The multitude of trucks on the road throughout the state are often worrisome enough, without having to worry about the possibility that one of the drivers is currently taking some type of substance. Unfortunately, the prevalence of truck drivers who are under the influence of an illegal substance has increased in recent years, and creates dangerous situations for all drivers on the roads. If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident caused by driver substance abuse, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries.

Recent studies have indicated that the demands of trucking have caused many drivers to turn to stimulants and other drugs to simply get through a shift. These substances include alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, and cocaine. The use of amphetamines and cocaine often allow the truck drivers to stay awake, although can cause many adverse reactions, including hallucinations. The studies additionally indicated that the majority of substance abusers among truck drivers were often young and inexperienced, with longer nighttime routes. These truck drivers are also more apt to work for a smaller company and to have had a prior truck accident. Larger companies will provide greater benefits to drivers and often mandate specific rest periods, whereas smaller companies may not follow the same regulations.

The United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) has recognized that decreased travel hours often leads to decreased substance abuse. Therefore, the FMCSA works with trucking companies to improve working conditions, which will impact the number of accidents caused by substance abuse.

The victim of an accident caused by a truck driver who was under the influence of any illegal substance is entitled to bring a claim for damages against the truck driver or the trucking company. The claim can include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages
• Future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to assist you in calculating the amount of damages you are entitled to receive after your accident. The insurance company of the responsible party will likely try to coerce you to accept a settlement offer. However, it is important to keep in mind that any settlement may prevent a future claim against the truck driver or trucking company. Therefore, you should refrain from speaking to the insurance company until you have consulted with an attorney regarding your claim.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in handling truck accident claims and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. As the victim of a truck accident, you should not be forced to cover the expenses of your injuries. Contact our Beaumont office today for your initial free consultation.