Truck accidents caused by intoxicated drivers are not any more prevalent than accidents caused by other intoxicated drivers. Some studies suggest that anywhere from 1% to 10% of the drivers of commercial trucks or big rig trucks are under the influence of some type of drug or alcohol. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act requires carriers to test their drivers with random drug screenings, so that cuts down on it. However, these incidents do still occur. If you have been injured in an accident involving an intoxicated driver, speak with a Nashville driver intoxication accident lawyer. A capable truck accident attorney could work tirelessly to achieve justice for you.
Trends in Truck Accidents That Are Attributed to IntoxicationAs a Nashville driver intoxication accident lawyer might explain, a common trend in truck accidents that are attributed to intoxication is that they have increased. Alcohol-related deaths with truck drivers had risen about 8%, likely because there are increased substance problems in this country. One of the biggest sellers in gas stations and truck stops is beer. Truck drivers who have a weakness for alcohol or a substance problem cannot avoid it. It is in their faces, and there are no regulations that prevent these truck stops from selling alcohol to drivers.
Most Frequently Abused Substances Amongst Tractor-Trailer DriversThe most frequently-seen substances among truck drivers are stimulants. Drivers who are violating their hours of service want to stay awake. Stimulants can be found truck stops. Some truckers have doctors who will prescribe them medication that will help them stay alert but, of course, that really just creates a bigger danger. Beer is also common. Whenever there is an accident and there was beer in the truck, the truck likely bought it at a recent truck stop or rest stop. A Nashville driver intoxication accident lawyer could answer questions individuals may have about common substances that often lead to truck accidents.
Impact DUIs Can Have on a Driver’s CDL?The location of a DUI impacts a driver’s CDL status because Nashville follows the Tennessee State law. If someone has a CDL and they are convicted of a DUI first offense in Nashville with a blood alcohol content of 0.04 or greater, they are going to lose their CDL for at least one year. With a second offense, they will lose their CDL for life or a period of at least 10 years. There is an opportunity to get it back, but that driver is going to have to find another way to earn a living.
What About Out-of-State DriversWhen an out-of-state driver gets a DUI in Nashville, things are different because Tennessee authorities can only regulate drivers that have had their license issued in Tennessee. For example, the state says an individual cannot interfere with Alabama’s ability to regulate their own licenses. Other states may have more stringent or less stringent laws. However, the DUI is reported to the federal government, which means that the employer may find out about it. The driver would still lose their license. They would lose their CDL for a year for the first DUI, and for two years for a second DUI.
Effects of a Truck DUI on Standard LicensesGetting a DUI as a truck driver can impact an individual’s standard driver’s license because whether a person is a truck driver or a regular driver, they are going to lose their license for one year. If they get convicted of a second DUI, they will lose their individual standard license for two years in Tennessee. They can still get a restricted license but may be required to get a Breathalyzer installed on their car.Difference Between Penalties for a Standard and Truck Driver DUI
The penalties differ between a truck driver DUI and standard driver DUI because there is a lower threshold for the truck driver. At 0.04, they are going to lose their license or CDL license for truck driving, but for a standard driver, the limit is 0.08. The laws are pretty strict on people operating a semi-truck under the influence.
Implications of a DUI on Future Employment
The implications of a DUI on a truck driver’s future employment is if they will have a hard time finding a job. If they are employed at the time of a DUI, they will be fired. If that driver is looking for a job, they are going to have a hard time finding one. A DUI is fatal to a truck driver’s career. Anybody can get over the handicap of substance abuse if they get treatment, but it takes a while in the trucking industry.
Consulting a Nashville Driver Intoxication Accident AttorneyIf you have been injured in an accident involving an intoxicated 18-wheeler driver, it is imperative that you get in touch with a Nashville driver intoxication accident lawyer. The damage caused by drunk driving accidents can be fatal. A skilled lawyer attorney could collect evidence and build your tractor-trailer collision claim. Speak with an experienced legal advocate and know that you are in capable hands.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
