Truck Accident Attorney
With southeastern Pennsylvania being such a transient area and having several other states bordering it, there is a lot of traffic on its roads, highways and interstates. Since I-95 and I-76 run through the Philadelphia area, many out-of-state tractor-trailers go through the Philadelphia area on a daily basis. It is not out of the realm of possibility that some truck drivers can be under intense pressure to meet deadlines and have their cargo arrive on time at its destination. To meet these deadlines and deal with this pressure, some drivers may sometimes rely on drugs and or alcohol to help them meet their agendas. Operating a car while drunk is illegal and extremely dangerous. It is exponentially more dangerous and deadly if an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle is being operated when the driver is intoxicated.
An Experienced Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyer Is On Your Side
If you, a loved one or a family member has been hurt, injured or killed in a trucking accident while the driver was intoxicated, call a truck accident attorney at Donze & Donze Attorneys at Law at 610-472-9120. It is absolutely in your best interest to work with a skilled, knowledgeable and experienced Delaware County, Pennsylvania, tractor-trailer accident lawyer. Mr. Donze and his staff have many years of experience handling truck accident claims, determining who is liable and dealing with insurance companies. Let Mr. Donze work for you and get you the compensation and benefits you are entitled to for your injuries sustained in the truck accident. Mr. Donze handles trucking accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means he charges no fee unless he recovers for you.
Types Of Drugs Involved In Philadelphia Trucking Accidents
In a trucking accident where the driver was intoxicated, there are a variety of different drugs they may have taken. Of course, they can be drunk due to alcohol consumption. They can also be intoxicated due to having taken prescription pills such as painkillers, opiates or anti-anxiety medications. Oftentimes, they buy these narcotics via the black market and do not have a legal prescription for them. If they do have a prescription for them, it is important to determine if the drug was taken at or above the prescribed dosage. The use of street drugs among truck drivers is also common today. Typical street drugs involved in a tractor-trailer or commercial vehicle accident are marijuana, speed, amphetamines, cocaine and crack cocaine. Speed, methamphetamines and even over-the-counter stimulants are also commonly involved in trucking accidents due to the driver trying to arrive at his or her destination in the allotted amount of time.
Are Trucking Companies Liable If Their Driver Was Under The Influence?
Yes, trucking companies can be liable if their driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Trucking companies are generally responsible for their drivers’ actions. They are supposed to adequately review potential drivers and actively monitor for any substance abuse. If they knew about any prior or current DUIs and did nothing about them, that is negligence on the company’s part.
What Should I Do If I Suspect The Truck Driver Involved In My Accident Was Under The Influence?
If you suspect the truck driver involved in your accident was under the influence, make sure you report it to the police when they arrive at the scene. They can assess the truck driver for recent alcohol or drug use with a breath, blood or urine test. The driver may be arrested if they have just .04% blood alcohol content because commercial driver’s license holders are held to a lower BAC.
The driver and the trucking company may both be liable for the injuries, property damage and other losses you suffer from the accident. If the driver was drunk, you may be able to seek punitive damages in addition to the other damages you receive (pain and suffering, wage loss, medical bills, etc.). Punitive damages are rare, but they can apply in extreme cases.
It’s Best To Get Started As Soon As Possible
You have just two years from the accident to file a truck accident claim. It takes time to investigate the accident and review the evidence. You don’t want to miss your opportunity to file.
Speak with the firm today to learn what Mr. Donze can do for you. Your consultation costs nothing. Call Donze & Donze Attorneys at Law at 610-472-9120 today to arrange a free consultation. You can also email the firm here.