Drunk driving is already one of the most dangerous behaviors possible on our roads, but the risks are even greater when commercial vehicles are involved. These collisions can lead to devastating and even potentially fatal consequences, especially for the occupants of smaller vehicles.
If you are the victim of any drunk driving truck accidents in Huntsville, you deserve justice. A skilled big rig accident attorney can investigate the facts of your case and help you understand the legal options in front of you. You may be entitled to compensation based on your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Alabama holds commercial truck drivers to a stricter standard than other motorists. While most drivers are considered over the legal limit at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent, Alabama Code § 32-6-49.12 states that commercial drivers are considered impaired with a BAC of 0.04 percent or higher.
The serious risk that large trucks pose is reflected by this lower limit. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, and even a small delay in reaction time can lead to a devastating crash. Because of this risk, state law applies a much heavier standard to drivers with commercial licenses.
In addition to alcohol limits, truck drivers must follow strict rules about substance use, including random testing and post-accident testing. It is possible to pursue compensation from a drunk tractor-trailer driver in Huntsville after an accident if you can show they were impaired by a controlled substance.
Alcohol affects the body in ways that make safe driving nearly impossible. It slows reaction time, reduces coordination, and impairs judgment. For a truck driver, these effects are even more dangerous because of the size and weight of the vehicle.
A drunk truck driver may struggle to maintain lane position or fail to respond to sudden changes in traffic. Alcohol also affects vision and concentration, making it harder to track multiple vehicles and hazards at once.
In many cases, drunk truck driving in Huntsville leads to high-speed collisions because the driver does not brake in time. The impact is even more devastating in cases where a large commercial truck is involved.
If a drunk semi-truck driver caused your wreck in Huntsville, you may have the right to recover compensation for the harm you suffered. Some of the types of damages that may be available to you include the following:
The cost of medical care is the primary concern for most people hurt in a truck crash. You can seek compensation for the cost of treatments like hospitalization or surgery as part of your injury claim.
If your injuries keep you from working, you may recover lost income. If you cannot return to your previous job, you may also claim reduced earning ability in the future.
Another major part of these claims is pain and suffering. You might be entitled to damages based on your physical and emotional harm caused by the crash.
You may also be able to recover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the crash. This usually involves your vehicle, but it could also include personal property like eyeglasses or cellphones as well.
If you have been hurt in any drunk driving truck accidents in Huntsville, now is the right time to explore your legal options. With the support of The Outlawyer®, you can help seek justice and hold the impaired truck driver who caused your crash accountable. Call Matt Abbott now to learn more.