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Tampa Intoxicated Driver Truck Accident Lawyers
Our Florida attorneys can help when you’ve been injured by a drunk truck driver
Truckers driving under the influence pose a serious danger to everyone on the road, and when they cause accidents, the results can be catastrophic. Collisions involving impaired drivers often lead to severe injuries and fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. Operating a truck while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment, slow reaction time, and make it difficult for truck drivers to safely control their vehicles. Victims of intoxicated truck drivers often face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At MattLaw, our Tampa truck accident lawyers are dedicated to holding impaired drivers and their employers accountable for the harm they cause, while working to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
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- What constitutes drunk driving in the trucking industry?
- What types of accidents can a Tampa intoxicated truck driver cause?
- What types of injuries result from Tampa drunk driving truck accidents?
- Who is liable in a Tampa drunk driving truck accident?
- What is the value of my Tampa intoxicated driver truck accident?
- Do you have a Tampa intoxicated driver truck accident attorney near me?
What constitutes drunk driving in the trucking industry?
Across the United States, the blood alcohol limit is .08%. However, for those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL), this drops to .04%. Further, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
Drivers are forbidden to consume or be under the influence of alcohol (as defined in 49 CFR 382.107) within four hours of going on duty or operating a CMV (49 CFR 392.5). Drivers are forbidden to use alcohol, be under the influence of alcohol, or have any measured alcohol concentration, while on duty, operating, or in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle. Alcohol can only be transported as part of a shipment.
What types of accidents can a Tampa intoxicated truck driver cause?
Due to impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and poor control over the vehicle, an intoxicated truck driver can cause various types of accidents. Some of these common truck accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions. Drunk truck drivers may not notice stopped or slowing traffic in time, leading to dangerous rear-end crashes – especially at high speeds. This problem is made worse because trucks require far more time and space to stop than smaller vehicles.
- Head-on collisions. An impaired truck driver may drift into oncoming traffic, causing catastrophic head-on collisions that can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Jackknife accidents. Losing control of the vehicle due to intoxication can cause the trailer to swing out of alignment with the cab, leading to jackknife accidents that can impact several lanes of traffic.
- An intoxicated truck driver may take turns too sharply or overcorrect, causing the truck to overturn. This can potentially crush nearby vehicles and cause multi-car pile-ups.
- Sideswipe accidents. Drifting into adjacent lanes or failing to properly check blind spots due to intoxication can cause sideswipe accidents, often resulting in damage to multiple vehicles.
- T-bone collisions. Impaired truck drivers may run red lights or stop signs, causing T-bone crashes at intersections. These accidents can be especially dangerous or deadly for those in smaller vehicles.
All of these accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries. It’s important to hold intoxicated truck drivers accountable for the damages and injuries they cause. The Tampa truck accident attorneys at MattLaw can help.
What types of injuries result from Tampa drunk driving truck accidents?
Truck accidents caused by drunk driving often result in severe and life-altering injuries, due to the size and weight of a commercial truck. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries. The impact of a truck crash can cause concussions or more severe brain injuries, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, or even permanent disability.
- Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spine from a high-force crash can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and long-term mobility issues,
- Broken bones. Victims of truck accidents often suffer fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones, which can require surgery and an extended rehabilitation time.
- Internal injuries. The force of a truck accident can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs like the spleen, liver, or lungs. These injuries can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Burns and lacerations. Fires, hazardous cargo, or sharp debris from the crash can cause serious burns and deep cuts, often leading to permanent scarring and a long-term recovery.
These injuries can require extensive medical treatment and long-term care, making it important to hold the right parties accountable.
Who is liable in a Tampa drunk driving truck accident?
It’s possible that liability in a Tampa drunk driving truck accident can extend beyond just the truck driver. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, key liable parties can include the following:
- Truck driver. If the truck driver was intoxicated and caused your accident, they can typically be held liable for their reckless and negligent actions.
- Trucking company. The trucking company may share liability if they failed to properly vet, train, or monitor their drivers – or if they ignored federal regulations concerning drug and alcohol testing. Companies can be held accountable under the principle of vicarious liability for their employee’s actions.
- Vehicle or cargo owners. In some cases, the companies that own the truck or the cargo can be held liable if they played a role in letting an impaired driver operate the vehicle.
- Bars or restaurants. If the driver consumed too much alcohol at a bar or restaurant before the accident, the establishment could be held liable under Florida’s dram shop laws if they knowingly served alcohol to an intoxicated person or a minor.
- Truck maintenance providers. If a maintenance failure contributed to the accident because the provider neglected their duties, they could also share responsibility for the accident.
- Manufacturers. If a defective vehicle part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could be held liable for damages.
At MattLaw, we conduct a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties and help you pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
What is the value of my Tampa intoxicated driver truck accident?
There is no one-size-fits-all value to an intoxicated driver truck accident. The value of your claim depends on a variety of factors, including the accident’s impact on your life. These factors can include:
- Medical expenses. This includes compensation for current and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any long-term care needs resulting from your injuries.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity. If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you can recover compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering. This is compensation for your physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from your injuries.
- Property damage. This compensates you for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Disability and disfigurement. If your injuries result in permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation to make up for these losses.
- Punitive damages. In cases involving drunk driving, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the intoxicated driver and deter similar reckless behavior in the future.
- Loss of consortium. This is compensation for the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy with a spouse or family member due to your injuries.
At MattLaw, our Tampa truck accident attorneys evaluate all these factors so that your claim reflects the true value of your damages, working to secure the compensation you need for a full recovery.
Do you have a Tampa intoxicated driver truck accident attorney near me?
MattLaw is located at 304 S Plant Avenue in Tampa, Florida. Contact us for a free consultation. If you are too injured to come to us, we can come to you. Videoconferences are available.
Our Tampa intoxicated driver truck accident attorneys are here to help
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident caused by an intoxicated driver, don’t wait to seek justice. At MattLaw, our Tampa truck accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable. We understand the devastating impact these accidents can have, and we’re here to help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and emotional suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the legal process to get the justice and compensation you deserve. To schedule a meeting with an experienced lawyer, simply call our offices or fill out our contact form.