Everyone knows the risk of driving while under the influence of alcohol, as it has been a significant cause of highway crashes and fatalities for decades. The size of heavy commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, makes operating them under the influence particularly hazardous, but sadly, despite regulations prohibiting the action, it still occurs.
You have the right to initiate legal action to hold the responsible party financially accountable if a drunk truck operator caused you or your loved ones harm. Meet with a proficient truck accident attorney experienced in handling cases resulting from drunk driving truck accidents in Lake County to review your case and learn more.
Determining Fault and Liability in A Drunk Driving Truck Accident
When intoxicated truckers cause crashes, and others sustain injuries and other damages, liability may fall on the driver only, or the driver’s employer may share responsibility. Trucking companies and related agencies must comply with federal and state regulations and conduct alcohol and drug testing during the hiring process, after collisions, and randomly to ensure their employees are sober while working for them.
An attorney seasoned in handling cases from Lake County drunk driving truck wrecks could help create a strong case to prove fault and collect a just payout amount. That includes a meticulous investigation to gather the crucial evidence to establish that the trucker was under the influence and that their actions caused the accident.
Compensation for Damages and Losses
The civil court often awards victims compensation within two primary groups, and those include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the out-of-pocket and verifiable monetary losses people sustain from being involved in roadway collisions. Examples include payment for hospital bills, ongoing medical care, and loss of pay they incurred from missing work during recovery.
Noneconomic Damages
Economic damages refer to the out-of-pocket and verifiable monetary losses individuals sustain from roadway collisions. These include hospital bills, ongoing medical care, and lost wages due to missed work during recovery. In Truck Accidents in Lake County involving a drunk driver, these damages can be substantial, as the injured person often requires extensive medical treatment and prolonged time away from work.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Laws
The maximum blood alcohol concentration, or simply BAC for commercial truck operators, is .04, which is lower than the standard .08 limit for passenger car drivers. Per the guidance of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, any trucker receiving one violation for driving under the influence will receive a one-year disqualification. Second or subsequent arrests are grounds for permanently losing their commercial driver’s license in the state.
Florida is an implied consent state, and any truck operator refusing to submit to drug and alcohol testing is subject to drunk driving penalties under the statute. That includes one year of license suspension or more if there are prior arrests.
Evidence of an arrest can help the plaintiff prove fault and collect the maximum potential settlement from the responsible party. During the consultation, a lawyer could answer questions about drunk-driving truck crashes in Lake County and the process of obtaining a fair settlement.
Contact a Seasoned Attorney About Lake County Drunk Driving Truck Accidents
Driving any vehicle while impaired is highly dangerous and unlawful for all motorists, and the laws are more stringent for commercial truckers. They are professional drivers responsible for handling a massive truck, which is challenging to control in the best circumstances.
The regulations hold them to a higher standard, and the civil court considers that when determining the settlement. You could be eligible for payment to compensate you for the damages and losses if a drunk 18-wheeler operator caused a wreck. Meet with a proficient lawyer skilled in handling cases resulting from drunk driving truck accidents in Lake County. Contact us today to get started with your case.
