Fort Lauderdale DUI Truck Accident Attorney
Getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after drinking or using drugs is one of the most dangerous decisions a person can make. This decision can be even more risky if an intoxicated person tries to operate a large commercial truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds. Truck drivers who engage in any type of impaired driving put everyone on the road at risk and often cause crashes that result in devastating or even fatal injuries.
There is no excuse for driving a truck while impaired and an experienced Fort Lauderdale truck accidents and drug/alcohol abuse attorney is committed to standing up for the rights of impaired driving accident victims. Call us today if you have been injured.
Legal Limit for Alcohol
The legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) for most drivers is 0.08 percent. However, because driving a truck while drunk is so dangerous, the Federal motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) holds truck drivers to a higher standard and sets their legal limit at 0.04 percent. If any truck driver is found to be over that limit while driving their commercial vehicle, they can be arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. If an accident occurred, any victims can use the elevated BAC to help prove any subsequent truck accident claims.
Drug Use Among Truck Drivers
Despite the clear risks of drug use and driving, using illegal drugs is unfortunately a part of trucking culture for some drivers. Many drugs can be found being illegally sold at truck stops and some of the most popular drugs for truck drivers include:
- Methamphetamines and amphetamines;
- Cocaine;
- Illegal prescription medications such as Adderall;
- Marijuana;
- Other types of stimulants.
Whether a truck driver uses drugs to try to stay awake or for entertainment during the long hours on the road, any drug use is extremely risky and can cause severe injuries and death to other motorists.
Improper Drug and Alcohol Testing
Because of the risks of drunk and drugged truck driving, the FMCSA mandates that trucking companies administer random drug and alcohol tests to drivers at certain intervals. Trucking companies can be held liable for impaired driving accidents if they did any of the following:
- Failed to conduct the required testing;
- Failed to report a failed drug or alcohol test or suspend a driver for a failed test;
- Hired a driver with a known history of driving while impaired.
Call Our Fort Lauderdale Drunk Driving Truck Accident Attorneys for Help
All victims of drunk or drugged driving accidents deserve full compensation for their losses, which can include medical costs, lost income, future financial losses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any permanent disabilities they suffer due to their injuries. In addition, because of the egregious nature of impaired truck driving, some victims can obtain punitive damages.
At the law firm of Boone & Davis, our Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorneys will always stand up for your rights to the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation at 954-566-9919.
