On September 27th, 2024, CBS News reported that highway 99 was temporarily shut down after a commercial truck caught fire. The incident happened at approximately 2:00 AM. However, the morning commute the next day was affected because the tractor trailer spilled dozens of gallons of diesel fuel on the roadway. The crash happened outside of Stockton, a bit north of Eight Mile Road.
The cause of the fiery crash was not immediately known. The accident is still under a more comprehensive investigation. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we are committed to protecting the rights and interests of injured victims and their families. Below, our Stockton semi-truck accident lawyer provides a guide to the most important steps to take after a big rig crash in California.
The Five Key Things You Need to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in Stockton
Step #1: Stop Your Vehicle and Call the Police
In California, all drivers involved in a motor vehicle crash are required to stop, exchange information, and remain at the scene. Truck accidents fall under the same general legal rules. If any person suffered any type of physical injury in the semi-truck accident, it should be reported to law enforcement. You can report your truck accident to the Stockton Police, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), or another law enforcement agency. The police will document the scene and gather preliminary evidence and witness statements. You should get a copy of the police report after a tractor trailer accident.
Step #2: Get Immediate Medical Attention if Hurt in the Crash
As a fully-loaded tractor trailer in California can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, even a relatively low-speed collision carries incredible force. Truck accidents can cause terrible, even catastrophic injuries. All truck accident injuries should be evaluated by a licensed physician. Assume that you feel relatively fine after a crash and that you believe that your injuries are only minor. You still need to see a doctor right away. Many common big rig accident injuries—such as TBIs, whiplash, back pain, and internal bleeding—may not show symptoms right away. Getting a thorough medical evaluation is a must. If you do not have medical records, you cannot bring a personal injury claim.
Step #3: Ensure Your Semi-Truck Accident is Thoroughly Documented
Neither a truck driver nor a trucking company bears automatic liability for an accident in Stockton. Instead, California is a fault-based semi-truck accident. With that being said, you should document everything about the accident as thoroughly as possible. To start, you should take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs. Beyond that, you should collect names and contact information of witnesses and other drivers involved in the accident.
Step #4: Avoid Giving a Statement to the Truck Company’s Insurer
You may get a call from the trucking company’s insurance carrier relatively shortly after a crash. Unfortunately, the insurance adjuster is not on your side. They want to pay out as little as possible. Be cautious when interacting with the truck company’s insurance representatives. They may contact you for a statement or to discuss a settlement. It is important to remember that their primary goal is to minimize the payout for the insurance company. Politely decline to give a statement or discuss the accident without professional legal representation.
Step #5: Consult With an Experienced Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer
The right legal advocate can make the difference in the truck accident claims process. The sooner you seek legal representation, the better position that you will be in to get justice and compensation for your damages. A Stockton motor vehicle accident lawyer who has experience handling semi-truck accident can:
- Answer your questions;
- Explain your options;
- Investigate the crash;
- Handle insurance negotiations; and
- Take action to protect your rights.
An experienced Stockton, CA semi-truck accident lawyer will also be able to accurately assess the value of your case. You should not agree to a truck accident injury settlement until you are 100 percent certain that you are receiving full and fair financial compensation for your damages.
Recovering Compensation for a Semi-Truck Accident
In California, truck accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages, including non-economic losses. These can be difficult cases. Trucking companies and their commercial insurance carriers fight aggressively to pay out less. Our Stockton, CA semi-truck accident lawyers go above and beyond to help injured victim’s secure the maximum compensation. Depending on the nature of your crash, you may be able to recover for:
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Physical therapy and other care;
- Loss of wages and loss of future earning;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Redkey Gordon Law Corp Fights for the Rights of Truck Accident Victims in Stockton
Navigating the aftermath of a semi-truck accident is never easy. Unfortunately, the big trucking companies and their commercial liability providers are more interested in protecting their own bottom line than the interests of injured victims. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we are a justice-focused law firm that has deep experience taking on semi-truck accident injury claims. You do not have to go up against a big insurance company alone after a bad crash. Our case results tell the story. Your initial consultations are always free and carry zero obligations.
Call Our Stockton, CA Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Case Review
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton semi-truck accident lawyer goes above and beyond to fight for justice and compensation for injured victims. If you were hurt in a tractor trailer wreck, we are here to help. Contact us now for your free initial appointment. With a law office in Stockton, we represent semi-truck accident victims throughout the San Joaquin Valley, including in San Joaquin County, Stanislaus County, Merced County, and Kings County.