Because of the dangers inherent in operating large vehicles, any degree of inebriation can increase the risk of a serious accident. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in order to reduce the risks, truck drivers are prohibited from driving with a BAC of 0.04% or higher—half the legal limit for other drivers. Unfortunately, some truck drivers may still choose to push those limits. After drunk driving truck accidents in Beaumont, injured individuals should work with a truck collision lawyer to ensure that they take the steps needed to protect their rights.
Liability for Drunk Driving Truck Accidents
A truck driver who chooses to drive while intoxicated will typically bear liability for an accident caused by those dangerous choices. If the truck driver’s employer knew that the driver was intoxicated and pushed them to drive anyway, or the truck driver had a known history of drinking and driving in the past, the trucking company may also bear liability. Following drunk driving truck accidents in Beaumont, a lawyer will investigate the driver’s history as well as the trucking company to determine liability.
Dram Shop Liability
Texas dram shop laws hold an establishment that serves alcohol liable when employees know that an individual is already intoxicated, have reason to suspect that the individual plans to drive, and continue to serve them anyway. In order to establish liability, a lawyer will work to find clear proof of service and visible intoxication.
The Impact of Drunk Driving Reports on Truck Accident Claims
A drunk driving conviction can serve as important evidence when putting together a truck accident claim, since it clearly shows that the driver engaged in negligent behavior. However, even without a drunk driving conviction, individuals injured in drunk driving truck accidents in Beaumont can still pursue compensation for their losses. Often, drunk truck drivers will engage in other dangerous behaviors behind the wheel, which a lawyer can use to establish liability for the accident.
Compensation After Drunk Driving Truck Accidents
Truck accidents frequently involve substantial damages because of the large size of the truck compared to smaller passenger vehicles. After drunk driving truck accidents in Beaumont, injured individuals can file a claim that may provide compensation for the losses they suffered. The amount any injured person can ultimately recover typically depends on the damages they sustained and the insurance policy that covers the truck driver as well as whether any other entity shares liability for the accident. Most of the time, however, claims include compensation for:
- The cost of medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident
- The approximate cost of future medical treatments the injured person will likely need after the accident
- Any wages or income lost because the injured person could not go back to work immediately after the accident
- Lost earning potential, when the injured person suffers injuries that will permanently impact their ability to work in their previous job role
- The injured person’s suffering because of their injuries and associated losses
Working with a personal injury lawyer can help the injured individual assess the full damages they sustained and include them as part of their truck accident claim.
Contact an Attorney After Drunk Driving Truck Accidents in Beaumont
If you suffered injuries in an accident with an intoxicated truck driver, do not try to handle your claim on your own. Instead, after drunk driving truck accidents in Beaumont, reach out to a lawyer at Schechter, Shaffer, & Harris for the assistance you need to navigate the claim and recover fair compensation.
