Semi-trucks and eighteen-wheelers are frightening to drive next to when you are in a much smaller vehicle. No matter how scary they are to be next to on the road, these vehicles provide a service to the country that only they can do. They are large motor vehicles that are not the easiest to drive, and in order to operate them there is special training you must complete. For these reasons, people often trust that those behind the wheels of semi-trucks and eighteen-wheelers are responsible and safe, because to be involved in a motor vehicle accident with these trucks is extremely dangerous. Because semi-truck and eighteen-wheeler drivers hold so much responsibility on the road, driving under the influence of any drug or alcohol is beyond unacceptable. In the event that you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident with a driver of a semi-truck or eighteen-wheeler that was under the influence, you may be able to pursue compensation for any damages caused.
Liability with Substance Abuse
Semi-truck and eighteen-wheeler drivers are known to drive long crucial hours across the country delivering food and other goods to businesses and homes. These drivers are known to be tired often, bored, and usually alone for these long periods of times. For these reasons and several others, most trucking companies require a drug and alcohol screening to be done regularly. There are several different state and federal laws for truck drivers, to ensure their safety and the safety for those driving amongst them. Unfortunately, even knowing these laws and restrictions, some driving will still take drugs and alcohol prior to or during a trip. To keep drivers awake, stimulants like cocaine are used for the long and strenuous work hours. If a driver is using a stimulant to stay awake on the road and causes a motor vehicle accident, they will likely be held liable.
Who Is Held Responsible
Truck drivers usually work with trucking companies that are insured and are held responsible for any damages or negligence their employees are apart of. This legal term is called “respondeat superior,” which holds an employer liable for their employees’ wrongdoing. There are several other factors that may complicate this process, even though it may seem very simple. Should you or someone you know be a victim of someone who was operating a truck under the influence, speak with a skilled truck accident attorney, like a Decatur truck accident attorney, to see what legal options you have. While liability may seem clear, nothing is ever as easy as it seems.
Thanks to the law office of Andrew R. Lynch for their insight into who holds liability in a DUI truck accident.