Traffic Accidents Caused by Drunk Truck Drivers

Most commercial truck drivers are responsible professionals, but a few drivers take serious and unnecessary risks, including driving under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving is always dangerous, and never more so than when the driver is behind the wheel of a 40-ton vehicle.

Driving Under the Influence

Like other motorists, truck drivers are prohibited from driving while intoxicated. However, the requirements for truckers are more strict. While drivers of personal vehicles are prohibited from driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more, the BAC limit for truck drivers is half that, to 0.04 percent. Furthermore, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires trucking companies to monitor their employees via drug and alcohol testing.

Types of Truck Accidents

There are several common types of truck collisions frequently caused by drunk driving, including:

  • Rear-end collisions. When a truck driver is intoxicated, he may fail to realize that the traffic ahead has slowed or stopped, ramming passenger vehicles from behind.
  • Head-on collisions. These collisions result in more fatalities for passenger vehicle occupants than any other type of truck accident. A drunk truck driver can cause a head-on accident by traveling the wrong way on the highway.
  • Drowsy driving. Intoxicated truck drivers can easily fall asleep behind the wheel, causing them to drift out of their lane.
  • Jackknife crashes. Jackknife accidents sometimes occur when a truck trailer swings away from the cab. Intoxicated truck drivers sometimes speed or travel too fast for weather conditions, leading to these accidents.
  • Rollover accidents. Since trucks have a high center of gravity, they are susceptible to rollover crashes. Drunk truck drivers cause rollovers when they take tight turns too quickly.

You Need an Attorney

When you’ve been injured in a collision due to the irresponsible actions of an intoxicated truck driver, you deserve compensation. You need representation by an experienced truck accident attorney to protect your rights. To discuss your claim, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.

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