Drunk Driving Truck Accidents in Terre Haute

Intoxication impairs reaction time, judgment, attention, and coordination, and it is even more dangerous when truckers combine being intoxicated with driving. Since the size of the vehicle already increases the stopping distance of the truck and its force in an accident. When a trucker has injured you or a loved one in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A diligent truck accident attorney could help you understand the facts of your case as you pursue the maximum amount of compensation.

In addition to the trucker’s liability, their employer may be liable as well. Our compassionate attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin could make sure you understand all of your potential remedies after drunk driving accidents in Terre Haute.

How Drunk Is Too Drunk?

For most states, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) allowed for drivers is .08 percent. This number leads many people to believe that it is safe to drive after drinking. However, the risk of an accident begins to climb as soon as a person starts consuming alcohol, and this danger remains elevated until a person’s BAC returns to normal. At a .08 BAC, people are about 2.5 times more likely to be in an accident. However, the law recognizes that drivers may be impaired well below the normal prohibited range.

In the state, commercial vehicle truckers must have a lower legal BAC, and Indiana Code § 9-30-5-1 presumes that truckers are impaired when their BAC is at or above .04. Additionally, 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 392.5 provides that drivers cannot consume or be under the influence of alcohol within four hours of going on duty or operating a commercial vehicle. While lower BAC levels might not be enough to support criminal charges, they may provide evidence of negligence in a civil lawsuit. Our Terre Haute attorneys could investigate a truck accident to determine if drunk driving contributed to it.

Defining Different Types of Truck Wreck Injuries

While some people walk away from truck wrecks without injuries, accidents have the potential to be catastrophic. The sheer size of the 18-wheeler means they are capable of decimating other vehicles, and their passengers, even in low-speed crashes. Some common injuries include:

• Paralysis.
• Whiplash.
• Lacerations.
• Amputation.
• Crush injuries.
• Broken bones.
• Internal organ damage.
• Spine and neck injuries.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

Recovering from those injuries could take time, energy, and money. Most people will need to miss work while they recover, which could lead to lost wages. Plus, even those with excellent health insurance coverage could face significant medical costs for treatment. It is only fair that the negligent drunk driver who caused the truck accident be held financially responsible in Terre Haute.

Contact a Terre Haute Attorney for Help With Your Drunk Driving Truck Wreck Today

Recovery after a drunk driving truck accident in Terre Haute could be challenging as many people could sustain severe injuries. Ultimately, these could require extensive medical intervention and may even lead to a lifetime of pain and hardship.

One role of an attorney is to help an injured person understand potential settlement amounts after a collision. Those estimates depend on the circumstances of an accident, the severity of injuries, and the degree of negligence. The accomplished lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin may be able to help you with a drunk driving truck accident case. Call our firm today to schedule a consultation.