Stockton Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are among the most devastating motor vehicle collisions due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. In Stockton, a major transportation corridor in California’s Central Valley, these incidents are unfortunately all too common. The consequences of a truck crash often extend far beyond property damage, resulting in catastrophic injuries, emotional trauma, and complex legal battles. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim and recover financial compensation. At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping victims of truck accidents get the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve. With years of experience representing clients from all walks of life, our firm has deep roots in the San Joaquin Valley and we understand the importance of providing a level of service that will make you feel secure and informed about what is going on. 

Unlike other law firms, our team of truck accident attorneys are all local and can meet anytime and anywhere. By having our experienced legal team by your side, you can focus on recovery, while our attorneys fight for your rights and represent your best interests at heart. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our 24/7 legal team will be there every step of the way. 

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

Truck Accident Statistics in Stockton, CA

Truck accidents remain a critical public safety issue, particularly in areas like Stockton that serve as hubs for freight and distribution. According to the National Safety Council, there has been a 43% increase of truck accidents within the past decade and they currently account for around 9% of all fatal vehicle crashes in the United States. 



In California, there were over 13,000 accidents in 2022 alone, making the second highest losing to Texas as per a 2022 report. On top of all this, San Joaquin County sees a disproportionate number of such collisions due to its position along Interstate 5 and Highway 99, two of the most heavily traveled commercial routes in the state. The elevated risk in this region underscores the need for legal representation familiar with both the statistical patterns and the lived realities of trucking accidents in Stockton.

Most Common Types of Truck Accidents

Understanding the most prevalent types of truck accidents can help establish fault and demonstrate how negligence may have contributed to your injuries. Each accident type often correlates with specific causes and impacts, which is why legal classification plays a central role in litigation and insurance claims.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are some of the most violent and destructive types of truck collisions. These typically occur when a truck driver takes a curve too quickly, loses control due to shifting cargo, or experiences a tire blowout. According to a 2021 report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, about 4% of all fatal accidents are due to rollover accidents. 

Considering Stockton’s rural roads and abrupt on-ramps, it can potentially cause more rollovers to occur than people expect. The chances can dramatically increase for inexperienced drivers, new drivers, or overloaded vehicles which will be catastrophic for victims in adjacent lanes who are often unprepared for the sudden chaos these incidents create.

JackKnife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often leading to multi-vehicle pileups. This usually happens when a driver brakes suddenly on slick or uneven roads. Just for context about the severity of this accident, a 2020 report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported around 5,000 truck jackknife crashes in the U.S, with approximately 20% of these accidents caused injuries and fatalities. 

In Stockton, sudden fog conditions or agricultural debris on roadways can reduce traction and contribute to jackknife scenarios. In situations such as this, determining liability is crucial as the fault can often involve factors such as braking systems, driver speed, and load distribution.

Head-On/Rear Ends Collisions

One of the more simpler types of accidents, head-on and rear end collisions occur when a truck driver fails to stop in time or properly maneuver with a nearby vehicle. The reasoning can be due to a variety of reasons from negligent driving practices such as tailgating and speeding to reckless acts like distracted driving and driving while under the influence. 

Depending on the nature of the collision, the severity of the injury will widely vary as head-on collisions are almost always fatal due to the physics involved and rear-end collisions may cause injuries like whiplash, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. Even if the collision occurred at lower speeds, the chances of sustaining a serious long lasting injury is never zero and accident victims are urged to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. 

T-Bone Accidents 

T-bone accidents often happen at intersections and are usually caused by drivers who fail to yield, run red lights, or misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic. When a large truck T-bones a smaller vehicle, the result can be catastrophic, especially if the impact occurs on the driver’s side. 

