Harrison Truck Accidents Caused by Impaired Truckers
Driving a truck requires full alertness and precise control, which becomes impossible when a driver is impaired. In these large, powerful vehicles, one wrong decision by an impaired trucker can have devastating effects, endangering lives and causing significant property damage. Considering the high stakes, it’s absolutely essential to hold both the impaired drivers and possibly their employers responsible for any harm resulting from such negligence. A Harrison truck accident lawyer will work tirelessly on your family’s behalf to hold the liable party responsible for the actions that caused the crash.
Federal Regulations to Prevent Impaired Driving
To combat the risks of impaired driving, federal regulations provide strict guidelines for truck drivers to ensure they’re operating safely.
FMCSA Rules
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets rigorous rules on substance testing to safeguard roads from impairment due to drugs or alcohol. These regulations require that commercial drivers meet very strict standards, with a legal limit for blood alcohol concentration at just 0.04%, half that of non-commercial drivers.
Mandatory Testing
To enforce these rules, there are firm drug and alcohol testing requirements which include checking new employees prior to employment, randomized drug and alcohol screens while employed, and mandatory assessments following any significant incident or accident on the road. These measures are intended to curb any chance of impairment before it becomes an issue.
Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules
Restrictions on the number of hours a truck driver can be behind the wheel are essential for preventing fatigue, which is often considered just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The HOS regulations limit driving time and require mandatory rest periods to ensure drivers remain alert. These include daily maximums and weekly limits on driving hours, along with specified breaks and off-duty requirements.
By enforcing these regulations, authorities aim to reduce drug, alcohol, and fatigue-related accidents.
How a Lawyer Can Help After an Accident Involving an Impaired Truck Driver
If you’re injured in a truck accident and suspect the trucker was impaired, a personal injury lawyer can become an invaluable partner in your path to recovery. Here are the primary ways they can help:
Investigate Impairment
Your attorney will look into the driver’s state at the time of the accident. They’ll seek evidence like police reports that indicate whether sobriety tests were performed or witness accounts suggesting impairment.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
A lawyer knows how to handle negotiations with large insurance companies – these firms are often quick to downplay your claim, protecting their bottom line. Your attorney advocates on your behalf, working toward obtaining compensation that meets not just immediate needs but future ones too.
Navigate Federal Trucking Regulations
Your legal counsel thoroughly understands federal motor carrier safety regulations related to substance use and fatigue. A strong grasp of these rules allows them to build a case demonstrating that a violation of these regulations contributed to the accident.
Analyze Hours-of-Service Compliance.
Hours-of-service (HOS) compliance checks are essential in determining cause and liability in truck accidents. Lawyers take time to analyze logbooks and electronic logging devices, which track a truck driver’s hours, to discern any infractions that may have led to fatigue-related impairment.
Consult With Experts
Your Harrison personal injury attorney will often work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, or industry specialists to paint a clear picture of the circumstances surrounding your accident. These expert insights can provide powerful support in proving negligence and detailing the impact of injuries on your life.
Seek Maximum Compensation
A lawyer doesn’t just aim for quick settlements; they push for the maximum compensation that accounts for all damages – medical bills, lost income due to time out of work, pain and suffering, and any lasting disability you may now be living with as a result of the truck driver’s impairment.
If you find yourself facing an injury caused by an impaired truck accident, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.