Belleville Truck Accidents Caused by Impaired Truckers
Belleville sees too many accidents involving truck drivers who are under the influence or otherwise impaired. These heavy commercial vehicles already pose a serious threat due to their size and weight, and when a driver isn’t fully alert, the potential for danger increases sharply. Victims of these crashes often suffer life-changing injuries, costly medical expenses, and emotional trauma. Understanding the risks and causes behind impaired truck driving can be an essential step in making the roads safer for everyone. Our experienced Belleville truck accident attorney is ready to assist after a preventable collision caused by an impaired driver.
Definition of Truck Driver Impairment
Driver impairment can come from alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter medications, illegal substances, or even being too tired. Commercial drivers are held to a stricter standard than most motorists, receiving a DWI if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04% or higher while operating a commercial vehicle.
39:3-10.13. Alcohol, controlled substance use prohibited
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a person shall not operate a commercial motor vehicle in this State with an alcohol concentration of 0.04% or more, or while under the influence of a controlled substance.
Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on Driving
When drugs or alcohol are involved, a truck driver’s reaction time slows, decision-making suffers, and motor skills weaken. These factors can make it harder to steer, brake, or stay alert to changing road conditions, creating a major hazard for anyone nearby.
Fatigue as Impairment
Truckers often work long shifts under tight deadlines, which can lead to drowsy driving. Fatigue impairs alertness and slows response times, similar to the ways alcohol or drugs affect the body. Even if a driver isn’t legally intoxicated, being too tired can significantly increase the risk of causing an accident.
Common Types of Truck Accidents Caused by Impaired Truckers
When an impaired truck driver gets behind the wheel, several kinds of accidents can occur, each posing serious risks to everyone on the road. Common ones include:
- Rear-End Collisions: Motorists may suddenly slow or stop, but an impaired driver often lacks the alertness to respond in time. This can result in the truck slamming into the back of another vehicle, causing severe damage and injuries.
- Side-Impact Accidents: Truckers under the influence may forget to check their blind spots or fail to see cars around them. When they merge or turn, they can crash into the sides of other vehicles.
- Head-On Collisions: Impairment can reduce a driver’s ability to maintain their lane, leading them to veer into oncoming traffic. These collisions can be especially dangerous given the size and weight of a commercial truck.
- Rollovers: Driving while intoxicated or overly fatigued makes it harder to keep control during turns or sudden maneuvers. This lack of coordination or slow reaction time can cause a truck to flip, creating a major hazard for the driver and surrounding vehicles.
By understanding these frequent crash scenarios, victims can better recognize how impaired driving contributes to devastating truck accidents.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Victims of Truck Accidents
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident caused by an impaired driver, a Belleville auto accident lawyer can help in every stage of the process. Here’s how:
- Investigation and Evidence Collection: An attorney gathers proof such as toxicology reports, black box data, and eyewitness accounts to demonstrate the driver’s impairment and how it led to the crash.
- Determining Fault and Liability: They figure out whether the blame lies with the driver, the trucking company, another vehicle on the road, or another party, ensuring all responsible entities are included in the claim.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: A lawyer handles all the insurance conversations and negotiations to secure the compensation you need instead of letting insurers minimize or undervalue your case.
- Litigation: If you can’t reach a settlement, your lawyer prepares your case for court and represents you during trial to keep fighting for a fair outcome.
Having an experienced legal representative on your side can ease the stress of taking on major insurance carriers or trucking companies by yourself. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.