Stockton Personal Injury Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Stockton Personal Injury Lawyers Will Guide You Through Your Legal Options
Stockton is the largest city in San Joaquin County, located in the Central Valley of California, and the 11th-largest city in the state. Data USA reported that Stockton had a population of 320,470, with 18.3% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% as White, 20.5% as Asian, 10.2% as two or more races, and 11.0% as Black or African American. Many major roads run through Stockton, such as California State Route 99 (CA 99 or SR 99), Interstate 5 (I-5), and California State Route 4 (CA 4 or SR 4).
People can be involved in various types of accidents in Stockton that stem from the negligence of other parties, including car accidents, other motor vehicle accidents, and slip-and-fall accidents. When any person suffers injuries as a result of another party’s negligence, it’s important to seek legal representation to explore their legal options.
Whatever type of personal injury case you have, our Stockton personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you. At Arash Law, the process involves four main steps: scheduling a free initial consultation, sharing the details of your case with our lawyers, retaining our services without any upfront attorney’s fees, and pursuing compensation that may be available to you.
Our Stockton personal injury lawyers understand that people face various challenges when dealing with injury claims, such as low settlement offers, delays, and claim denials, which can complicate the process. In these situations, our legal team can step in to help clients address these issues and pursue compensation for their losses.
Arash Law has handled a wide range of personal injury cases throughout California. Our team has extensive experience dealing with insurers and assisting clients in seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other related losses. We are available to discuss your case and evaluate if you have a valid claim. If you do not speak English, we can arrange for a translator to assist you in your preferred language.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Accident Statistics In Stockton
USA Today reported in 2020 that the 50 worst cities to drive in throughout the United States included 11 cities in California, a number higher than any other state on the list. Stockton-Lodi came in at 11th, with USA Today noting the following:
- In 2018, there were 14 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people.
- The average commute time is 36.3 minutes.
- 33.7 hours were lost due to congestion per car in 2017.
- I-5 is considered among the hazardous roads.
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported that the 1,611 fatal and injury crashes in Stockton in 2020 included the following statistics:
- Alcohol was involved in 153 of the reported crashes.
- There were two crashes involving a drunk driver under the age of 21.
- A total of 35 crashes involved a drunk driver between 21 and 34 years old.
- Motorcycles were involved in 53 crashes.
- Pedestrians were involved in 110 crashes.
- Among the pedestrian incidents, 11 involved individuals more than 15 years of age.
- Fourteen crashes involved pedestrians who were 65 years of age or older.
- Bicyclists were involved in 62 crashes during the year.
- Of the bicycle-related crashes, two involved bicyclists under the age of 15.
- Speed was a factor in 300 of the crashes.
- Between 9:00 PM and 2:59 AM, 131 crashes occurred.
- Hit-and-run incidents accounted for 256 crashes.
- Law enforcement made 443 DUI arrests in Stockton during 2020.
Traffic accidents remain one of the common causes of personal injuries in California, but there are many other statistics demonstrating that people can be hurt in many other ways. Statistics from the California Department of Industrial Relations show 462 total fatal injuries in workplaces in California in 2021.
The bottom line remains that accidents can happen at any time in any location, so people are at risk of serious injuries in a wide variety of situations. If you suffered injuries in a crash, our Stockton personal injury lawyers will work to help you seek compensation from the at-fault parties.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle In Stockton
Arash Law has experience handling a wide variety of personal injury cases, and our team is prepared to assist clients with many types of claims. While car accidents make up a significant portion of our caseload, we also regularly handle other types of personal injury cases.
Car Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents occur regularly across California. The California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reports that 3,737 people were killed, another 269,031 suffered injuries, and there were 3,438 fatal crashes and 187,211 injury crashes in the state during the recent year. Our car accident lawyers have experience handling a wide range of vehicle-related incidents, including rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, and rollover accidents. Legal support in these cases typically involves identifying liability, evaluating insurance coverage, and addressing the full scope of damages.
Truck Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that 415,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks occurred in 2020, including 4,444 fatal crashes and 101,000 injury crashes. California averages more than 100 fatal truck accidents per year. Truck accidents are far more complicated cases than traditional car accident claims because liability can be incredibly complex in these cases. While truck drivers themselves may certainly be liable, trucking companies, truck owners, maintenance companies, manufacturers, and many other parties can also be held liable.
Pedestrian Accidents
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that pedestrian deaths increased by 26 percent between 2014 and 2018, and almost 7,500 pedestrians were killed in California over the 10 years between 2009 and 2018. During the recent reporting year, 893 pedestrians were killed, and over 14,000 pedestrians suffered an injury. Pedestrians have little to no protection in most accident scenarios, so injuries in these cases are often severe. In some cases, claimants may face disputes over fault, which is why legal representation can be beneficial for those pursuing a claim.
