Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is both a serious problem and a reprehensible action that injures and kills thousands of people each year. However, the impact of this type of crash is magnified if the vehicle being driven is a large commercial truck. Because of their sheer power and size, 18-wheelers and other industrial trucks make being on the roads that much more risky, especially if they are driven improperly.

Truck accidents including drunk drivers are devastating to everyone involved. The property damage alone can be quite costly. If you believe a drunk truck driver contributed to your accident and consequential injuries, you will need an experienced Salt Lake City drunk driving truck accident lawyer from Craig Swapp & Associates on your side. We will fight for the compensation you deserve.

 

Facts About Commercial Truck Accidents and Drunk Drivers

While fatal drunk driving truck accidents are on the decline in recent years, it is still a dangerous practice that puts other drivers at risk, not only because of the size of the vehicle, but also the speed at which they travel. Truck drivers also drive many miles and work long hours, both of which are an added risk for causing an accident. When you include alcohol in this mix, a deadly situation can easily arise.

Commercial drivers with legal blood alcohol content (BAC) levels of at least .04 percent are considered intoxicated, and stiff penalties will apply to a trucker who causes a crash with this BAC. This is even more so than non-commercial drivers. They can end up losing their commercial driving license—and consequently their jobs—if they are found to be driving drunk. This means that you can expect them to fight admitting fault for the crash.

A drunk truck driver does not typically engage in normal crash-avoidance behavior on the road such as slowing down to avoid a high-speed crash or swerving to get out of the way. This increases the chances of head-on collisions as well as other types of accidents. A drunk truck driver is also at a higher risk for causing a rollover crash or a jackknifing accident.

 

Proving Negligence and Recovering Damages

In most cases, the victim of a drunk driving truck accident would file a claim against the negligent driver. The trucking company may also be held liable, especially if the driver was intoxicated and caused the accident while working, or if the driver had a history of these infractions.

We can help you collect the evidence you need to prove who was at fault for the DUI truck accident:

  • Police report and testimony, which will include results of Breathalyzer and field sobriety tests
  • Police dashboard video
  • Witness statements
  • Expert witness testimony
  • Defendant’s own admission

If we can prove that the truck driver was under the influence of alcohol, you may be able to receive compensation for any financial expenses and lost quality of life you have experienced, such as the following:

  • Medical bills, both current and future
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • In-home nursing care
  • Mental anguish

 

A Salt Lake City DUI Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

A Salt Lake City drunk driving truck accident lawyer from Craig Swapp & Associates can help if you were injured in one of these wrecks. Contact us for a free consultation by calling 1-800-404-9000 or by completing the form below. We will review your case and help you figure out how much compensation you are entitled to.