Drunk Driving Truck Accidents in Grapevine
Texas has enacted strict laws preventing motorists from getting behind the wheel of any vehicle under the influence. However, the regulations and consequences for intoxicated motorists with a commercial driver’s license or CDL tend to be more severe.
Accidents with commercial trucks are traumatizing and often cause severe injuries and property damage. If you were the victim of a collision involving an intoxicated tractor-trailer driver, you have every right to hold the liable parties accountable. Schedule to meet with a skilled lawyer about drunk driving truck accidents in Grapevine for questions or help with a personal injury lawsuit.
Common Injuries Resulting from Drunk Driving Truck Collisions
Commercial trucks’ massive size and weight make accidents involving passenger cars devastating. These incidents commonly lead to severe and life-changing or fatal injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic amputations
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Injuries of this nature often prompt personal injury claims with significant award amounts for victims. A compassionate attorney in Grapevine could help plaintiffs injured in intoxicated truck crashes collect the maximum award amount to cover their damages.
The Award for Damages
After determining that a semi operator got behind the wheel of their vehicle while under the influence, the court will usually award economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can reimburse plaintiffs for monetary expenses, including medical care, loss of salary, and future earning potential.
Noneconomic damages cover a person’s non-monetary losses after an accident caused by negligence. Instead, these payments cover payments for the impact of their injuries, including psychological and physical pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Commercial Driver’s License Disqualifications
Federal and state laws strictly prohibit the use of drugs or alcohol while operating a vehicle with a CDL. There are many regulations truck drivers must always follow, or they risk losing the ability to operate commercial vehicles. Per the guidelines of the Texas Transportation Code § 522.081, the following actions would disqualify an individual with a CDL from driving:
- Refusing to submit to a drug and alcohol test
- Test showing an alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or higher while operating a commercial vehicle
- Testing determines alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more while operating a vehicle other than the commercial truck
- Having controlled substances in their bloodstream
Commercial drivers must submit to an initial test to analyze for drugs and alcohol. Possessing a CDL also requires undergoing regular and random drug and alcohol testing. A knowledgeable lawyer in Grapevine could investigate whether a drunk truck operator and their employer were out of compliance with regulations during a collision.
Talk to an Experienced Attorney About Grapevine Drunk Driving Truck Accidents
The potential for severe or fatal injuries in accidents with commercial trucks is significant, especially if a semi driver loses control of their vehicle. Therefore, strict federally-imposed regulations require that all tractor-trailer operators and their employers adhere to regular alcohol testing.
However, holding them accountable when a truck driver refuses to take a test and a crash occurs could protect your rights. An award for damages could cover your out-of-pocket expenses and pain to help you and your family get your life back on track. Call a tenacious lawyer about drunk driving truck accidents in Grapevine if you were the victim of a collision.