s an equal number of types of car accidents you could find yourself in:
- Single-vehicle accidents – These occur when a car crashes without hitting another vehicle.
- Multi-vehicle accidents – These involve multiple vehicles and often lead to complex liability issues.
- Sideswipes – This happens when one vehicle’s side collides with another vehicle’s side while both are moving in the same direction.
- Head-on collisions – These are common in Stockton, and happen when a car drifts into another lane and collides with you or someone else head-on.
- Rear-end accidents – This occurs when a car crashes into the back of another car.
- Commercial truck accidents – These involve large trucks or commercial vehicles.
- Bus accidents – These involve buses and typically have many passengers, leading to unique liability considerations.
- Pedestrian accidents – These happen when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, most often on a sidewalk or intersection.
- Rental Car Accidents
- Support for Families After a Fatal Accident
Car accidents in Stockton can be concerning because they happen often and can result from various factors. When driving, you must make quick decisions that affect your safety, passengers, and other road users. That said, when there’s a car accident, you could also experience a variety of different injuries.
Common Injuries in Stockton Car Accidents
Often, the most consequential result of a Stockton car accident is injuries. Much like there’s a variety of causes and types of accidents, these incidents can end up with multiple of the following:
- Whiplash – One of the most common injuries across car accidents in Stockton, whiplash happens when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing strain to the neck muscles and ligaments.
- Fractures and broken bones – Fractures are common in car accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs. The force of impact can cause bones to break on impact or due to the pressure exerted during the collision.
- Head injuries – Head trauma in car accidents can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even with airbags and seatbelts, the head can still be at risk of injury upon impact.
- Back injuries – The spine is vulnerable in car accidents. Herniated discs and other spinal injuries can result from the force of the collision.
- Cuts and bruises – Glass and debris from the accident can cause cuts and bruises. While these may seem minor, they can lead to infections if not properly treated.
- Internal injuries – In some cases, the impact can cause damage to internal organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys, which might not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Emotional trauma – It’s important not to overlook the psychological impact of a car accident. Many individuals experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic accident.
- Sprains and strains – Muscles and ligaments can be stretched or torn in an accident, resulting in sprains and strains, which can be painful and limit mobility.
- Airbag injuries – While airbags are designed to save lives, they can also cause injuries, particularly to the face and upper body. These injuries are generally less severe than not having an airbag deploy.
- Burns – In the case of fires or explosions, burns can occur. These are particularly dangerous and may require extensive medical treatment.
The extent of your injuries can greatly affect your claim. But another thing that can affect your claim is the actions you take in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
Steps to Take After a Stockton Car Accident
One of the most difficult things about a car accident, especially if you’re hurt, is the immediate aftermath. When the adrenaline is flowing, you might not be able to think clearly. However, your actions immediately after the car accident happens are extremely important to your potential claim. Here are some steps you should try to take after a car accident:
- Check to see if you or anyone else is hurt.
- Move to a safe place on the road and move your car.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with others involved.
- Take pictures and videos of what happened.
- Call your insurance company.
- See a doctor, even if you don’t feel injured.
Doing these things helps keep you safe, protects your rights, and makes dealing with the accident easier. Once you’re able to take these steps, the next thing you should think about doing is contacting our team of Stockton personal injury lawyers. We’ll help you assess your claim and then provide you with an overview of the next steps.
What Our Clients Say
What is the Claims Process For a Traffic Accident?
Once you’ve determined who is at fault in an incident, the next step involves initiating an insurance claim with their provider. Once this is done, an assigned insurance adjuster will review your claim and might take one of several actions:
- Accept it as is
- Propose a counteroffer and settlement
- Reject it altogether
When the claim is in the hands of an adjuster, they have access to the full resources of their company, including launching their own investigation. While each claim varies in complexity, there are distinct advantages to engaging in negotiations with the insurance company before considering legal action:
- Cost savings – You can avoid incurring court-related expenses and reduce lawyers’ fees.
- Timely compensation – You’re more likely to receive a settlement offer–thus money in your pocket–quicker.
- Simplified process – Dealing with less paperwork and time-consuming procedures.
- Clearer valuation – You’ll gain a better understanding of the value of your claim.
However, there are also drawbacks to settling your case outside of court:
- Stall tactics – Insurance companies usually try to prolong the claims process, potentially leaving you in a challenging financial situation.
- Value determination – The insurance company unilaterally determines the worth of your claim.
- Incomplete coverage – The settlement offer might not cover all your damages adequately.
When you’re focused on recovery, managing communications with the insurance company can be an added burden. Our team of car accident lawyers in Stockton is dedicated to ensuring that you don’t have to navigate your recovery and claim for damages on your own.
Recovering Damages After a Serious Car Accident
You’re under no obligation to accept the initial settlement offer from the insurance company. Often, their initial offer is intentionally lower, in the hopes that you’ll accept it. However, with the support of our committed Stockton car accident lawyers, you may be able to recover financial support in the form of damages that came from your car accident. These damages are considered when the insurance company formulates a settlement offer, but you can also pursue them through a lawsuit.
In general, a car accident claim in Stockton can encompass various types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses and bills
- Lost wages or future earning potential
- Property damage, or costs to repair your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Punitive damages, in certain cases
- Wrongful death expenses if the accident was fatal.
Additionally, it’s crucial to note that California car accident law follows the principle of “comparative negligence,” which means your potential recovery is reduced based on your percentage of fault in the accident. Moreover, there’s a two-year time limit (statute of limitations) for filing injury claims in California, meaning you have two years from the accident date to file your lawsuit.
Contact a Stockton Car Accident Lawyer
If you are seriously hurt in a car accident, or if you’ve tragically lost a loved one, contact a Stockton car accident attorney to find out about the rights in place in California to protect you and your family.
Take advantage of a free consultation session with a Maison Law attorney to learn more about how vulnerable you may be when trying to secure help for yourself and your family from an insurance company.
Insurance companies aren’t required to inform you of everything available to you after an accident. In fact, they would rather you stay uninformed in the hopes you’ll sign off on a settlement that’s worth far less than what you’ll need in recovery.
If you feel Maison Law can help you maximize your injury settlement money, you won’t need any upfront money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you.
