Orland Park DUI Truck Crash Lawyer

Attorney for Injures Caused by Truck Drivers Who Were Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Who is responsible for truck accidents caused by commercial drivers who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol? In 44 percent of all traffic accidents involving fatalities, one of the drivers was found to have been driving while impaired. Drunk driving is illegal for any driver. However, drivers with commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) are held to higher standards than regular drivers. Big rig drivers cannot drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04, which is half of the legal limit of 0.08 that applies to other drivers.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) regulations govern not only the drivers of big rigs, but also the companies that employ them. Employers are required to enforce drunk driving regulations and ensure that their drivers are behaving safely and preventing potential truck accidents. This responsibility should also influence their hiring decisions. A trucking company that has chosen to employ a driver with a history of impaired driving may be held responsible for actions taken by that driver that led to a truck accident.

At Issa Law, LLC, Attorney Khaled Issa and the rest of our team work to ensure that people who have been injured in truck accidents can recover compensation from the liable parties. Attorney Issa has more than 10 years of experience, and he knows how to hold negligent trucking companies and truck drivers responsible for injuries caused by driving under the influence. If you were injured in a truck crash, or if a family member was killed in a tractor trailer accident, contact our law office in Orland Park, Illinois or call 708-966-2408. We will provide you with an initial consultation and help you understand what steps to take to recover the compensation you deserve.

The Impact of Drug and Alcohol Use on Truck Drivers

The use of intoxicating substances, including alcohol, illegal drugs, or certain prescription medications, can have profound effects on a truck driver's ability to operate their vehicle safely. These substances can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce a driver's ability to focus on the road. The effects of impairment can lead to dangerous driving behaviors, such as swerving between lanes, failing to notice traffic signals, and being unable to respond quickly to sudden changes in traffic conditions. In the case of drugs, the risks can be even more unpredictable, depending on the types of substances used. The use of stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamines to combat driver fatigue can be very dangerous, and the combination of these drugs with alcohol, prescription medications, and even some over-the-counter drugs can have side effects that dangerously impair a driver's ability to drive safely.

Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable for Injuries

In truck accident cases, it is not just the driver who may be held responsible. Many truck drivers are self-employed and work on contracts, but this does not absolve the company that hired them of responsibility. In other cases, a trucking company may have hired its own drivers and provided them with training. When a trucking company fails to enforce safety regulations or hires drivers with a history of impaired driving, it bears clear responsibility for the actions of its drivers.

In addition to the driver and the trucking company, other parties may also be held liable, including the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts if a defect contributed to the accident, or the company responsible for loading the cargo if improper loading played a role. If you were hurt in a crash with a semi-truck, it is essential to identify all possible responsible parties to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. At Issa Law, LLC, we can establish liability for a truck accident, negotiate settlements with insurance companies, and pursuing personal injury lawsuits when necessary.

Talk to an Experienced Bolingbrook Truck Accident Lawyer

For thorough, aggressive legal representation focused on getting you the compensation you need and deserve after an 18-wheeler accident caused by driving under the influence, contact our office at 708-966-2408 and arrange a consultation.