Stockton Truck Accident Attorney: Get the Help You Need
Truck accidents can often result in severe injuries or fatalities. When a truck collides with another vehicle, the force of the impact can be extremely devastating, especially at high speed. Given its size, the risk of life-threatening injuries is much higher compared to other motor vehicles.
As a truck accident lawyer in Stockton at Davalos Law Firm PC, I understand the legal complexities attached to truck accident cases. Hence, I’m committed to providing injury victims with outstanding legal representation and guidance.
Why Choose Davalos Law Firm PC
Award-Winning Firm
With extensive experience in successfully handling truck accident cases, the Davalos Law Firm PC has earned recognition as the top law firm in Stockton for 2 consecutive years.
Transparent Process
As your chosen legal representative, your peace of mind is a priority. Hence, I’ll ensure you stay updated with the real-time progress of your case.
Direct Contact and Communication
Your trust is important to me, so I make sure you can reach me with any questions or concerns you may have about your case. Through effective communication, we can develop strategies to support your case and receive favorable results.
Comprehensive Legal Services
At Davalos Law Firm PC, our team aims to help all victims of personal injury-related cases, from car to pedestrian and truck accidents. Hence, we are committed to providing comprehensive legal services to ensure you receive fair compensation and the justice you deserve.
Understanding Truck Accidents in Stockton
Truck accidents are an unfortunate reality on Stockton’s busy roads and highways. With the prevalence of tractor trailers and big rigs, the risk of serious accidents remains high. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 5,149 recorded fatal truck crashes in Stockton in 2021. Large commercial trucks pose significant risks when sharing the road with other vehicles. Stockton’s location along major highways such as I-5 and State Route 99 makes it a busy area for commercial vehicles. This increased traffic also raises the possibility of truck-related accidents.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Stockton can occur for various reasons, each leading to potentially devastating outcomes. It can range from the actions of negligent truck drivers to poor road conditions to severely inclement weather. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Speeding: Despite the existence of speed trackers or limiters, not all trucks properly utilize these technologies. When a speeding truck collides with another vehicle, it can result in severe injuries or fatalities, given the weight and size of the truck.
- Distracted Driving: Like any driver, truck drivers can lose focus while driving due to improper driving practices, such as using their phones, looking away from the road, eating, or fiddling with objects inside the vehicle.
- Aggressive Driving: Driving for long hours and having tight delivery schedules can cause truck drivers to show aggressive behavior, such as road rage and reckless driving, which increases the chance of accidents.
- Extreme Weather: Extreme weather such as rain, ice, snow, or fog can make it hard for truck drivers to control their vehicles, leading to accidents. In these conditions, multi-vehicle crashes are common.
- Cargo Overload: Overloading trucks can result in tire blowouts, overturned trucks, or falling debris, posing a danger to other motorists and increasing the chances of getting into a vehicle accident.
Insurance and Compensation
In California, truck drivers must carry a minimum of $750,000 in insurance coverage to cover injuries caused by their negligence. This requirement helps ensure that victims of truck accidents receive some level of financial support for their injuries and losses. However, in severe injury cases, victims may be entitled to compensation far exceeding the minimum coverage.
The amount of compensation a victim can receive depends on several factors, including:
Severity of Injuries
For more severe injuries, the compensation is higher. Injuries like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and extensive burns often lead to long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation, resulting in higher compensation claims.
Lost Wages
If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they can claim compensation for lost wages, including both past and future earnings if the injury impacts their ability to work in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are considered in compensation for severe injuries to recognize their impact on a victim’s quality of life.
Medical Expenses
Compensation can cover all current and future medical expenses related to the injury.
Property Damage
Compensation may cover repair or replacement costs for any damaged property, such as the victim’s vehicle.
The involvement of larger or well-insured trucking companies can significantly impact the potential compensation. These larger companies usually have more insurance coverage and assets, providing better financial resources to compensate victims. They are also held to higher standards of accountability, especially in cases of systemic negligence.
Determining Liability
Determining liability in truck accidents is more complex than in typical vehicle accidents, as it involves multiple potentially liable parties. These parties may include:
- Truck Driver: Direct negligence or reckless behavior
- Trucking Company: Hiring practices, training, and supervision
- Truck Owner: Maintenance and safety compliance
- Leasing Company: Responsibility for the truck
- Shipper: Overloading or improper loading of cargo
- Truck Manufacturer: Defective parts or equipment
Our Stockton truck accident attorney at Davalos Law Firm PC thoroughly investigates every case to find all responsible parties and make sure they are held responsible. This comprehensive approach ensures that you get fully compensated for your injuries and losses.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be tough. They often try to minimize payouts by disputing injuries and liability. Having a skilled Stockton truck accident attorney is crucial in these situations.
An experienced truck accident attorney in Stockton can:
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Truck accident attorneys negotiate with insurance adjusters to ensure you receive a fair settlement covering your losses.
Navigate Complex Regulations
Truck accidents are regulated by state and federal laws. A lawyer with extensive knowledge of these laws can use them to strengthen your case.
Prove Liability
Your attorney can prove liability through evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and professional testimonies.
Seek Legal Guidance from an Experienced Stockton Truck Accident Lawyer
Stockton personal injury attorneys play a significant role in personal injury-related cases, such as truck accidents. Hence, seeking legal help is highly advisable to ensure your rights are fought for so you receive fair compensation and the justice you deserve.
As a seasoned Stockton truck accident lawyer at Davalos Law Firm PC, a trusted Stockton law firm, I’m here to provide exceptional legal assistance. Reach out by clicking this contact form.