Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use
Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is dangerous. However, when the driver is behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer, the consequences of drug or alcohol use can be devastating. Therefore, the United States has strict laws and regulations governing commercial motor vehicles.
When a truck driver causes an accident, the driver and the trucking company can be held liable for damages. However, personal injury claims involving truck accidents are incredibly complex.
That’s why you want an experienced Gainesville truck accident lawyer to handle your case. Our personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers have over 100 years of combined legal experience handling accident cases. Let us help you get the money you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Gainesville, FL, truck accident attorneys calling at (877) 255-3652. We fight to hold the trucking industry accountable for drugged and drunk driving truck accidents.
How Our Gainesville Personal Injury Lawyers Help You After a Commercial Truck Accident
Since 2007, our law firm has recovered millions of dollars in jury verdicts and settlements for our clients. We are dedicated to representing injured victims and their families. Our lawyers have a 10.0 Superb AVVO Rating and an AV Preeminent Rating with Martindale-Hubble.
When you hire Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers to handle your case, you can expect us to:
- Conduct an independent investigation into the cause of the truck accident
- Monitor the investigations by state and federal agencies
- Request copies of drug and alcohol testing performed after the truck accident
- Identify insurance coverage and file insurance claims
- Handle all communications with insurance companies and the trucking company
- Hire trucking industry experts, accident reconstructionists, and other expert witnesses to assist in gathering evidence
- Work with your physicians and medical experts to document the extent of your injuries and damages
- Calculate the value of your damages and aggressively pursue claims for the full amount
- File a lawsuit and advocate for you in court if the other parties refuse to negotiate a fair settlement amount
Let us fight to get you fair compensation for your injuries and damages after a semi-truck accident. Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced accident attorneys in Gainesville, Florida.
Is Drug and Alcohol Use Common in the Trucking Industry?
Florida had the third-highest rate of reported violations, according to the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Monthly Summary Report for April 2022. Positive drug tests accounted for 82% of the total reported violations. Marijuana was the most common drug for positive tests, followed by cocaine metabolite.
Long hours driving under stressful situations can lead to substance abuse by truck drivers. Even prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can have side effects that impair driving. Drunk and drugged driving truck accidents cause severe injuries and deaths of innocent victims.
What Are the Regulations for Testing Commercial Truck Drivers for Drug and Alcohol Use?
The federal government sets strict rules for drug and alcohol testing for drivers with a commercial driver’s license. The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) set and enforce rules and regulations for drug and alcohol testing.
The rules trucking companies and truck drivers are subject to include, but are not limited to:
- Pre-employment tests for alcohol and drugs before a truck driver operates a commercial truck
- Conduct random testing for CDL drivers
- Perform tests if a supervisor suspects a substance abuse problem (supervisor training provided by the DOT)
- Post-accident drug and alcohol tests for truck accidents that result in injury or death
- Return-to-duty testing after drivers test positive for drugs or alcohol
- Follow-up testing after return to duty when recommended by a substance abuse professional
Trucking companies must place a driver off-duty after positive drug or alcohol tests. State and federal officials have the authority to place a driver out of service, according to Title 49 §383.37 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Truck Accident in Gainesville?
A commercial truck accident causes catastrophic injuries and life-threatening conditions. First responders provide urgent care and transport victims to the hospital. If you did not sustain life-threatening injuries, it is still essential to see a doctor as soon as possible to document your injuries.
As soon as possible, contact our Gainesville truck accident lawyers to discuss your case. Accident victims can recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Past and future medical bills and expenses
- In-home and long-term nursing care
- Past and future lost wages and benefits
- Disfigurement, impairments, and disabilities
- Diminished earning potential
- Physical pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Decrease in quality of life
Injuries from commercial truck accidents can cause lifelong disabilities. The money you receive for a truck accident claim helps you and your family cope with the devastating consequences of a semi-truck accident.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Gainesville Truck Accident Lawyers
Commercial trucks cause catastrophic accidents that often involve multiple vehicles. Sorting out liability can be challenging. Our law firm has the resources and experience to handle these complex personal injury cases.
Call us today to schedule your free case evaluation with a truck accident attorney in Gainesville, FL.
