Commercial drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs put lives on the line. Anyone who drives after consuming alcohol or drugs is engaging in risky behavior, but truckers have up to 80,000 pounds of material behind them, creating incredible force.
In these situations, the risk of loss of life is high. Be sure to speak with an experienced big rig accident lawyer in Jackson about your case and consider some factors about trucking accidents caused by impaired driving.
Trucking Accident Statistics with Impairment
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shares that, every day, 34 people across the US die from a drunk-driving-related accident. That was a total of 12,429 people in 2023. Not all of these occur as a result of trucking accidents. It is estimated that in 2023, 19% of all fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired large truck. That could include dump trucks, 18-wheelers, flatbed trucks, or others that weigh 10,000 pounds or more.
Why Driving Impaired Behind the Wheel of a Truck Is Dangerous
Commercial drivers navigate the highways for long hours at a time. They must face construction and changing weather conditions, as well as other drivers on the road with them. When impaired, truck drivers often face changes in their ability to perform even simple tasks. That may include:
- Controlling how fast they drive
- Remaining in their lane along the roadways
- Gauging distance properly to switch lanes
- Detecting traffic changes around them
- Steering properly
- Braking soon enough to stop
- Avoiding fast-changing road conditions or stopped traffic
When they cannot act in these ways, truck drivers cause accidents. It takes a truck far longer to stop than a traditional passenger car. That means the impaired driver needs to recognize the need to stop earlier, apply the brake, and ensure the vehicle stops while struggling to navigate the roadway. It is hard to do, and it often leads to risks to others.
Who Is At Fault in a Trucking Accident Caused by Impaired Driving?
When a truck accident happens, and the truck driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the limit, that makes it obvious the driver was at fault. Evidence to back this up will be important, such as demonstrating that the other drivers were not at fault.
However, there are situations in which others may also be at fault. For example, if the truck driver had a history of driving under the influence, and their employer knew of this, but still allowed them to get behind the wheel, that trucking company could hold some fault in your accident. Proving this can be challenging, as you will need to demonstrate evidence that the trucking company or other employer knew or should have known about the risk. A car crash attorney can gather the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf.
What an Attorney Does in a Truck Accident Caused by Impaired Driving
Victims of DUI accidents involving commercial drivers benefit from working with an attorney capable of gathering evidence to demonstrate fault. In addition, it becomes imperative to gather information like the driver’s medical records and work history to demonstrate fault.
Hiring a truck accident lawyer allows for better access to critical evidence. Your attorney will also help you demonstrate just how devastating this accident is and what compensation the insurance company owes you as a result. Truck drivers on the road carry the responsibility of never having even a single drink before getting behind the wheel. When they do, they are liable for the losses they cause. Contact us online to schedule a free case consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer.