Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Addressing the Effects of Substance Abuse on Truck Drivers
No person operating a complex and dangerous piece of machinery such as a tractor-trailer or other commercial truck should consume any amount of alcohol or illegal drugs. Unfortunately, substance abuse does among truck drivers often leads to catastrophic accidents causing serious injuries and deaths.
At the law firm of Fischer Goldasich, LLC, in Birmingham, Alabama, our experienced personal injury and wrongful death trial lawyers help the victims of truck accidents and their families pursue compensation from truck drivers and trucking companies for accidents caused by truck drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
Understanding the Causes of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Drug and alcohol abuse is a major problem in the trucking industry, as demonstrated by numerous studies. Truck drivers abuse substances for a number of reasons, including fatigue and excessive pressures placed on them by their employers.
Methamphetamines are among the drugs most closely associated with abuse among truck drivers, but many other illegal and prescription drugs, as well as alcohol, are widely abused.
Many truck drivers end up in an upper-downer cycle, needing a stimulant like meth to wake up and a different drug like alcohol or marijuana to unwind or sleep. Driving under the influence of any of these substances is extremely dangerous, and the danger often increases when they are combined.
Investigating Substance Use as an Accident Factor
If you've suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a truck accident, it is important to determine whether the driver had drugs or alcohol in his or her system. Substance abuse while driving violates not only DUI laws but also federal and state commercial vehicle safety regulations.
Proving that truck accident injuries were caused by a driver who was abusing alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription (Rx) drugs can establish liability and substantially increase the amount of compensation available through punitive damages awards.
Our attorneys have experienced identifying drug and alcohol abuse as a factor in truck accidents. Contact us to discuss how we can help you.