Motorcycle Accidents
SWITRS reported 4,762 motorcycle accidents in California during the recent reporting year, which resulted in 474 fatalities and 4,288 injuries. The result is an average of more than 13 crashes per day. Motorcycles are much smaller than other motor vehicles, so motorcyclists are often at risk of being thrown from their bikes in collisions and suffering catastrophic injuries.
Bicycle Accidents
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) reports that San Joaquin County recorded a 30.5% increase in bicycle crashes causing serious injuries and fatalities between 2014 and 2023. The 131 crashes and three fatalities in 2021 were the second-lowest figures of the recent five-year period, behind only the 121 accidents and eight fatalities in 2020. Bicyclists face numerous dangers when interacting with other vehicles on roads in California, and “dooring” crashes, in which people open motor vehicle doors into the paths of oncoming cyclists, are among the common types of accidents.
Distracted Driving Accidents
In 2022, OTS reports that 148 people were killed in California, involving a distracted driver. According to Enjuris, drivers between 25 and 34 years of age are responsible for 30 percent of distracted driving accidents in California, and there were 106 distracted driving fatalities in the state in 2020. Cell phone use, often a significant contributor to distraction, is extremely hazardous while driving. Demonstrating that another driver was distracted can be challenging, but an attorney can subpoena a negligent driver’s phone records to show that they were using a cell phone while driving.
Dog Bites
Data from State Farm, the Insurance Information Institute (III), and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) show that California had 2,396 dog bite injury claims during the recent reporting year, with the average cost of an injury claim being $51,264.60. Dog bites can be very challenging claims for individuals to handle because the dog owners responsible are often family members or close personal friends. However, it is essential to understand that homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover dog bites.
Slip-And-Fall
The slip-and-fall accident is one of the common kinds of premises liability claims in the United States, and people can fall into a wide variety of situations for many different reasons. When a person falls because of a property owner’s negligence, then the property owner can be held liable for damages. Insurance companies may review these claims carefully and sometimes question liability or the circumstances of the incident. Legal representation can help document the conditions that led to the injury and address any liability issues that may arise.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims arise when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence or misconduct. These cases can involve car accidents, medical incidents, workplace injuries, or other events. The legal process enables surviving family members to seek compensation for both financial and emotional losses, depending on eligibility and the circumstances. An experienced Stockton personal injury lawyer can help eligible family members file wrongful death claims and work to seek compensation available under the law.
Common Kinds Of Personal Injuries In Stockton
Injuries can vary by severity following an accident, and some people may heal quickly, while many others will potentially see months or even years of treatment. Our Stockton personal injury lawyers can connect you with medical professionals who can assist with your treatment and help create documentation that can support your claim.
The common types of injuries that our firm regularly handles include, but are not limited to:
- Fractures or Broken Bones
- Lacerations
- Concussions
- Crush Injuries
- Closed Head Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Leg Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Arm Injuries
- Internal Organ Injuries
- Skull Fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Permanent Nerve Injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Severe Burn Injuries
- Whiplash
- Wrongful Death
Different injuries can involve different costs, so people may be more likely to pay extreme amounts to care for more devastating injuries. People should not discuss their injuries with anybody except their treating doctors and their lawyers.
Available Compensation In A Personal Injury Claim
Depending on the specifics of the case, individuals pursuing personal injury claims may be eligible to seek damages, which refers to financial compensation awarded for losses resulting from the incident. There are three kinds of damages injured victims may be able to pursue, including:
- Economic Damages — Economic damages relate to the actual costs incurred as a result of the incident. Common types include past, present, and future medical bills, lost income, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages — Other losses that are more subjective can also result in compensation, such as pain & suffering, emotional distress, or disfigurement.
- Punitive Damages — Under California Civil Code § 3294, punitive damages may be awarded in rare cases where there is clear and convincing evidence of oppression, fraud, or malice. Punitive damages are not available for simple negligence, as an aggravating factor must be present, and they are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
- Wrongful Death Damages — California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 establishes that a cause of action for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another party may be asserted by any of the following people or by a decedent’s personal representative on their behalf:
- Surviving spouse or domestic partner.
- Children.
- Grandchildren.
- Minors who were dependent upon descendants for one-half or more of a minor’s support.
- Any other party entitled to a deceased person’s property under California’s intestate succession laws.
