Truck Driver Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Drunk Driving Truck Accident Lawyer

When an impaired commercial truck driver gets behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer or big rig, the result can be 18 wheels and 80,000 pounds careening down the highway, out of control. It's frightening to consider—much less meet in an oncoming lane. According to traffic accident statistics from 2008, approximately 2 percent of large truck drivers involved in fatal accidents had blood alcohol concentrations of .08% or higher (above the limit to operate a standard passenger vehicle, and twice the legal limit to operate a commercial vehicle). Fortunately, the incidence of illegal alcohol and drug use among truck drivers has declined in recent years due to tougher laws and enforcement. Still, all accidents caused by drunken driving or illegal drugs are avoidable and too many people die needlessly or suffer serious injuries each year in preventable accidents involving large trucks and impaired drivers.

If you have been injured in a crash caused by a large truck, you should seek legal advice from an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. The lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP have years of experience handling truck accidents and accept these cases nationwide. We believe in holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for the damage they cause in preventable accidents involving alcohol or illegal drugs. Our track record of success speaks volumes for our skill in negotiating settlements and winning verdicts on behalf of our clients – we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for the injured and families of the injured throughout the U.S. Interested in learning more about our firm and how we can help you? Give us a call to set up a free consultation. We are happy to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Drugs and Alcohol in the Trucking Industry

Alcohol and drug abuse remains a problem among commercial truck drivers, despite efforts to crack down on it. Studies suggest that operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can increase crash risk two- to six-fold.

Since 1988, federal law has required trucking companies to test truck drivers for drugs and alcohol before employment, after crashes and in random tests each year. Companies also are required to test drivers whom they suspect of abusing alcohol or drugs. The tests are mandated to reduce the number of crashes that occur as a result of illegal drug or alcohol use. Alcohol test rules place drivers out of service if they are found with any alcohol in their systems, and those with a blood alcohol level of .04% or above are disqualified from driving with a commercial driver's license.

Still, a 2008 report that the General Accounting Office presented to Congress raised concerns that some trucking companies may not conduct proper drug or alcohol testing, some drivers may not be tested and other drivers may test positive but may continue to drive.

Although testing is required, some companies neglect their responsibility. A failure to conduct proper background checks on truck drivers—including checks for past positive drug tests — is one of the top violations found by federal motor carrier safety reviewers during compliance audits. More than 700,000 commercial motor carriers are registered with the federal government. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has limited resources to see that all commercial motor carriers conduct testing. The experienced truck accident lawyers at our firm know which documents trucking companies are required to keep that will reveal gaps in drug and alcohol testing programs and a company culture that permits impaired drivers to go back on the road.

Help with Tough Truck Cases involving Alcohol and Drugs

A truck accident claim involving a truck driver who was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs may present a number of difficulties. In these tough cases, you need an aggressive and knowledgeable attorney to represent your interests. With our experience in this field and the resources to thoroughly investigate your accident from every possible angle, the truck accident attorneys at our firm can offer you the legal help you need.

Contact a truck accident lawyer at our firm today to discuss drugs and alcohol and how these can relate to 18-wheeler and tractor-trailer accidents.