As the side of cars are not designed to withstand heavy impact force compared to the front and rear bumper, the person who suffers an impact force from a truck will face severe injuries that can be fatal. Liability in T-bone cases typically hinges on video surveillance, traffic signals, and eyewitness testimony, but is determined by whoever acted negligently/recklessly. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Much like any standard auto accident, truck accidents occur due to factors like preventable human errors and mechanical failures. However, in rare circumstances, regulatory violations due to the negligence and recklessness of others can also decide whether a truck accident occurs or not. In our experience representing truck accident victims in Stockton, some of the most common causes include the following:

• Driver Fatigue- One of the most common and relatable causes, truck drivers have to work long hours in order to stay on schedule. Despite many thorough regulations surrounding driving hours and procedures, many truckers still drive beyond safe limits due to tight delivery schedules, and depending on the environment and cargo, it can lead to catastrophic accidents. 

• Distracted Driving- Use of mobile phones, GPS systems, eating, drinking, and even adjusting the radio are all instances of distracted driving and it all increases the likelihood of a truck accident from occurring. No matter how small or brief the distraction may be, a single moment can mean the difference between safety and getting injured. 

• Improper Loading- Uneven or unsecured cargo can cause balance issues during deliveries. While there aren’t going to be any issues on long stretches of land, areas with sudden or tight curves might cause weight to shift to one side and cause a rollover accident. If the back of the truck is not secured properly then debris may fall into the roadway and cause a multi-car pileup. 

• Mechanical Failures- One of the most unexpected causes that can yield the most devastating results, poor maintenance of brakes, tires, and coupling systems often leads to catastrophic failures because it catches truck drivers off guard and can lead to a chain reaction of events. In cases such as this, the maintenance department or company in charge can be held liable for damages, but it requires extensive research into the truck itself. 

• Driving Under the Influence- Although commercial drivers are held to strict standards, some are still caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While the reason can vary from irresponsibility to goal-oriented reasoning, driving while under the influence is all the same and the driver can potentially cause a severe accident where people can get hurt. 

By understanding the root cause of truck accidents, it can not only provide accident victims the knowledge they need to properly file a claim, but it can help determine liability sooner rather than later. Determining liability is crucial to establishing fault, and creating an effective legal strategy to recover full damages from the accident.

Who Can Be At-Fault for a Truck Accident

Determining fault in a truck accident is rarely straightforward, because unlike car crashes, there may be multiple parties that share liability under California’s comparative negligence laws. For example, the truck driver and the trucking company can split liability if each party was equally responsible for causing the accident in question. As such, it is important to explore all possible liable parties and how liable they are in a trucking accident. 

While parties such as the truck driver and the trucking company are the most obvious because they are often the ones who can be directly responsible for causing an accident. However, more indirect parties such as cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, and government entities can be held liable if their actions have created a chain reaction of events which led to the accident. In these cases, an experienced attorney would need to conduct an investigation thoroughly, using accident reconstruction specialists, black box data, and driver logs.

Most Common Mistakes in a Truck Accident Claim

Whether a Stockton truck accident lawyer is hired or not, many victims of truck accidents can still make critical errors that jeopardize their chances of receiving fair compensation. While having legal representation that decreases those chances, it is never zero. With that in mind, it is vital to never make the following mistakes in the event of a truck accident.

• Delaying Medical Treatment- Even minor symptoms can indicate serious injuries. Delay can be used against you in court.

• Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Counsel- Insurers often aim to minimize payouts and may twist your words against you.

• Accepting the First Settlement Offer- These offers are typically far below the actual cost of recovery.

• Not Preserving Evidence- Failing to document the scene, injuries, and damages can harm your case.

• Not Hiring an Experienced Lawyer ASAP- Truck accident claims involve complex federal regulations and insurance policies which can be overwhelming. As time is of the essence, every second matters when filing a claim against a negligent trucking company. 

Schedule a Free Consultation with Frank Penney Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Stockton, time is of the essence. Trucking companies move quickly to minimize their liability, and crucial evidence can be lost or altered if not secured promptly. That’s why it’s essential to consult with a legal team experienced in truck accident litigation.

At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, we offer free, no-obligation consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. We’ll review the facts of your case, provide honest legal advice, and work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

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