Truck Accidents Due to Drug and Alcohol Use

Getting into a truck accident is a traumatic experience. It can cause catastrophic injuries and even death. In the days and weeks following your accident, it can be difficult to come to terms with the reality of your situation, as well as the extent of your injuries. You may not realize how hurt you are until several days or weeks after the accident. It can be especially frustrating if your accident was caused by a truck driver making the reckless decision to operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

At Bernheim Kelley Battista, LLC, our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer is a strong, experienced advocate for real justice and real results. If you were in an accident caused by an intoxicated trucker, we are more than ready to help. Our firm always puts the best interests of injured victims first. To set up a free, fully confidential consultation with a proven, experienced Florida semi-truck accident attorney, contact us today.

How Often Do Impaired Truckers Cause Collisions?

While some accidents are caused by truck driver negligence, many others are caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. How often do impaired truck drivers cause accidents? While these are relatively uncommon crashes, they still happen. Intoxicated truckers should never be on the road. Here is an overview of some of the most recent data: 

• Alcohol Abuse Among Truckers: A study cited by the National Library of Medicine found that alcohol abuse is a serious issue in the trucking industry. Alarmingly, nearly ten percent of truck drivers report that they consume alcohol every day. 

• Drug Abuse Among Truckers: Drug use, drug abuse, and drug addiction are also issues in the trucking industry. According to data cited by American Addiction Centers, more than 27 percent of truckers consume controlled substances on a regular basis.

Commonly Used Drugs Among Truck Drivers

What types of controlled substances are used by truck drivers? Some of the most common examples include: 

• Alcohol

• Amphetamines

• Cocaine

• Cannabis

• Opioids

• Benzodiazepines

• Methamphetamines

Why are Drugs Used When Driving a Truck?

Drugs are used by truckers for a wide range of different reasons. Truck drivers often face long, exhaustive hours on the road, leading some to use drugs as a coping mechanism. Beyond that, certain types of drugs may be utilized to combat fatigue, manage pain from extended periods of sitting, or due to underlying addiction issues.

An Overview of the Laws that Apply to Truck Drivers and Substance Use

Drunk driving and drugged driving are prohibited by state law. An intoxicated driver—trucker or otherwise—can be arrested and charged with a crime in Florida. Beyond that, there are comprehensive federal safety regulations in place for commercial drivers. As explained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these rules are designed to ensure a “drug and alcohol-free transportation industry.” There are drug testing rules in place.

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When are Truck Drivers Given a Drug Test?

Truck drivers undergo drug tests before and during employment, after accidents, and on suspicion of use by employers to ensure sobriety, alertness, and overall safety. Tests can be scheduled or unscheduled.

Are Trucking Companies Liable for Truck Accidents Caused By Drug Use?

Yes—or at least they certainly can be. Trucking companies have a duty to ensure that their vehicles and their drivers are reasonably safe. These corporations may be held legally responsible for accidents caused by truck driver fatigue, truck accidents due to negligent maintenance, and truck accidents caused by intoxicated drivers.

How to Prove Drunk Driving in a Truck Accident?

Evidence. Every semi-truck accident requires a comprehensive investigation. It is imperative that you are able to secure all relevant evidence, including things like photographs, police reports, breath test results, and witness statements. A prompt, thorough investigation of a semi-truck accident caused by driver intoxication is a must. If you have any specific questions about proving fault, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, like BK Law, for immediate help. We handle all of this for you: we hire the investigator, we investigate the accident, and we secure the evidence needed for your case.

Can a Truck Driver Take Pain Medications?

Truck drivers can take pain medications if prescribed by a doctor. However, they must ensure the medication does not impair their ability to operate the vehicle safely.

Can Truck Drivers Take Antidepressants?

Along the same lines, truck drivers can take antidepressants with a valid prescription. The medication should not impair their driving ability.

How Much Financial Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident in Florida?

Were you hurt in a semi-truck accident in Florida? You may have questions about the amount of financial compensation that you can recover. The answer depends on a wide variety of factors, including the precise cause, nature, and severity of the crash. Compensation may be available for: 

• Vehicle repairs; 

• Emergency medical care; 

• Medical expenses; 

• Lost wages & loss of earnings: 

• Pain and suffering; 

• Disability or disfigurement; 

• Wrongful death; and 

• Punitive damages.

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Contact Our Florida Attorneys Today

Truck accident claims are complicated—especially if the crash was caused by an impaired trucker. You do not have to take on trucking companies or insurance companies alone. At BK Law, our law firm is here to help truck accident victims get real justice and real financial compensation.  We offer a free initial consultation for victims of truck accidents, and we will be happy to discuss the specifics of your situation during our call so that you can understand the level of support that we can provide you. We have a history of successful cases resulting from accidents caused by drug and alcohol use and will be happy to go over these victories as well so that you can get a better sense of what our attorneys can do for you. At Bernheim Kelley Battista, LLC, our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer has extensive experience handling trucker intoxication cases. The sooner you contact our firm for your free consultation, the sooner you will be able to partner with an experienced truck accident attorney who will fight to get you the money that you rightfully deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation. We handle truck accident claims throughout Florida.