Stockton Truck Accident Lawyers

Why Truck Accidents in Stockton Are So Serious

Stockton sits at the crossroads of major freight routes, including Interstate 5 and State Route 99. Heavy truck traffic through the Central Valley increases the risk of crashes involving large commercial vehicles. According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, San Joaquin County consistently reports a high number of serious and fatal traffic collisions, many involving trucks.

A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds, compared to about 4,000 pounds for the average car. This size difference often leads to catastrophic injuries when a crash occurs. Victims may face medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term disabilities.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Determining what caused a truck accident is key to proving liability.

Several factors frequently play a role, including:

• Driver fatigue after long hours on the road;
• Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting GPS systems;
• Speeding or aggressive maneuvers to meet delivery deadlines;
• Mechanical failures caused by poor maintenance;
• Overloaded or unsecured cargo shifting during travel; and
• Substance use that impairs judgment or reaction time.

Silva Injury Law’s advocates investigate thoroughly to identify every contributing factor in these incidents. A Stockton truck accident attorney from our team will work to uncover the full story so accountability is clear.

Who May Be Liable in a Truck Accident?

Unlike a typical car accident, truck accident claims often involve multiple parties. Identifying liability requires a careful investigation into every potential contributor.

The Truck Driver

A driver may be responsible if they were speeding, distracted, under the influence, or ignoring federal hours-of-service rules. Even minor mistakes behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound truck can have life-altering consequences, and proving negligence often requires reviewing logs, witness statements, and crash data.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies sometimes push drivers to meet unrealistic schedules or fail to enforce safety standards. They may also cut corners on training or hire drivers without proper background checks, which places both the driver and the public at risk.

Cargo Loaders

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing a driver to lose control or making the truck unstable. When this happens, responsibility may extend to the company or workers who failed to follow safe loading practices.

Maintenance Providers

Trucks require regular inspections and upkeep. If a third-party mechanic or maintenance contractor overlooks a problem—such as faulty brakes or worn tires—they may bear responsibility for an accident, especially if records show that known issues were ignored.

Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, tires, or steering systems can cause catastrophic collisions. In these cases, liability may extend to the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty component. Product recalls or safety reports often play an important role in proving fault.

A skilled Stockton commercial truck accident lawyer can investigate all these possibilities to make sure no responsible party avoids accountability.

California Trucking Laws You Should Know

Truck accident claims are shaped by both federal and California state laws.

Some of the most relevant include:

• Hours-of-service regulations. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules limit how many hours truck drivers can operate without rest. Violations often lead to fatigue-related crashes.
• Weight and cargo rules. California imposes strict weight limits and cargo-securement requirements. Overloaded trucks are especially dangerous on Stockton’s highways.
• Comparative negligence law. Under California’s pure comparative negligence policy, fault can be shared between parties. Even if you are partly responsible, you may still recover damages, though your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Statute of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in California. Acting quickly helps preserve your rights.

A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Stockton will work to confirm that your claim follows the right procedures and deadlines.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for both economic and noneconomic damages, including:

• Medical expenses, from emergency care to long-term treatment;
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity;
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Loss of enjoyment of life; and
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one.

Each case is unique. A semi-truck accident lawyer at Silva Injury Law will carefully review the details of your case to determine the full scope of damages.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Evidence in truck accident cases can disappear fast. Trucking companies often deploy their own investigators immediately after a crash to protect their interests. Critical records such as driver logs, maintenance reports, and electronic data from the truck must be preserved.

Hiring a Stockton truck accident law firm early helps safeguard your rights. We send preservation letters, gather evidence, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case from the beginning.

How Silva Injury Law Supports Clients

At Silva Injury Law, we do more than pursue compensation. We help clients connect with trusted doctors, manage paperwork, and navigate insurance negotiations. Our compassionate approach means we take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.

We are trial-ready. Unlike some firms that settle quickly, we prepare every case as if it may go before a jury. This preparation often leads to stronger settlements and better outcomes for our clients.

Why Choose Silva Injury Law?

Choosing the right Stockton truck accident lawyer can make all the difference in your recovery.

At Silva Injury Law, we offer:

• Compassionate advocacy rooted in community values;
• A history of favorable results for accident victims in California;
• Personalized attention and a dedication to treating clients like people, not case numbers;
• Trial experience and willingness to take cases to court when needed; and
• Commitment to making sure you see the best doctors and specialists.

We handle cases of all sizes, regardless of policy limits, because every client deserves justice.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Stockton

Your actions immediately after a collision can affect your health and your legal rights. Taking the right steps can strengthen your case and help you get the care you need.

Call 911

Report the accident and request emergency medical services for anyone injured. Emergency responders will also notify law enforcement, and their records provide valuable evidence for your claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, be aware that some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical evaluation helps protect your health and establishes a record of your injuries, which is critical for both treatment and legal purposes.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are able, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect names and contact information for witnesses, and note the truck’s license plate and company markings so this information is not lost later.

Cooperate with Law Enforcement

Provide accurate information to officers, but avoid speculating about fault. The responding agency will complete a collision report that may play an important role in your case, especially when negotiating with insurers.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident promptly, but keep your statements factual and limited. Avoid accepting blame or making detailed comments before speaking with an attorney, as insurers often use early statements to minimize payouts.

Contact a Stockton Truck Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies representing trucking firms often act quickly to minimize payouts. Reaching out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible helps protect your rights, preserve evidence, and put negotiations in the hands of a legal professional focused on your best interests.

Get Help from an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Stockton, CA Today

Truck accidents change lives in an instant. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Stockton crash, you do not have to face the aftermath alone.

The Silva Injury Law team has decades of combined experience fighting for justice while supporting our clients on their journey to recovery. With deep roots in California’s Central Valley, we understand the challenges our neighbors face and are committed to helping them move forward.

Contact us online or call (209) 600-4389 today for a free consultation with a dedicated Stockton truck accident lawyer. Let us help you seek justice, accountability, and the healing you deserve.