Wrongful death damages may include awards for burial and funeral expenses, an amount a deceased person would have earned as income, pain and suffering of a decedent, and loss of a deceased’s companionship and support.
Establishing Liability In Personal Injury Lawsuits
When a person has a personal injury case, they will also have the burden of demonstrating that another party was at fault for their injuries. In California, pursuing a legal claim typically involves establishing four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — Under tort law, the duty of care is a person’s legal obligation under which they must adhere to a standard of reasonable care while performing any acts that can foreseeably harm others. It is the first element that needs to be established to proceed with an action based on negligence.
- Breach of Duty — Breach of duty involves a person failing to satisfy the applicable standard of care. When a person’s conduct fails to meet a required standard of care, they breach this duty.
- Causation — Causation requires showing a direct link between the breach of duty and the injuries or losses suffered. It must be demonstrated that the breach was the actual and proximate cause of the harm.
- Damages — Damages refer to the actual harm or losses suffered as a result of the incident. To seek compensation, the injured party must show that the breach of duty led to measurable damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or other losses.
It is again important to note that California is a pure comparative fault state, which means an injured person may still be able to file a claim even if they were partially responsible for the accident. However, any compensation awarded may be reduced based on the individual’s share of fault.
In other words, for a person who has a $100,000 personal injury claim but is also found to have been 35% responsible, the award is reduced by $35,000, and the person may only recover $65,000.
Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injury Lawsuits In Stockton
In California, individuals have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, any action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another must be commenced within two years of the date of an accident.
Failing to file within this time frame may result in the court dismissing the case, which typically prevents an individual from seeking compensation through the legal system. However, there are specific exceptions that may extend or delay the statute of limitations in certain situations.
For example, an injured person who is a minor will have two years to file from the date they turn 18 years of age. Additionally, a person who is declared mentally incompetent (like a person in a coma) means the limitations period will be tolled (delayed) until the person recovers.
If a person dies within six months of the statute of limitations’ expiration, it may be possible for another party to continue with their action. If a person is in prison, their statute of limitations is delayed until their release or for two years, whichever is sooner.
Another major exception to the traditional statute of limitations applies to cases against governmental entities, as many of these claims must be filed within six months, and some agencies may have even shorter timeframes.
Our Stockton personal injury lawyers can review your case and determine which legal deadline applies to your situation and assist you in filing necessary documents within the time limit.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Steps To Take After An Accident
Following any accident, it’s common to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next. Taking certain steps early on can help protect your health, preserve evidence, and support any potential legal claim. Below are important actions to consider:
- Get Medical Attention — Visit a medical professional after any accident, even if you do not think you suffered an injury. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, and delaying medical care can affect both your health and any potential claim. Seek a comprehensive medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment for your injuries.
- Report the Accident — Report the accident to the appropriate parties. Motor vehicle accidents typically involve calls to police departments to report crashes, but slip-and-fall accidents should be reported to the property’s managers or other responsible parties.
- Collect Evidence — Take multiple photographs or videos of an accident scene. There can be several forms of evidence that are time-sensitive, so pictures can be valuable in preserving evidence in these cases. Look for possible witnesses and record their contact information.
- Contact a Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer — Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, consider speaking to a personal injury attorney. Legal guidance can help you understand your options and how to proceed with your claim. If contacted by an insurance company, you may refer them to your lawyer.
Legal Support For Personal Injury Victims And Families In Stockton
Arash Law focuses on personal injury cases. Our team has experience handling a wide range of injury-related claims and represents clients throughout the Stockton area.
We assist individuals and families facing legal challenges after an accident, such as car crashes, slip-and-fall injuries, and wrongful death claims. Our team can help you navigate the legal process and work to pursue compensation for the injuries and losses you incurred as a result of the accident.
Our process generally works as follows:
- Case Evaluations — We offer a free and confidential initial consultation to discuss the details of your situation. During this evaluation, we explain your legal rights and the merits of your claim. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any attorney’s fees upfront. Fees are only collected as a percentage of any settlement or court award, and no fee is charged if there is no compensation. However, you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs.
- Investigations — A thorough investigation is a key part of building a personal injury claim. Our team collaborates with professionals, including accident reconstructionists and medical providers, to investigate the cause of an accident and assess the extent of injuries. This information helps support claims for compensation and may be important in both settlement discussions and litigation.
- Dealing With Insurance Companies — Many personal injury claims require negotiation with insurance companies, which can be challenging to handle without legal assistance. Our Stockton personal injury lawyers can provide guidance and support to help address the issues that may arise during the settlement process.
