Driving a Commercial Vehicle while Impaired or Intoxicated Is Negligence and Reckless
Throughout the U.S., various state laws ban any motorist from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration above a certain percentage. For commercial vehicle operators, including truck drivers, this limit is typically 0.04%—lower than the standard 0.08% BAC limit for motorists above the age of 21. Note that the BAC limit for those under the age of 21 is far lower in most states, with some states outlawing any detectable alcohol in minor drivers whatsoever.
At The Ammons Law Firm, we have represented victims of truck drivers impaired by both alcohol and drugs. Sometimes, truck drivers turn to stimulants, such as amphetamines, in order to remain awake and drive for longer periods of time than the law allows. In such cases, truck drivers may be found to have not only violated DUI/DWI laws but also to have violated hours-of-service laws and FMCSA regulations.
In any case, operating a commercial vehicle or truck while impaired or intoxicated is reckless and constitutes negligence under the law. Victims of such negligence have the right to seek fair financial compensation for their injuries and damages by filing a lawsuit against the truck driver and company. We understand the importance of acting fast in order to gather evidence that a truck driver was impaired/intoxicated, and we know how to build solid cases that refute trucking companies’ claims that someone other than the truck driver was at fault.
Seeking Maximum Compensation for Your Damages
Due to the massive size and weight of 18-wheelers and commercial trucks, they often cause immense damage when they collide with smaller vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists. In fact, truck wrecks comprise some of the deadliest accidents of all motor vehicle crashes.
At The Ammons Law Firm, we understand that those involved in truck accidents face considerable challenges. Victims of truck accidents sustain serious injuries, such as severe burns, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, to name a few. These and other catastrophic injuries typically require extensive, ongoing medical treatment and will often prevent victims from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently.
At our firm, we strive to help truck accident victims recover compensation for all their damages, including but not limited to:
- All medical expenses related to the accident, including future medical costs
- Lost wages/income from time taken off work to receive treatment
- Lost future earnings when the victim’s injuries are disabling in nature
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma, PTSD, etc.
- Property damage and the cost of repairs to damaged vehicles, etc.
- Punitive damages, when the liable party’s acts were egregiously negligent
We believe that no one should have to suffer the devastating, life-altering consequences of another person’s choice to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or impairing drugs. However, when this does occur, you can rely on our drunk-driving lawyers to fight tirelessly for you. Our attorneys are committed to providing personalized, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation throughout every stage of the legal process.
