One would think that truck drivers strictly follow all laws, including those that make it illegal for them to get behind the wheel after drinking. However, each truck driver makes their own individual decisions, and you can be affected by their poor choices. If you have suffered an injury in any drunk driving truck accidents in Baytown, a commercial truck accident attorney at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris could work for you to get the compensation you deserve.
What Drunk Driving Rules Apply to Truck Drivers?
Commercial truck drivers are held to stricter drunk driving rules than ordinary motorists because of the increased danger posed by large commercial vehicles. Under federal law, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets a lower blood alcohol concentration limit for commercial drivers of 0.04 percent, which is half the standard 0.08 percent limit for most drivers. A driver can also face penalties for having any measurable alcohol in their system while on duty or within the preceding four hours.
Commercial drivers must also comply with mandatory alcohol and drug testing. This includes pre-employment testing, random testing, post-accident testing, and testing when there is reasonable suspicion of impairment. Refusing a test triggers automatic penalties, including suspension of their commercial driver’s license. Violating these rules can lead to immediate removal from service, long-term license consequences, and liability for any injuries caused.
Our experienced Baytown lawyers could investigate whether a company violating such requirements contributed to an impaired-driving truck accident.
Is a Trucking Company Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?
A trucking company can be held responsible for a driver’s drunk driving, depending on the facts of the crash and the company’s role in allowing the driver on the road. Under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability, an employer is typically responsible for the negligent acts of its employees when those acts occur within the scope of employment. If a truck driver was performing work duties at the time of the crash, the trucking company may share liability for the injuries caused.
A company may also face liability if its own negligence contributed to the incident. This includes failing to conduct required alcohol and drug testing, ignoring red flags in the driver’s record, pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, or allowing a driver with a history of driving under the influence or safety violations to continue operating commercial vehicles. In these situations, our attorneys may pursue compensation for any trucking accidents in Baytown from both the impaired driver and the company they work for.
What Damages Can I Get from an Impaired Driver Case?
When you can prove that the truck accident was the driver’s fault, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your injuries. These damages compensate you for the financial losses that you have suffered and for the noneconomic effects of your injuries, such as physical and emotional distress.
When drunk driving is involved, there is a greater chance of being awarded punitive damages if you take your case to trial and win. A jury may empathize with your plight when they learn the facts of your case, and they may want to send a strong message to the trucking company. Our Baytown lawyers may be able to leverage the prospect of punitive damages in settlement negotiations involving drunk driving truck crashes to get you a higher payout on your claim.
Call Our Firm About Filing Suit After Impaired Truck Driving Crashes in Baytown
If you suffered an injury in any drunk driving truck accidents in Baytown, the team at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris are ready to fight for you. Our firm knows how to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable and will work aggressively to pursue the compensation you deserve. Put experienced advocates on your side. Contact our personal injury attorneys today.
