Driving after consuming alcohol is never safe, but it is especially dangerous for a truck driver to drive when he is intoxicated. Because of the massive weight and size of a commercial truck, victims are much more likely to suffer life-altering injuries or be killed.
If you were injured in a drunk driving truck accident, obtaining the compensation you deserve from the trucker and trucking company may not be easy. Their insurance company could still fight to deny your claim or pay you less than you should receive in your settlement. Having an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side is crucial if you want to prove the truck driver’s intoxication caused your collision.
When Is a Trucker Considered Drunk in Virginia?
Because of the increased dangers of a drunk truck driver, they are held to a higher standard when it comes to drinking and driving than drivers of passenger vehicles under federal and Virginia law. In our state, a trucker can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if he has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04 percent or higher. This is half the BAC that is allowed for motorists of other motor vehicles.
In addition, truckers can be randomly tested by the trucking company for alcohol and drugs. They can be tested before they go on the road, while they are on a trip, or after they have delivered their load.
How Drunk Driving Reduces a Trucker’s Driving Abilities
Driving when intoxicated is dangerous because it reduces a person’s driving abilities that can help them avoid a tragic collision. The reduction in driving skills can be even more catastrophic when someone is behind the wheel of a commercial truck that is more difficult to maneuver and stop when traffic conditions require this. Here are some of the ways being drunk can affect a trucker’s ability to safely drive:
- Reduced vision
- Slower reaction time
- Lack of judgment that can lead to reckless driving practices
- Inability to concentrate
Your Right to Compensation in a Drunk Driving Truck Crash
You could suffer serious injuries in an accident caused by a drunk driver that could require expensive medical treatments until you recover or long-term if you do not fully recover. You may need to take time off work or be permanently disabled. Fortunately, you are entitled to be compensated for your losses from the negligent trucker and trucking company. Types of compensation that should be included in your settlement include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed
We Can Provide You With the Aggressive Representation You Need
Was a family member killed in a drunk driving truck accident? Did an intoxicated trucker cause your injuries? Your claim will be more complicated due to the seriousness of your injuries, more liable parties, and federal regulations that may have been violated.
Our skilled and dedicated truck accident legal team is committed to thoroughly investigating the cause of your collision and aggressively fighting for the compensation you deserve. Fill out our online form on this page to schedule your free consultation today.
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