Drunk Driving Truck Accidents in Colleyville
Motor vehicle accidents happen all the time in busy places like Colleyville—some of them due to drunk driving. While drunken driving in itself is dangerous, the danger multiplies when the intoxicated driver is behind the wheel of a commercial truck. These trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and tower over other vehicles on the road. Drunk driving truck accidents in Colleyville can lead to devastating property damage, catastrophic injuries, and even death.
Anyone involved in this type of accident should call an experienced lawyer immediately. There are numerous ways a qualified 18-wheeler collision attorney could help with your case, including by investigating the wreck to determine who is responsible, arguing on your behalf in court, or negotiating for a comprehensive settlement with the insurance company.
Regulation of Commercial Trucks
Commercial truck drivers owe other drivers on the road a heightened duty of care, and several laws and regulations govern their industry. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strictly limits when a driver can drink alcohol before a scheduled shift, forbidding any drinking within four hours of going on duty.
A driver’s violation of this limit would imply their negligence in a personal injury case. A knowledgeable Colleyville drunk driving truck accident lawyer could advise on the applicable laws pertaining to a specific case.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
Per the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, Texas is a comparative negligence state, meaning that a person is ineligible to collect damages if they are more than 50 percent to blame for an accident. For those 50 percent or less at fault, their damages are reduced by an equivalent percentage.
This law incentivizes opposing counsel and insurance representatives to place the blame on the injured party, thereby reducing or negating their client’s or company’s overall liability. A skilled drunk driving truck accident attorney in Colleyville could fight back against these tactics and stand up for an injured party’s rights.
Dealing With Multiple Defendants
In a Colleyville drunk driving truck accident case, there could be several liable parties:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- The truck parts manufacturer
This might mean dealing with multiple insurance companies, whether a plaintiff goes to court or tries to negotiate for a payout. A well-practiced lawyer could provide an accurate valuation of an injured person’s case and use their legal training to negotiate for an equivalent settlement.
A Colleyville Attorney Could Fight for Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Truck Accident
Drunk driving truck accidents in Colleyville typically result in serious harm to those involved. By contacting a lawyer today, you are taking step one towards being made whole again. You have been wronged; allow our dedicated legal team to help make things right. Call to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with a committed attorney.