Collisions involving 18-wheelers are catastrophic events with life-altering consequences, including physical pain, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life. These incidents can be all the more severe when alcohol or drugs are involved.
Although impaired drivers may be punished in criminal court, such charges have no impact on your eligibility for compensation for your injuries. If you have been injured in a truck accident in Columbia involving an impaired driver, a skilled lawyer could help you file a claim for compensation.
The seasoned tractor-trailer collision attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda could investigate your accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Call our law office today to get started.
The Connection Between Impaired Driving and Negligence
It is illegal for commercial drivers to drive with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.04% or more. This strict limit reflects the greater responsibility of commercial drivers and the potential danger of collisions involving larger vehicles. It also is illegal for commercial drivers to operate a big rig while under the influence of drugs, whether legal or illegal.
All drivers have a duty of care to conduct themselves responsibly while behind the wheel. Duty of care as a driver includes following traffic laws, obeying road signs and signals, maintaining safe speeds, and avoiding distractions. Driving while impaired violates a driver’s duty of care.
When that violation is the cause of a crash that results in injuries, the motorist is guilty of negligent driving. An impaired driving truck accident lawyer in Columbia could help you gather evidence to prove negligence and negotiate on your behalf for compensation.
Types of Compensation Following a Drunk Driving Truck Accident
Driving under the influence or while impaired causes delayed response times and careless behavior. Accidents caused by impaired truck drivers often result in severe injuries that demand long recovery times and costly medical care.
Catastrophic injuries can require consecutive surgeries and lead to permanent disabilities. The trauma of the accident and the stress related to diminished quality of life and mounting medical bills often result in increased mental anguish.
Individuals injured in a truck accident caused by someone else’s reckless actions deserve compensation for their losses. The following types of compensation may be available:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost earnings and diminished capability to work in the future
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial expenses in cases where a fatality occurred
- Pain and suffering, including psychological distress, physical pain, disfigurement, and diminished quality of life
- Home renovations to accommodate long-term or permanent injuries
The compensation you are eligible for depends on the circumstances surrounding your accident. A Columbia lawyer could work with medical experts and other professionals to explore your legal options and determine your eligibility for compensation after a drunk driving truck crash.
Get Help After an Impaired Driving Truck Accident in Columbia
Impaired driving truck accidents in Columbia are serious crimes that can result in severe injuries. When you or a loved one were injured in this type of crash, you deserve compensation from the liable parties. While an impaired driver may face criminal charges for driving with BAC over the legal limit or with a positive post-accident drug test, you will need to file a claim to get compensation for your injuries.
When you call the skilled personal injury attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, you will get an advocate to preserve and gather evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and support you in court. Our lawyers have substantial experience handling drunk driving cases and proving negligence. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
