Stockton Car Accident Lawyers

What to do after a crash in Stockton

• Get medical care the same day if possible. ER or urgent care is fine.
• Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
• Get the other driver’s license, insurance, and contact information.
• Get witness names and phone numbers.
• Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer.
• Keep all receipts and appointment notes.
• Contact a lawyer before you accept any settlement offer.

Types of car accident cases we handle

We handle injury claims involving:

• Drunk driving crashes
• Distracted driving crashes
• Rear-end collisions
• Intersection and left turn crashes
• Multi-vehicle collisions
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims
• Rideshare crashes involving Uber & Lyft
• Speeding and reckless driving
• We also represent clients in serious collisions beyond standard car claims, including truck accidents and motorcycle accidents, when injuries are severe, and fault is disputed.

Damages you may be able to recover

A car accident claim is about financial recovery for what the crash changed. 

Depending on your case, damages may include:

• Emergency care and hospitalization
• Follow-up treatment and therapy
• Prescription costs and medical equipment
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent impairment or disability
• Future medical care

We document both current and future losses. Serious personal injuries often require months of care, and some people cannot return to the same work. A complete damage picture supports a stronger demand and reduces the risk of an undervalued settlement.

Do you have to talk to the other insurance company

No. You do not owe the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement right after the crash. Adjusters look for statements they can use to reduce or deny payment.

If the other insurer calls, say you are represented and direct them to our office. We provide the required information without guessing, speculating, or volunteering details that can be twisted later.

Common causes of car accidents in Stockton

Many Stockton crashes come from predictable choices, not bad luck:

• Phone use and in-car distraction
• Following too closely and sudden braking
• Unsafe lane changes near freeway ramps
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Speeding in heavy traffic corridors
• Driving under the influence
• Fatigue and inattention

We identify the cause, then prove it with evidence that matters to insurers and juries: crash reports, photos, witness statements, medical records, scene information, and, when available, video and data.

How our Stockton car accident lawyers build your case

We focus on proof, deadlines, and leverage.

• Intake and immediate guidance
  We review what happened, confirm what evidence exists, and explain next steps.
• Evidence and documentation
  We gather medical records, bills, wage proof, repair information, photos, and witness statements. We obtain the crash report and organize a timeline.
• Liability analysis
  We tie fault to evidence. If multiple parties contributed, we identify them and preserve claims.
• Damages evaluation
  We calculate medical costs, income loss, and future needs. We support pain and suffering with records and credible detail.
• Negotiation
  We present a demand built for settlement strength. We push back on low offers and blame shifting.
• Litigation if needed
  If the insurer will not pay fairly, we prepare to file suit in the proper court and move the case forward, including cases involving wrongful death when a family loses a loved one in a fatal crash.

You get clear updates and direct attorney access, so you know what is happening and why.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California

In many California injury cases, the deadline to file a lawsuit is two years from the date of the crash. Shorter deadlines can apply if a government entity is involved. Talk to a lawyer early so you do not lose rights due to timing.

Should I see a doctor if I feel okay after the accident

Yes. Symptoms can appear later, especially soft tissue injuries and some head injuries. A medical visit also creates documentation linking your condition to the crash.

Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault

Yes. California follows comparative fault. Your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault, but it is not automatically barred. Fault should be determined from evidence, not assumptions at the scene.

What if the other driver is uninsured

You may still have options through your own uninsured motorist coverage, plus any other applicable policies. We review all coverage sources and handle the claim process.

How long does a car accident settlement take

Some cases resolve in months, others take longer depending on medical treatment length, injury severity, and whether the insurer disputes fault or damages. Settling too early can leave you paying future medical costs out of pocket.

Will I have to go to court

Many cases settle without trial, but you should prepare as if the case could be filed. Strong preparation improves settlement leverage and protects you if litigation becomes necessary.

Speak with a Stockton car accident lawyer today

Rancaño and Rancaño, APLC, have served California clients since 1989. If you were injured in Stockton or elsewhere in San Joaquin County, we can review your case, explain what it is worth, and deal with the insurance companies while you focus on treatment.

Do not let the insurance company decide the value of your injuries without legal guidance. Contact our Stockton car accident lawyers today for a free case review and immediate help protecting your claim.