- Settlement and Litigation — Our lawyer will send a demand letter to the insurance company to initiate settlement negotiations. Achieving a settlement can take time, and in some cases, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit if an agreement cannot be reached. Many cases are resolved through settlement rather than going to trial. If your case proceeds to court, our lawyers are prepared to present a well-supported case and represent your interests before the jury.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stockton Personal Injury Cases
Can I File A Personal Injury Claim In Stockton Without A Lawyer?
You can file a personal injury claim on your own without legal representation, but you might encounter challenges during the process, such as low settlement offers, disputes over liability, delays, or denials of claims. Our Stockton personal injury lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of the process and manage the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on getting better.
What Should I Do If The Insurance Representative Calls Me For A Statement?
If an insurance representative contacts you after an accident, it’s important to approach the conversation carefully. You are not required to provide a recorded statement, and you have the right to decline until you’ve spoken with a personal injury attorney.
Insurance companies may contact you early in the process and could present a settlement offer. Before accepting any offer or providing detailed information, consider consulting with a lawyer who can help you understand your rights and assess the value of your claim based on the full scope of your damages.
How Do I Know I Need To Hire An Attorney After An Accident?
The need for legal representation often depends on the circumstances of your case. If your injuries result in significant medical bills, have lasting effects, involve the loss of a family member, or cause you to miss work for an extended period, consulting a personal injury lawyer can be helpful.
For minor injuries, some individuals choose to handle their claims independently. A Stockton personal injury lawyer can review your situation and help you determine whether legal representation is appropriate.
What Are The Benefits Of Hiring An Attorney?
Hiring a personal injury attorney offers several potential benefits. An attorney brings experience with personal injury claims and familiarity with the legal process, which can help guide your case. Stockton personal injury lawyers often handle cases on a contingency fee basis and can assist with matters such as negotiating medical liens, addressing creditor issues, and representing clients in court when necessary.
How Much Should I Ask For In A Personal Injury Settlement?
The value of a personal injury settlement can vary widely depending on the specific facts of the case. Factors such as medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and long-term effects of the injury all contribute to determining a fair settlement range.
While there is no fixed formula, personal injury attorneys often assess all documented losses, both economic and non-economic, before proposing an initial settlement demand. In many cases, an attorney may start with a higher amount to allow room for negotiation with the insurance company.
Stockton personal injury lawyers can evaluate your case based on its individual circumstances and provide a realistic estimate of the potential value of your case.
What Types Of Accidents Are Eligible For A Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Personal injury actions in California pertain to all types of incidents in which one person causes harm to another through negligent actions. Car accidents are among the common types of personal injury claim, but other common kinds of accidents include commercial truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, defective or dangerous drugs, amusement park accidents, boat accidents, bus accidents, plane accidents, chemical exposure, childcare injuries, construction accidents, dog bites, elder abuse, farm accidents, heavy machinery accidents, rideshare accidents, and workplace accidents.
Should I Hire The Attorney Closest To Me?
Not necessarily. While convenience is a factor, it’s important not to base your decision solely on location. The more important consideration is whether the attorney has the right experience, resources, and focus to handle your specific type of personal injury case. In some situations, working with a lawyer who is not located nearby may still meet your needs. Many personal injury law firms are willing to meet with clients at their homes, hospitals, or other convenient locations when needed.
Why Do I Need A Lawyer Who Works On A Contingency Basis?
Many personal injury attorneys in the United States handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, your lawyer receives a percentage of a settlement or court award. This structure is often helpful for individuals who may not have the financial means to pay hourly legal fees. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs, regardless of the outcome. Our Stockton personal injury lawyers will outline these fees and costs in writing and address any questions and concerns you may have during your consultation.
Consult With Our Stockton Personal Injury Lawyers For Legal Help
Many people can feel isolated after their accidents and be dealing with confusion about what steps they need to take. If you’ve been injured in the greater Stockton area, it may be helpful to speak with a personal injury attorney to better understand your legal options. Our team can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and related losses.
Arash Law works closely with clients to help manage the legal aspects of their cases, including communication with insurance providers and coordination with medical professionals. We also provide guidance on issues that may arise during the claims process.
A consultation with a Stockton personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate your situation and determine what support may be available.
Our lawyers also handle cases outside of Stockton, including other cities in San Joaquin County, such as Lodi, Tracy, Manteca, Lathrop, Ripon, and Escalon. We also cover nearby counties like Modesto, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Sacramento, and throughout California.
You can call us at (888) 488-1391 or contact us online to speak with one of our experienced Stockton personal injury lawyers, who can help you determine the appropriate course of action.
