Alcohol and Drug Impaired Truck Drivers in Charlotte

Because of their large size, tractor-trailers can be extremely dangerous to others on the road. Every year, North Carolina residents become injured or die in tractor-trailer accidents. Tractor-trailer accidents can happen anywhere, but they are especially dangerous on freeways. For example, in April, North Carolina state troopers arrested a tractor-trailer driver after a hot pursuit. A patrol officer tried to do a traffic stop on Interstate 40 after drivers had called in regarding a tractor-trailer driver who was swerving and driving recklessly on the road.

The tractor-trailer driver did not stop for the police, and instead went off the road and into a ditch. During this pursuit, the tractor-trailer collided with two other vehicles, but thankfully only caused property damage. Nevertheless, the truck driver faces felony speeding, DUI (driving while impaired), reckless driving, hit and run, and additional criminal charges. Unfortunately, many drunk driving-related truck accidents cause severe injuries or even death.

Despite nationwide testing for alcohol and drugs, DUI-related truck accidents continue to happen. Additionally, alcohol and drug use is the one of the leading causes of trucking accidents. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has conducted studies concerning truckers and drug usage. They have found that drug abuse is a contributor to fatal and nonfatal traffic accidents across the country. Alcohol-related traffic accidents like the one discussed above do happen, but drug-related accidents are more common.

Truck drivers spend long, isolated hours driving behind the wheel. Some truck drivers turn to stimulants such as methamphetamine to help them combat trucker fatigue so they can deliver their cargo on time and drive longer miles. Truck drivers who are paid by the job or under pressure to complete as many jobs as possible so they can get paid, and some use substances that are not usually detected on drug tests to help them.

One NTSB Study showed that 85% of all truck drivers who were surveyed admitted that stimulants such as methamphetamines could be easily found at truck stops. Another study found that 35% of fatalities from truck driving accidents involved a truck driver who tested positive for an illegal substance. Amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, Alcohol, and other stimulants were among the most popular substances used by truck drivers.

If you have been injured in a North Carolina truck accident, you may be wondering how you will pay your growing medical expenses, especially if you cannot take time off. Many victims of truck accidents suffer serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and bone fractures that require lengthy hospital stays. Victims of truck accidents may be able to secure compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

Successful plaintiffs are entitled to economic damages for their medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages for the pain and suffering they have endured. In some cases, the judges will impose additional damages, called punitive damages to punish the driver for his or her reckless or negligent actions.

To recover compensation, you will need to prove that the truck driver acted negligently or recklessly. For example, using stimulants or alcohol while operating a massive tractor-trailer is an act of negligence. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we have an extensive network of experienced investigators who may find available evidence proving that the truck driver who caused your accident was using drugs or alcohol. In many cases, law enforcement officers may make the truck driver submit to a blood alcohol test or a breathalyzer test.

We can use the evidence of these tests to show that the truck driver was acting negligently at the time of the accident. Even if the truck driver, then takes a drug or alcohol test, there may still be evidence available that shows he or she had drugs, such as evidence of the drugs in the vehicle or witness statements. In short, if there is evidence available showing the truck driver's negligence, our hardworking team can find it and help you prove that the truck driver is responsible for your damages.

Being injured in a truck accident can be overwhelming. One of the best things you can do is contact an experienced lawyer who can help you protect your right to compensation. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, We will negotiate with the insurance company, gather evidence, and advocate for you to deserve the total amount of compensation you deserve. Contact our Charlotte law Firm today at 704-370-2828 or contact us here to schedule your free initial consultation.