Drunk Driving Truck Accidents
Trucks are large multi-ton vehicles that are difficult to operate even under the best circumstances. As such, tractor-trailer operators must follow traffic laws and drive responsibly at all times. Unfortunately, some truck drivers choose to drink and drive, putting everyone else on the road in danger.
Alcohol or drugs can significantly inhibit a driver’s abilities behind the wheel. A collision with a big rig can lead to serious injuries or even death. If you or a loved one was injured in a drunk driving truck accident on the VA Eastern Shore, you should consider seeking compensation from the at-fault party. Our skilled truck wreck attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can help you pursue a case against the driver and his or her employer.
Blood Alcohol Concentration Limits for Commercial Truck Drivers
According to Virginia Code § 18.2-266, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. However, drunk driving laws are harsher for commercial drivers because of the risk of catastrophic trucking accidents.
Commercial truckers cannot drive with a BAC of 0.04 percent or higher. Any tractor-trailer operator caught driving while intoxicated can have his or her commercial driver’s license (CDL) revoked.
Criminal Penalties
Drunk truck drivers can also face criminal penalties for their actions, including prison time and fines. Criminal cases are separate from civil claims, which means that even if the at-fault driver is facing criminal charges, you can sue them for the damages you suffered due to the accident. A criminal case may even generate helpful evidence in a civil claim.
The Severe Consequences of Operating a Tractor-Trailer While Intoxicated
Truck drivers need to be fully functional to operate such large vehicles. Drunk or drugged driving leads to significant impairment. Intoxication by alcohol or drugs can cause:
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Delayed reactions times
- Blurred vision
- Loss of coordination
- Impulsive behavior
- Impaired judgment
- Loss of consciousness
Any of these impairments can contribute to a severe trucking collision. Drunk drivers are more likely to swerve, speed, and violate traffic laws. This type of reckless driving may cause a big rig to jackknife or roll over. If the trucker who hit you was under the influence of alcohol, a skilled lawyer on the Eastern Shore of Virginia can help you fight for financial compensation.
Compensation in Drunk Driving Truck Accidents on the Eastern Shore of Virginia
If you were injured by a drunk truck driver, you have a legal right to pursue a legal claim. In a successful case, you can recover financial compensation for several types of economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Lost income and lost earning potential
- Property damages
- Past and future medical costs
- Cost of rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in particular cases)
A seasoned personal injury attorney can help you assess your damages and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Speak with a Drunk Driving Truck Accident Attorney in VA Eastern Shore
A drunk driving accident can cause injuries that affect you for years after the collision. It is important to take legal action as soon as possible to obtain the compensation you need to recover. However, a lawsuit can be difficult to handle while you are dealing with medical appointments.
A skilled attorney from Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can handle all aspects of your case while you focus on healing. If you were injured in a drunk driving truck accident on the VA Eastern Shore, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get started with your case.
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