Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a dangerous behavior that puts everyone on the road at risk. Despite stringent laws and severe penalties, some truck drivers engage in this reckless practice, compromising not only their safety but also that of other road users.
Truck drivers are held to a higher standard due to the sheer size and potential for damage their vehicles can cause in an accident. When drugs or alcohol impair their judgment, reaction times, and overall ability to drive safely, the consequences can be catastrophic. If you are injured by an impaired truck driver, you have the right to pursue legal action against them.
Driving Under the Influence in a Major Problem for Truckers
Due to their long shifts and intense schedules, many truck drivers turn to substances like drugs and alcohol to cope with the stress of their jobs. Although it is not the most common cause of commercial truck accidents, this behavior is still a serious risk.
According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), 2% of all truck drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2019 were under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, about 1% of all large truck drivers had a driving under the influence conviction on their five-year driving records—a number amounting to hundreds of thousands of truckers.
The Impact of a DUI Truck Accident Can Be Devastating
A truck accident involving drugs or alcohol often leaves a lasting mark on those involved. Victims can suffer from a range of physical, emotional, and financial consequences, which can have lifelong effects:
- Physical Injuries: The immediate aftermath of a DUI truck accident can result in severe physical injuries to those involved. This may include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, and more, requiring emergency medical attention and potentially long-term care and lifestyle modifications.
- Lasting Trauma: Victims often experience lasting emotional trauma. The impact of the crash can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, affecting their daily lives and overall well-being.
- Financial Difficulties: The combination of medical bills, rehabilitation costs, loss of income, and potential lifelong care can create significant financial strain on victims and their families for years to come.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident Caused by Drugs or Alcohol?
In accidents where a truck driver’s impairment due to drugs or alcohol is a factor, several parties may be held liable. Primarily, the driver bears responsibility for their actions behind the wheel. They chose to drive while impaired, and their negligent behavior ultimately led to the collision.
However, liability may also extend to the trucking company if it fails to conduct proper background checks, enforce regulations, or provide adequate training. In some cases, other entities, such as those responsible for loading the truck or maintaining the vehicle, could share in the liability if their negligence also contributed to the accident. Speak to a Louisville truck accident lawyer to learn more.
Contact Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers and Start Your Journey to Justice
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a grave offense, especially for truck drivers whose vehicles can cause extensive damage. Our Louisville personal injury attorneys are dedicated to seeking justice in these situations, fighting for victims’ rights and ensuring that impaired drivers and their employers are held accountable. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a truck driver under the influence, contact us today for the support and representation you need.