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Truck drivers are held to a higher standard than most drivers. While on duty, a truck driver cannot have any measurable alcohol concentration in their system. Failure to abide by this restriction, in addition to being a crime, typically results in the loss of job and career for a truck driver who drinks while on duty.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident due to a motorist driving under the influence, seek help from an Oak Lawn intoxicated truck driver accident lawyer. They could gather evidence to prove that the truck driver’s negligent actions caused the accident. With the help of a skilled truck accident lawyer, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
One of the leading causes of a truck accident involves driving under the influence. As long an individual’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is below 0.08, they can drink and drive. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations govern semi-truck drivers and place a much lower threshold on truck drivers. Truck drivers are not allowed to have any measurable alcohol on their breath while on duty.
Since breathalyzers are not completely accurate, a BAC of 0.02 or lower is not considered to be in violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. It is unusual for a truck driver to have alcohol on their breath, but it is not unheard of. After an accident, a truck driver must submit to a blood test to determine if alcohol or drugs played a part in the crash. It is best to speak to an Oak Lawn intoxicated truck driver accident lawyer to learn about how the defendant’s BAC could affect their case.
The most frequently seen substances in truck crashes are stimulants. Truck driving requires long hours of driving and a heightened level of awareness. The use of stimulants, which allow drivers to maintain awareness, is extremely common. If a driver is fatigued, they should take a break and rest instead of taking a stimulant. Many truck stops are filled with over-the-counter stimulants. While these may be legal, they can be a source of accidents when being taken by fatigued truck drivers.
A seasoned attorney could gather evidence, such as medical records and photographs to determine which type of stimulant the reckless truck driver used and use the evidence to prove negligence.
A DUI while on duty as a truck driver will result in the loss of a truck driver’s CDL. A DUI in one’s capacity will have the same consequences on the CDL as on the personal driver’s license. For example, if a DUI results in a six-month suspension of a truck driver’s license, it will also result in a six-month suspension of their CDL.
All DUI penalties have a wide range of punishments. If a truck driver were to receive a DUI while on duty, it is likely the judge would take this into consideration and apply the harshest of penalties. An experienced intoxicated truck driver accident lawyer in Oak Lawn could prove how the driver and the accident have negatively impacted the claimant’s life to help them recover more compensation.
A truck accident could significantly impact an individual’s life. Individuals could sustain serious injuries, property damage, and affect an individual’s ability to pay their bills. If you have been in a truck accident, you do not need to handle your case alone.
Speak to an Oak Lawn intoxicated truck driver accident lawyer to learn about your eligibility to seek compensation from a negligent motorist. Call today to schedule a consultation.