San Antonio Intoxicated Truck Driver Accident Lawyer

Truck drivers are burdened with the responsibility to deliver large loads of cargo for several different customers. To be able to drive vehicles big enough to carry massive loads, truck drivers must be able to obtain a specific type of license that allows them to do so. However, to maintain this license, truck drivers must abstain from engaging in certain behaviors, such as driving while intoxicated.

If you suffered injuries as a result of a truck driver operating their vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, be sure to get in touch with a dedicated tractor-trailer collision attorney regarding the ways you could hold them accountable for financial compensation. To learn more, schedule a consultation with a San Antonio intoxicated truck driver accident lawyer today.

How Often are Truck Accidents Caused by Drunk Driving?

There are many cases in which a truck driver was operating a truck while they were intoxicated. The driver could be under the influence of alcohol, methamphetamines to stay more alert or stay awake, as well as other drugs. It could also be intoxication from taking prescription medications like pain relievers.

Common Trends in Truck Driver Intoxication

One of the more common trends seen in truck accident cases is the reasoning for the use of drugs while driving. Since truck drivers often work for long hours with sometimes little time for rest, they may choose to rely on certain stimulants to stay more alert.

In addition, since truck drivers are sitting behind the wheel for long stretches of time, they will often develop issues pertaining to neck and back pain. As a result, some drivers may take prescribed pain medications that could cause them to be intoxicated. If truck drivers know that their medication will have intoxicating effects, they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

What Substances are Often Involved in Intoxicated Truck Driver Cases?

Stimulants such as methamphetamines are one of the substances truck drivers abuse since it helps them stay awake and alert for longer. Pain medications are also frequently seen in these types of accidents. In some cases, truck drivers will decide to mix alcohol together with pain medications. This occurs more often than expected, more so since there are many advertisements and stops for bars and drinks along the highway.

If a person suffers injury due to a trucker driving while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both, they may be able to hold the driver liable for damages with the help of a local dedicated tractor-trailer accident attorney.

Implications of a DUI on a Truck Driver’s Future Employment

Trucking companies have different policies on driver’s minimum qualifications that they will hire. Many of the bigger trucking companies may have a ban on hiring any truck driver that has had a prior DUI. Smaller trucking companies may be more lenient.

However, under Texas law, if a truck driver is convicted of DUI, they will incur an automatic one-year suspension of their Texas commercial driver’s license. If there is a second conviction, then that will result in a lifetime suspension of their commercial driver’s license.

If a person is charged with a DUI while driving a truck with a placard for hazardous materials, then the first conviction results in a three-year suspension of the commercial driver’s license with the penalty for a second DUI conviction as a lifetime suspension.

In addition to that, the several motor carrier safety regulations require a truck driver to report a DUI conviction to their employer within 30 days from the date of the conviction. The laws and regulations in Texas are more stringent and require a truck driver to report the conviction to their employer and to the Texas DPS within seven days of the conviction.

Get in Touch with a San Antonio Intoxicated Truck Driver Accident Attorney Today

Considering the many rules and regulations put in place to prevent truck drivers from operating their vehicles in a careless manner, truck accidents involving intoxicated truckers should be met with legal action from the individuals who suffered injuries. Trucks are heavy vehicles known to cause significant damage when colliding with another vehicle. If a truck driver is drunk and driving these vehicles, serious injury can occur.

Reach out to a San Antonio truck driver intoxicated accident lawyer if you have suffered injuries from this type of accident. You may be able to recoup compensation for damages.