Grand Prairie Drunk Truck Driver Accident Lawyer
In Texas law, alcohol intoxication occurs when someone that is driving has a blood alcohol content level 0.08 or higher. Driving under the influence could also be under the various substances of any number of drugs as well, and they are not able to maintain their normal faculties. The most frequently use substances to cause intoxication include alcohol, opioids, marijuana, sedatives, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cocaine, methamphetamines, and hallucinogens. Truck drivers who are found to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol during the time of an auto collision could be held liable for all damages.
If you or a loved one were injured in a tractor-trailer crash due to an intoxicated trucker, you need compensation for your damages. A diligent Grand Prairie drunk truck driver accident lawyer could help you hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions. Speak to a skilled truck driver attorney to learn about your options to recover compensation.
What Are Some Of The Most Frequently Used Substances That Cause Intoxication?
Alcohol, opioids, marijuana, sedatives, cocaine, methamphetamines, hallucinogens, are common intoxicants. All of the substances that cause intoxication is going to impact a driver’s ability to drive, then it could cause an accident, which would be negligence in and of itself.
Who Can Be Held Liable For Intoxicated Driving Accident?
The truck driver is often held liable for a drunk driving collision, but in some cases, the trucking companies could also be held responsible. A trucking company can be held liable for the actions of the drivers who have been employed by that company. But when there is not an employer-employee relationship between the company and the driver, such as an independent contractor, determining liability can be challenging.
It is always important to bring in an experienced truck wreck attorney so they could make legal arguments that best suit their fact pattern to try to maximize their settlement.
Regulations for Truckers
The drivers must not consume alcohol while on duty. In the federal regulation, they must not consume any alcohol four hours prior to going on duty and up to eight hours following an accident or until the employee undergoes a post-accident test.
Driver shall not report for duty or remain on duty that requires performing safety-sensitive functions when the driver uses any controlled substance, except when the use is under the instruction of a physician is advised the driver that substance does not adversely affect the ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Types of Recoverable Damages
The injured claimant and their attorney could pursue both all economic and non-economic damages following a drunk driving accident. Economic damages are tangible losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are subjective and include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and as well as disfigured. A local drunk driving truck accident attorney could calculate all of the injured person’s damages and help them seek compensation.
Recovering Punitive Damages
With gross negligence where it may be found a drunk or drugged driver was committing gross negligence, a victim could potentially be entitled to punitive damages, although rare, and they are intended to punish defendants for particularly egregious conduct.
Discuss Legal Options With a Grand Prairie Drunk Truck Driver Accident Attorney
It is illegal to operate 18-wheeler or other large commercial truck while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Since 18-wheelers, commercial vehicles weigh more, their crashes usually involve more serious injuries than a passenger car. Additionally, due to the size truckers are required to carry insurance limits that are much higher than a passenger vehicle, because the crash has the potential to cause serious damages.
When a tractor-trailer collision occurs, you should consult with a skilled Grand Prairie drunk truck driver accident attorney. A knowledgeable attorney could review the facts of the case and help you get compensation for all of your injuries. Schedule a consultation today.