Orland Park DUI Truck Accident Attorneys

Lawyers for People Injured In Truck Accidents Involving DUI or Drug Use in Orland Park, IL

With an occupation that often requires them to travel hundreds of miles each day while remaining on the road for up to 11 hours, some truck drivers fall prey to substance abuse, both on and off the job. Some drivers may use alcohol or controlled substances in response to stress or for other reasons, and this may lead to addictions. The use of alcohol and drugs can greatly increase the risks of truck accidents. When driving an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer at 70 mph, a truck driver who is under the influence of liquor or narcotics puts everyone around them at risk, and they are likely to cause truck accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.

When a truck driver's alcohol or drug use is responsible for causing an accident, injury victims will need to understand what steps they can take to address the harm they have suffered. The attorneys at Schwartz Injury Law can provide legal representation for injury victims in these situations. We can help recover compensation from the driver and the trucking company that allowed them to drive the vehicle in the first place. We know how to ensure that victims will be fully compensated for the injuries they have suffered, and we fight on behalf of clients to make sure they will have the financial resources needed to put their lives back together.

Drug and Alcohol Use by Truck Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial truck drivers to receive a pre-employment drug screening, and employers must administer random drug tests annually. However, they may fail to meet these requirements, allowing unsafe drivers on the road. An investigation into a trucking company's practices can help determine whether it was negligent in screening and monitoring truck drivers, and the company may be held liable for accidents caused by drivers who were intoxicated.

In most states, including Illinois, a lower legal limit for blood alcohol concentration applies to truck drivers. While the limit for non-commercial drivers is .08 percent, truck drivers may face DUI charges if they have a BAC of .04 percent. However, any amount of alcohol in a truck driver's system can affect their ability to drive safely. After using alcohol, a truck driver will experience longer reaction times, and any delay that affects their ability to respond to conditions on the road may cause them to become involved in an accident. Alcohol can also affect a driver's coordination, leading to a loss of control of their vehicle, or it may cause blurred or double vision, affecting their ability to see what is happening on the road around them.

Truck drivers may also use drugs that could affect their ability to maintain control of their trucks. Marijuana can have similar effects to alcohol, making it more difficult for drivers to see correctly, maintain control, and respond to changing conditions. Some truck drivers may use drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine as a way to try to combat driver fatigue and stay awake and alert during long shifts. These drugs can affect a driver's judgment and their ability to react correctly and act safely while driving.

Other drugs can increase the risks of truck accidents. Some drivers may use prescription medications that can affect their driving ability. Opioid painkillers or other medications can lead to drowsiness, or they may have other dangerous effects, especially if they are combined with alcohol or other substances. Even if a driver does not drink alcohol or use drugs while driving, they may experience lingering effects that can affect their ability to drive safely. Their ability to receive sufficient rest while sleeping may be disrupted, leading to drowsiness or fatigue while they are on the road.

Other Factors That May Play a Role in Truck Accidents

While drug or alcohol use by truck drivers is dangerous enough on its own, it can combine with other factors to make truck accidents even more likely. Truck drivers who commit speeding violations will be more likely to lose control if they have been using alcohol or drugs. If a truck has not been properly maintained, brakes or other components may not function correctly, limiting a driver's ability to drive safely. Improperly loaded cargo can also affect a driver's ability to maintain control and lead to accidents.

At Schwartz Injury Law, we can help determine whether parties other than the truck driver or trucking company may be held liable for a truck accident. Freight loaders or mechanics who acted negligently may share liability for the injuries suffered by a truck accident victim. We will work to determine exactly who contributed to the accident, and we will take the necessary legal actions to hold them accountable.

Contact Our Orland Park Truck Accident Lawyers for Drunk Driving and Drug Use

Our attorneys are ready to provide the representation needed to recover compensation for the injuries suffered in a truck accident. Contact our Orland Park truck accident attorneys at 708-888-2160 for a free consultation.