Truck Accident Causes: Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Although it is against the law to operate any vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol and/or drugs, the laws regarding drunk or drugged driving are particularly strict when it comes to commercial truck drivers. In fact, Colorado law dictates that:
A blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04 or greater is the legal limit for individuals with commercial drivers’ licenses (CDLs). In contrast, the legal limit for individuals who do not have a CDL is 0.08.
- Even if an individual with a CDL is not driving a truck or is not on duty but is found to have a BAC of 0.04 or greater while driving, he will be considered to be intoxicated and will likely be charged with a DUI.
- A truck driver can be considered to be intoxicated or impaired even when or if he drives after taking prescription and/or over-the-counter medications.
- When an intoxicated truck driver causes a traffic accident, the negligent driver can be held liable for criminal DUI charges. Additionally, injured parties can hold the negligent truck driver liable for the cost of their injuries and losses by filing a civil truck accident lawsuit against the truck driver.
Drunk Truck Drivers Can Cause Serious Traffic Accidents
While drunk driving is dangerous regardless of the type of vehicle an intoxicated person may be operating, the resulting damage and injuries can be significantly more severe when truck drivers are intoxicated, as:
- It typically takes longer to stop and/or maneuver heavy trucks. Therefore, when drunk truck drivers have slowed reaction times, it is more likely that they will be unable to properly operate trucks and respond to important visual cues. Consequently, it is also more likely that these negligent truck drivers will be involved in traffic accidents.
- Intoxicated truck drivers are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel of large commercial vehicles.
- Heavier trucks can cause substantially more damage upon impact with other passenger vehicles even when trucks are going at slow speeds.
Boulder Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by an intoxicated truck driver – or if you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by a drunk or drugged truck driver, call the Boulder personal injury lawyer at Cederberg Law at 303-499-0449 or email us using the form at the left-hand side of the screen.
Since 2011, our attorney and his legal team have been successful at securing results and compensation for people who have been seriously injured in truck accidents caused by other individuals’ negligence and recklessness. Having handled countless cases, our attorney has a deep understanding of the law, as well as the legal experience you can rely on to fiercely defend your rights in any legal setting and help you secure the maximum possible compensation for your injuries, expenses and losses.
At Cederberg Law, you will not be handed off to a paralegal or assistant. You will receive personal attention and professional service from an experienced lawyer who cares about you and who is dedicated to providing you with superior legal services at every stage of your case. In addition to offering free initial consults and contingency fee options, our lawyer makes hospital visits to ensure that you have access to the legal support you need – whenever you need it.