Stockton Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can instantly disrupt lives causing not only physical injuries, but also emotional trauma, financial instability, and long-term disability. Stockton, California is a central hub of commerce and travel in San Joaquin County and the risk of traffic collisions is significantly higher than many other cities in the state. With congested highways, distracted drivers, and heavy commercial vehicle traffic, Stockton’s roads are a dangerous place for even the most cautious motorists. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident it is important to seek legal representation to ensure your chances of recovering justice and compensation. 

At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, we understand the complex nature of car accident litigation in California and our team of car accident attorneys are ready to fight for you. From navigating state liability laws and insurance policies to securing expert witness testimony, our legal team is well-equipped to manage every facet of your claim. We provide aggressive representation grounded in compassion, with the ultimate goal of securing the maximum compensation our clients deserve.



Unlike other law firms, our team of car accidents are all Stockton locals and can meet anytime and anywhere. By having our experienced attorneys representing your case, you can focus on recovering while we handle everything else. On top of it all, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay anything unless you win!

Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form for a free case consultation.

Car Accident Statistics

Understanding the scope of how problematic car accidents can be in Stockton can provide critical context for why legal advocacy is so vital following a car crash. For instance, according to a 2022 Stockton report from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 2,096 people were killed or injured in motor vehicle crashes in Stockton alone. Additionally Stockton ranked #2 out of 15 similarly sized California cities for overall crash injuries and out of those accidents, 431 were speed-related, and 116 involved alcohol.

This data not only illustrates that Stockton is prone to traffic collisions but particularly drivers become highly susceptible to high-impact, high-liability crashes often associated with serious injuries and wrongful deaths. While California remains as one of the most dangerous states for driving, the persistent rise in fatalities despite vehicle safety advancements signifies the increasing risks of reckless driving behaviors, especially in high-density urban zones like Stockton.

Common Types of Car Accidents

Each type of car accident presents unique legal implications regarding liability, insurance coverage, and causation. In Stockton, the following categories are among the most common and most devastating and by understanding what entails each accident, it can potentially speed up the legal process when you file a car accident claim.

Speeding

Speeding reduces a driver's ability to react to road hazards, increases stopping distances, and significantly worsens the severity of injuries in the event of a crash. Stockton’s long, straight arterial roads, like Hammer Lane and March Lane, are often the sites of speed-related collisions. 

It is important to note that even minor speeding accidents can still inflict long-lasting injuries such as chronic back pain, head trauma, and internal injuries. In fact, the National Safety Council has reported that speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the country, averaging around 29% of all car accidents.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence (DUI) remains one of the most preventable yet deadly causes of car crashes. According to California Vehicle Code § 23152, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher and depending on the severity of the accident, civil claims can proceed along with criminal DUI charges and may include punitive damages for egregious conduct. 

Despite the number of preventive measures and education surrounding drunk driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported in a 2023 Drunk Driving Report that around 30% of all car accidents were due to people driving while under the influence. Indicating that drunk driving accidents can still happen anytime and anywhere. 

Drowsy Driving

One of the most underestimated types of car accidents, driving while experiencing fatigue is a significant cause of accidents because it causes drivers to have delayed reaction times, drift along the road, and miss signals, creating comparable risks and liabilities. These types of accidents have a tendency to occur during the nighttime and early morning, particularly affecting drivers who have to work late shifts and those with long commutes.

 In a Drowsy Driving report from the NHTSA, they estimated that in 2017 alone, nearly 91,000 police-reported crashes have involved drowsy drivers and believe that there are still many that go unreported. Considering Stockton’s long stretches of roads, fatigued drivers can easily fall asleep and cause a severe accident to occur. 

Most Common Mistakes in Car Accident Claims

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, many victims unknowingly make mistakes that significantly reduce their chance of recovering full compensation. With that in mind, if you have been involved in a car accident, it is vital that you stay aware of the most common mistakes so you don’t decrease your chances of recovering compensation and justice.

1. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, failing to get evaluated creates a gap in medical records which creates an opportunity for insurance companies to argue that the injuries were not serious. Additionally, if the injury is laying dormant and is suddenly triggered, the insurance companies and opposing counsel will argue that the injury was not caused by the accident.

2. Giving a Recorded Statement to Insurance Companies

To many people’s surprise, insurance companies and adjusters are not neutral parties, because they represent the at-fault party’s interests and try to cut costs as much as possible. By giving a recorded statement to the at-fault party’s insurance company, they can shift blame and come up with arguments to avoid paying for damages. In cases such as this, it is vital that you never speak with adjusters before consulting legal counsel first.

3. Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer

Initial offers are designed to minimize payouts as much as possible. While it is understandable that the offer may seem lucrative at the moment, but once it is accepted you forfeit the right to pursue additional damages. This includes additional medical costs should a condition escalates or new symptoms emerge.

4. Not Preserving Key Evidence

Dashcam footage, witness statements, black-box data, and accident scene photos can be pivotal in proving fault and degrees of liability in a car accident. Without this evidence, it can be lost forever or overwritten and can significantly lower your chances of recovering compensation, because at the end of the day, evidence is needed to prove fault.

5. Delaying Legal Action

In California, car accident victims have a time limit to file a personal injury claim. According to California Civil Code 335.1, all personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident, and according to California Government Code 911.2, any claims against a government entity must be filed within six months from the date of the incident. Due to the nature of car accident claims, they may be more time consuming than realized so it is vital to start as soon as possible. 

Recoverable Damages in Car Accident Claims

The core purpose of a personal injury claim is to make the victim “whole” again through financial compensation. While the amount of recoverable damages in car accident claims will depend on the nature, severity, and scale of the accident, under California law, you may recover the following types of damages.

Economic

Economic damages are tangible financial losses that can be calculated with a verifiable dollar amount. For example, medical expenses, physical therapy costs, lost income, property damage, and loss of earning capacity are all instances an accident victim can recover in the event of a car accident. The overall value of economic damages will depend on the severity and scale of the accident in question. 

Non-Economic

Non-economic damages are incalculable costs that have accrued as a result of the accident in question. For example, pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all things accident victims can recover from in a car accident. However, due to the subjective nature of non-economic damages, its value will always vary on a case-by-case basis and will be dependent on the emotional/psychological status of the injured party. 

Punitive

Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are a rare form of damages designed to punish and deter extreme misconduct. Actions such as drunk driving, hit-and-run accidents, and intentional reckless behavior are prominent examples where the at-fault party can be issued punitive damages. In addition, under California Civil Code 3294, punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant acted with malice, oppression, or fraud, and clear evidence demonstrates this conduct.

Frank Penney Injury Lawyers is Here to Help

With over two decades of experience, Frank Penney Injury Lawyers has built a reputation for aggressive advocacy, strategic litigation, and compassionate client service. Our firm understands the unique legal, cultural, and infrastructural challenges that affect victims in Stockton and the greater Central Valley and will continue to do our duty to represent our client’s best interest at heart. 

By having our team of car accident attorneys on your case, you can focus on recovering while we handle the rest. Whether you were involved in a drunk driving accident or a simple rear end, our attorneys will make sure you are heard and your rights are protected. 

We operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win! Call us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our easy online contact form for a free case consultation.