If you have been injured in a drunk driving truck accident in Walterboro, you should know about your legal options.
Intoxicated truckers are liable for your injuries, loss of wages, and other damages. An experienced tractor-trailer collision attorney who has dealt with these types of cases could help you gain compensation to recover your losses.
When Truckers Drive Under the Influence
Driving under the influence is extremely dangerous, no matter who is doing it. Truckers are required to follow specific rules regarding drinking. For instance, they must not consume alcohol for up to four hours before starting a shift. They must not have alcohol stored anywhere in their cabin.
A trucker who drives under the influence is likely to have impaired reaction time, decreased coordination, and a lack of good judgment, which significantly increases the risk of an accident. When an accident happens, it can result in severe injuries and even death.
If there is a crash in Walterboro that results from a trucker who was under the influence, the driver’s employer is required to test them for drugs and alcohol, usually within eight hours of the incident. The results of this test can be vital in subsequent legal claims.
Driving Under the Influence Could Involve Substances Other than Alcohol
However, several substances besides alcohol can impair a truck driver and cause an accident.
Truck driving crashes in Walterboro can involve drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Some truckers crash because they are abusing prescription medications or are taking supplements that limit their ability to drive safely.
If you believe the truck accident that injured you was caused by a substance that adversely influenced the trucker’s driving, a lawyer may be able to build a case that proves liability.
Can the Trucking Company Be Liable for an Accident?
Some drunk driving accidents may be indirectly caused by the trucking company that employs the truck driver. For example, the trucking company may have hired the person even though they knew about a drinking and driving history.
This type of complex legal situation is best dealt with by a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who understands truck accident law and can help you navigate the system to reach a fair settlement beyond what liability insurance pays out.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
Seek legal assistance after an accident as soon as possible, so your lawyer can gather fresh evidence and make a strong case on your behalf. If your accident happened after March 24, 2023, there is a two-year statute of limitations. This means you have a two-year deadline to file a lawsuit against the truck driver or trucking company.
If the accident occurred before March 24, 2023, you are still under the old four-year statute of limitations. A seasoned attorney could ensure that your claim is filed correctly and in accordance with deadlines.
Learn More About Compensation for Drunk Driving Truck Accidents in Walterboro
The compassionate and dedicated lawyers at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda could pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses so that you can pay your medical bills and move forward.
Drunk driving truck accidents in Walterboro are tragic and leave so much pain and suffering in their wake, but we could help you understand your options and guide you toward a successful outcome.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a hardworking attorney.
