Under the best circumstances, commercial trucks are large, dangerous vehicles that must be handled with care. In the hands of an impaired operator, they have the potential to cause serious or even life-threatening injuries any time a collision occurs.
If you were involved in a drunk driving truck accident in Inverness, you have the right to seek compensation. Your lawsuit could provide you with the fair compensation you deserve based on your injuries. A dedicated truck crash attorney could advise you of your legal options.
The Dangers of Impairment Among Commercial Operators
Drunk commercial operators pose an immense danger not only to the trucker indulging in alcohol but also to innocent individuals sharing the roadways. It is a reckless act that can have catastrophic consequences, particularly when involving large commercial vehicles.
First, impaired judgment caused by alcohol can significantly affect a driver’s ability to make quick and rational decisions on the road. This impairment hampers their reaction time, making it difficult for them to respond appropriately to unexpected situations or hazards.
Second, alcohol directly impairs the motor skills and coordination required for safe vehicle operation. This can lead to decreased control over the vehicle. This lack of control becomes especially risky when operating heavy trucks due to their size and weight. Furthermore, intoxication often results in blurred vision and reduced depth perception, making it challenging for drivers to accurately judge distances and react promptly in dangerous scenarios. Finally, drunk driving increases the likelihood of aggressive behaviors such as speeding or swerving between lanes, further heightening the risk of truck accidents in Inverness.
Civil vs. Criminal Matters
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a crime, particularly when it involves operating a commercial vehicle. However, there are also civil ramifications for this behavior. A person could be charged with a crime and also served with a civil lawsuit based on the collision they caused.
These two different types of cases are heard separately. In fact, an injured has the opportunity to file a lawsuit regardless of whether the state chooses to bring DUI charges. However, a criminal conviction in these cases could be used as evidence of negligence in a civil case for an Inverness drunk driving truck collision.
Proving a Civil Drunk Driving Case
When it comes to truck accidents caused by impaired driving, negligence is the standard used to determine liability in civil court. This term refers to the failure of an individual to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to another person.
Under state law, an injured person and their attorney must prove four elements to establish negligence. An experienced attorney could help with demonstrating the following:
- Duty of care
- Breach of the duty
- Causation
- Damages
The duty of care exists when a driver has an obligation to operate their vehicle responsibly and not endanger others on the road. Truck drivers owe this obligation to virtually everyone they cross paths with.
There must be a breach of this obligation, which can occur when a driver chooses to get behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. This is due to the increased risk of a collision that comes with impairment.
Causation also needs to be established. This element involves showing the truck driver’s impaired state directly led to the accident and resulting damages.
Finally, actual harm or damage must have occurred as a result of the accident in Inverness caused by a drunk trucker. That means a person has to show they sustained compensable losses like medical bills or pain and suffering. A person and their attorney need to show each of these elements in order to succeed with their injury claim.
Call an Attorney About Drunk Driving Truck Accidents in Inverness
These accidents can carry life-altering consequences. Even those who survive frequently face major financial and physical hurdles for years to come. A financial settlement can cover those losses and provide a measure of justice for the injured. If you were hurt in a drunk driving truck collision in Inverness, call today for a private consultation.