Drunk driving truck accidents in Florence should never occur. Drivers who choose to get behind the wheel of any vehicle after drinking alcohol or using drugs put the safety of everyone else sharing the roads with them at risk. When those drivers are behind the wheel of a large commercial vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler truck, the problem is even greater. Because trucks are so massive, they can cause devastating injuries in collisions with other vehicles.
If the truck driver who struck you was drunk, a dedicated truck accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Drunk Driving Regulations for Truckers
Drunk driving is a serious offense. People who drink and drive can face criminal charges of driving under the influence (DUI). Drivers of passenger vehicles can face DUI charges if their blood alcohol level is .08 percent or higher. Authorities hold them to a higher standard because they are commercial drivers, and they can face criminal DUI charges if their blood alcohol level is .04 percent or higher. In addition to facing criminal DUI charges, a commercial truck driver who has a .04 percent blood alcohol level could face other consequences. They could lose their commercial driving license, and anyone harmed as a result of their drunk driving could file a civil lawsuit against them.
Our determined legal team can perform a detailed investigation of the crash to learn whether alcohol or drugs played a role. Our attorneys can follow the correct procedural protocols to obtain the driver’s medical records to determine the precise blood alcohol level. Drunk driving truck wrecks in Florence require careful legal handling, and even if the Commonwealth of Kentucky decides not to pursue a criminal case against the truck driver, our attorneys can still help you proceed with a civil lawsuit.
The Dangers of Alcohol and Driving
Drunk driving can impair a truck driver’s ability to operate their commercial vehicle safely. When a motorist is intoxicated, they cannot see as clearly. Blurred vision can prevent them from seeing road signs, curves, street lights, or even people crossing the road. Alcohol can also slow down a driver’s reaction time and judgment, making them unable to react appropriately to changes in traffic or emergencies. Drunk truck drivers are apt to swerve out of their lanes and collide with other vehicles.
Because drunk drivers pose significant risks, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires trucking companies to test their drivers. Companies need to test potential employees for drugs and alcohol before they hire them as drivers. Trucking companies should also conduct follow-up testing if there is reasonable suspicion of impairment and at random intervals. These measures are especially crucial in preventing DUI truck accidents in Florence, where busy roads increase the risks.
If a trucking company fails to test its new hires and employs a driver with a record of DUIs, it could be liable for the driver’s actions. The FMCSA requires trucking companies to perform additional testing, and failing to do so could result in liability for the company.
Our seasoned local lawyers have a successful track record of helping with trucking crashes involving drunk driving in Florence and can work aggressively to help you.
Speak With a Florence Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Trucking Crash
Drunk driving truck accidents in Florence can have life-altering consequences. Our seasoned legal team can gather evidence to help build a solid claim for compensation. Our attorneys can also handle negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance companies, so you do not have to worry and can focus on healing.
Contact our experienced legal team today to learn more.
