Drinking and driving is incredibly dangerous. Unfortunately, it is a common cause of auto accidents and catastrophic injuries across the country. While there are federal regulations in place to prohibit truckers from drinking before or during their shift, substance abuse rates are high among commercial truck drivers due to the stress of the job. When truckers are working long hours to meet their deadlines, it can negatively impact their mental health and make them more likely to cope with alcohol or other substances.
When you are injured in a crash caused by an intoxicated truck driver, contact our trusted truck accident attorneys at Dannheisser Injury Law to discuss your legal options. When a trucker is negligent behind the wheel, they are liable for your injuries caused by their negligence including drinking and driving. Moreover, depending on the circumstances of the crash, their employer could share the blame. Trucking companies are required by law to conduct random drug and alcohol screens on their drivers.
If you are considering legal action after a wreck, discuss your rights with us. Our seasoned legal professionals have experience litigating drunk driving truck accidents in Sarasota and are available 24/7 to answer any questions about your claim. To schedule your free initial consultation, contact our office today.
Given that drunk driving is a leading cause of truck accidents in Sarasota, there are strict regulations and laws in place designed to prevent such tragic incidents. Truckers are prohibited from drinking alcohol for up to four hours before their shift starts and are not allowed to keep alcohol anywhere in their cabin. When a truck driver is involved in a wreck, their employer is required to test for drugs and alcohol as potential factors in the crash. The legal limit for commercial truck drivers is 0.04 percent. Typically, truckers are tested for substances within eight hours of the accident. These reports can offer critical evidence of the trucker’s negligence.
While it may seem like a given that truckers are to blame if they cause a collision because they were under the influence, our proactive Sarasota injury trial lawyers will also investigate driver’s history to identify a pattern of drug or alcohol use not properly monitored by the driver’s employer.
Trucking companies can be vicariously liable for their trucker’s negligence and for negligent hiring when they fail to properly vet potential drivers for a history of substance abuse. Likewise, trucking companies should conduct random screens for drug and alcohol amongst their drivers. If a driver refuses a blood alcohol test, their employer should not let them return to work. If the employer acted negligently, you could pursue compensation from both the truck driver and their company.
Accidents with commercial trucks can lead to devastating injuries and—despite regulations and safety precautions in place to prevent drunk driving truck accidents in Sarasota—some truckers do get behind the wheel while intoxicated or otherwise impaired. When an 18-wheeler collision occurs because of a preventable factor like drunk driving, the injured person could pursue financial recovery. If there is a history of substance abuse for the trucker or if the company failed to screen the driver for alcohol or drugs after the crash, the trucker’s employer could share legal responsibility.
When you are involved in an accident with a heavy commercial vehicle, be sure to secure legal representation. Contact Dannheisser Injury Law for help with your claim. Our dedicated attorneys have helped countless individuals recover the cost of medical care, lost wages or earning potential, and other expenses, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of capacity for the enjoyment of their life. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you suspect drunk driving was a factor in a recent collision. We are available 24/7 and are ready to help you stand up for your rights. Call us at 941-365-7600 for a free consultation.
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