On June 6th, 2025, CBS News reported that a semi-truck nearly collapsed off of a bridge and fell into the San Joaquin River after a crash on a highway. The crash is still under a more comprehensive investigation by local and state law enforcement. Here, our Stockton truck accident attorneys explain what we know about this crash and highlight the steps to take if you are involved in a collision with a commercial truck on a major highway.
Bad Tractor Trailer Crash in San Joaquin County
Early in the morning of Friday June 6th, a box truck crashed through a guardrail on Interstate 5. The crash happened just south of Lathrop. It left its cab dangerously hanging over the San Joaquin River. Firefighters from the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District conducted a vertical rescue. The crash caused major delays. There was a small diesel spill that needed to be contained by local authorities. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is still investigating the cause of the box truck accident.
What to Do After a Truck Accident on a Highway in California
The aftermath of a truck accident can be chaotic and confusing. Knowing what to do can make a big difference. Here are seven of the most important things to do after a commercial truck accident on a highway in or near Stockton:
- Stop Your Vehicle and Get to a Safe Location: Safety is always the absolute highest priority after a commercial truck accident on a highway. If you are able to move your vehicle, you should pull over to the shoulder or another safe area away from oncoming traffic. You should also turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Try to stay calm, but be aware, California highways can be dangerous, and especially so after a crash.
- Call the Police to Report the Crash: Commercial truck accidents should be reported to the police if there were A) Any physical injuries, or B) In excess of $1,000 in total property damage. Most highway truck accidents will exceed that damage threshold. They are also disproportionately likely to cause serious injuries. Make sure you contact law enforcement, such as the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office or the California Highway Patrol.
- Exchange Information With the Trucker: You should exchange information with all parties involved in the highway tractor trailer crash, including the truck driver. Be sure to politely ask the truck driver for their name, contact details, insurance information, and the name of the trucking company they work for. You should write down their license plate number and the U.S. DOT number on the truck if you can. It is not the time to discuss fault for the crash or to otherwise argue about it; just focus on gathering information.
- Get Immediate Medical Care for Any Injuries: Medical needs are always a top priority after a highway truck accident in California. If you were hurt in a crash, you need to see a doctor right away. You may be more severely injured than you realize in the aftermath of a semi-truck accident. Many of the most common truck accident injuries, including whiplash, low back pain, and concussions, can arise with a somewhat delayed onset. You need to protect your health and well-being. Further, medical records are required to bring a claim.
- Take Pictures of the Scene of the Collision: California is a fault-based liability state for semi-truck accidents, including for highway collisions. The more documentation of the crash you have, the better. You should use your phone to capture everything you can, from vehicle damage to skid marks to road signs to wide shots of the entire scene. All photos may later help prove what happened. It is also a good idea to get contact details for witnesses.
- Notify Your Insurance Company of the Crash: Your insurance company should be made aware that you were involved in a commercial truck accident. The truck company and their insurer may ultimately be the party that is liable for the collision—but it is still a best practice to make sure that your insurance company is notified of the wreck. Doing so is likely required by the terms of your policy.
- Consult With a Lawyer Before Giving a Statement: No insurance company is on your side after a semi-truck accident. They want you to provide a recorded statement before you seek legal representation so that they can find information to use against you in your claim. Be careful: You should always consult with a Stockton, CA truck accident attorney before giving any recorded statement to an insurance adjuster.
Recovering Full and Fair Compensation for a Truck Accident
Were you hurt in a semi-truck accident in Stockton or elsewhere in the San Joaquin Valley? You have the right to seek financial compensation to help pay your bills and cover your damages. The amount that you can expect to get will vary based on a wide array of case-driven factors. A proactive approach to the claims process is key. Unfortunately, truck companies and insurance carriers try hard to pay out less in settlement. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other health care costs;
- Physical therapy;
- Lost wages;
- Diminished earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Disability;
- Disfigurement;
- Reduced life quality; and
- Wrongful death.
Why Trust Our Stockton Truck Accident Lawyers
Tractor trailer accident claims are notoriously complex—especially so when the collision happens on a highway. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to take on highway truck accident claims in California. With more than $25 million in compensation secured on behalf of injured victims, our proven history of case results tell the story best. We are ready to fight for justice and the maximum compensation for truck accident victims in Stockton.
Call Our Stockton Stockton Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton tractor trailer accident attorney fights for justice for victims and families. If you or your loved one was involved in a major commercial truck crash, we can help. Call us now or contact us online to arrange your free, no obligation case review. Our firm fights for the rights of truck accident victims throughout the San Joaquin Valley.