Intoxicated Truck Drivers

Each year over one hundred thousand people are injured in truck related accidents.  These accidents are caused by many different reasons, including driver impairment and faulty trucks.  When alcohol of drugs are involved in a trucking accident, the settlement’s dynamic changes.  If a truck driver operates their vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is considered to be truck driver negligence. 

Impaired truck drivers often suffer from fatigue and often use stimulants to try and stay awake and alert.  Both legal and illegal stimulants can cause reckless driving, paranoia, confusion, poor judgment, and impaired reaction time.  Stimulants commonly used in the trucking industry include caffeine, ephedrine, cocaine, and methamphetamines. 

Investigations of Truck Drivers after an Accident

When a truck accident occurs, there will be several investigations to determine liability.  These are conducted by state and local law enforcement and official agencies.  Truck accident investigations include conducting blood alcohol tests on the driver, regardless of whether or not any injuries or fatalities resulted.  Truck drivers have stricter limitations than drivers of passenger vehicles.  The maximum blood alcohol limit is .08 in most states.  For commercial truck drivers, the legal limit is only .04.

What to do if you have Been Hit by an Inebriated Truck Driver?

If you are involved in an accident with a drunk driver, call the police immediately.  Do not try to confront the driver as this may make the situation worse.  Get the license plate of the truck and write it down immediately.

How Lawyers Can Help

If you were injured in an accident that involved an impaired truck driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your mental and physical pain and suffering.  Cases involving inebriated truck drivers often have multiple defendants.  When the driver is intoxicated, the dramshop cause of action often comes into play.  Dramshop law essentially states that the establishment that served the intoxicated person may be partially liable for the accident.  Because these are complex legal matters, it is always best to consult with an attorney who specializes in semi-truck accidents.