Chicago Drunk Driving Truck Accident Attorney

Lawyers Assisting With Semi Truck Crashes Caused By Alcohol or Drug Use in Chicago, IL

Any driver who chooses to get behind the wheel while under the influence of an intoxicating substance not only puts their own safety at risk, but they also endanger the lives of everyone else around them. Drunk driving is even more of a concern when done by commercial truck drivers, since the massive size and weight of tractor-trailer trucks can lead to severe injuries in truck accidents. Those who have been harmed by a truck driver who was impaired should contact an attorney immediately to learn about their legal options.

The personal injury attorneys of Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC are dedicated to achieving justice for those who have been injured by the negligence of truck drivers and trucking companies. We have a record of success in obtaining multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for injury victims.

Truck Driver DUI and Drug Use

While drivers of passenger vehicles may be charged with DUI if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher, truck drivers are held to a stricter standard. A commercial truck driver can be charged with DUI if their BAC exceeds .04%, and this charge will result in the disqualification of their commercial driver's license (CDL). In addition, truck drivers cannot begin working within four hours of consuming alcohol.

Alcohol intoxication affects a driver's vision, reaction time, and judgment, and this may cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle or become unable to avoid a collision. In addition to alcohol, truckers have been known to use drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamines to combat driver fatigue. Marijuana use is also a concern, especially in states where cannabis has been legalized for medicinal or recreational use. The use of prescription medications such as opioid painkillers can severely impact a truck driver's ability to operate their vehicle, and even over the counter medications can have a negative effect when combined with other legal or illegal drugs. A skilled attorney can help determine whether any of these substances were a factor in a semi-truck accident.

In order to protect the safety of those who use the road, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires employers to perform drug and alcohol testing of truck drivers. These tests are required before a driver is hired, after an accident, if there is reasonable suspicion of a driver's impairment, and at random intervals. If a trucking company fails to complete the required drug testing, it may be liable for injuries which occurred because a driver was intoxicated.

Contact a Cook County Commercial Truck Accident Attorney

Accidents involving semi-trucks can be devastating, and when a collision has occurred because a truck driver was intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, victims should work with an attorney to establish liability for the injuries they have suffered and recover the compensation they deserve. At TKK, we can help you pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries, including the costs of medical treatment, the income you have lost because of missed work, and the pain and suffering inflicted on you and your family. Contact our office today by calling 312-605-8800 to schedule your free initial consultation.