Attorneys for DUI Truck Driver Accidents

When a drunk truck driver has injured you or taken the life of a loved one, our award-winning truck accident lawyers at the Wilshire Law Firm are ready to help. We aim toward bringing justice to those harmed by negligent truckers and commercial vehicle operators. Call us at (800) 501-3011 for a free review of your case. We’ve helped our clients obtain over $1 billion in monetary awards.

Toll a Drunk Truck Driver Takes on the Road

Among the many causes for truck accidents, drunk truck drivers take a significant toll on public safety, causing devastating consequences for individuals and communities.

Some of the tolls that drunk truck drivers can take include:

• Fatalities: Drunk truck driver accidents can result in deaths, causing the loss of life for innocent victims and their families.
• Injuries: Drunk truck driving accidents can also result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord damage. These injuries can have long-term consequences and require extensive medical care.
• Property damage: A drunk truck driver accident can cause significant property damage to vehicles, buildings, and other structures.
• Emotional trauma: Impaired truck driver accidents can cause emotional trauma for survivors and witnesses, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues.
• Criminal consequences: Drunk truck drivers can face serious legal matters, including fines, imprisonment, and loss of driving privileges.

Overall, the toll of drunk truck driving is significant and underscores the importance of preventing this dangerous behavior.

Statistics on Drunk Truck Driving

Drunk truck driving accidents impact public safety, causing yearly fatalities and injuries.

Here are some statistics on the prevalence and impact of drunk truck driving accidents:

• In 2019, there were 4,479 fatal crashes involving large trucks in the United States. [1] Of those, 1,103 deaths (27%) involved at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 or higher.

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving fatalities involving large trucks increased by 43% from 2010 to 2019.[2]

• The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that between 2015 and 2020, there were 10,740 crashes involving large trucks with at least one driver with a BAC of .01 or higher. [3] These crashes resulted in 2,530 injuries and 234 fatalities.

• The average BAC of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2019 was .20, more than twice the legal limit of .08.[4]

These statistics underscore the severe impact of drunk truck driving accidents on public safety and the need for measures to prevent this dangerous behavior.

Causes of Drunk Driving in Truckers

Several factors contribute to drunk truck driving, including:

• Alcohol addiction: Truck drivers who struggle with alcohol addiction may be more likely to operate their vehicle under the influence, as they may have a higher tolerance for alcohol and may not realize the extent of their impairment.
• Stress: The job of a truck driver can be stressful, with extended hours on the road, tight deadlines, and pressure to meet delivery schedules. Stress can lead to alcohol use as a coping mechanism, increasing the risk of drunk driving.
• Fatigue: Truck drivers may experience fatigue due to long hours on the road, irregular schedules, and inadequate sleep. Fatigue can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time, making it more likely that they will engage in risky behaviors such as drunk driving.
• Social norms: Some truck drivers may feel pressure to conform to social standards within their profession, including the acceptance of drinking and driving. This pressure can lead to a culture of impaired driving within the industry.
• Accessibility of alcohol: Truck drivers may easily access alcohol at rest stops or use mini-fridges in their cabs. This availability can increase the temptation to drink and drive.

It is essential to address these underlying factors, such as supporting drivers with alcohol addiction, reducing stress and fatigue through improved working conditions, and promoting a culture of responsible driving within the trucking industry.

Legal Consequences of Drunk Truck Driving

Drunk truck driving is a serious criminal offense that can result in severe legal consequences.

Here are some of the penalties that drivers can face if they are driving a truck while under the influence of alcohol:

• Fines: Drunk truck drivers can face significant penalties, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the offense and where the violation occurred.
• Imprisonment: Drivers convicted of drunk truck driving can face jail time, with sentences ranging from a few days to several years, depending on the severity of the offense and the driver’s history.
• Loss of driving privileges: Drunk truck drivers can lose their commercial driver’s license (CDL) for some time or permanently, depending on the severity of the offense and the driver’s history
• Probation: Some drivers may face probation, which requires them to comply with specific conditions, such as attending alcohol treatment programs or avoiding further criminal activity.
• Community service: In some cases, drunk truck drivers may need to perform community service as part of their sentence.

The penalties for drunk truck driving vary and depend on factors such as the driver’s BAC level, driving history, and whether anyone was injured or killed in the accident. It is vital for truck drivers to understand the legal consequences of drunk driving and to take steps to prevent this dangerous behavior.

Free Case Review with a Law Firm for Accidents Involving Drunk Semi-Truck Drivers

Wilshire Law Firm is highly respected and protects the rights of individuals injured in accidents, including those involving drunk truck drivers. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys has a proven track record of successfully obtaining client compensation. We are committed to providing the highest legal representation to every client.

We understand the devastating impact a drunk truck driving accident can have on a person’s life. That’s why we work tirelessly to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for their actions and to help our clients obtain the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk truck driving accident, please call Wilshire Law Firm at (800) 501-3011 or contact us online. We offer a free consultation and work on contingency fees –  you will pay no fees unless you win.