Have you been injured in a truck accident caused by a driver’s drug or alcohol use in St. Louis, Missouri? Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers can help, contact us today at (636) 519-0085. We offer a free consultation with an experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer who will fight to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Driving a commercial truck is dangerous under the best conditions, but when drivers are impaired by drugs or alcohol, the risks increase dramatically. Despite strict regulations, not all drivers and companies comply, leading to devastating crashes. If you’ve been affected by one of these accidents, legal help can make all the difference.
How Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After an Accident With an Impaired Truck Driver in St. Louis, MO
At Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers, we know that a truck accident injury claim can be overwhelming, especially when trucking companies and insurers attempt to minimize payouts. Working with a trusted St. Louis personal injury attorney gives you the knowledge and advocacy needed to protect your rights and pursue full compensation.
Clients in St. Louis, MO, choose us because:
- We have 30 years of combined legal experience handling complex truck accident cases.
- We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of injured clients.
- Our firm has a reputation for strong, client-focused representation in St. Louis, Missouri.
- We offer guidance and support that allows clients to concentrate on recovery while we manage the legal battle.
Our record shows a consistent commitment to justice and results for injury victims. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer.
Commercial Driver Drug and Alcohol Limits
Because of the dangers of operating large trucks, commercial drivers are held to much stricter alcohol and drug standards than other motorists. Federal and state laws are designed to keep impaired drivers off the road and reduce the risk of catastrophic accidents.
Alcohol limits for commercial drivers are as follows:
- A BAC of 0.04% or higher results in immediate removal from duty. The driver cannot return until completing a remedial program.
- A BAC between 0.02% and 0.039% requires removal from service for at least 24 hours.
- A BAC below 0.02% is considered negative for testing purposes.
- Regardless of BAC, it is always illegal to drive if alcohol impairs the ability to operate a truck safely.
- Drivers are prohibited from consuming alcohol within four hours of going on duty.
Similarly, truck drivers may not use any drug, even prescription medications, if those drugs impair the person’s ability to safely operate their vehicle. The driver must disclose any prescriptions they are taking to their employer and the medical examiner who completes their Department of Transportation (DOT) physical.
Drivers who violate any of these limitations can face numerous consequences, including a suspension or revocation of their commercial driver’s license, criminal charges and penalties, and civil liability for any wrecks they cause while impaired.
The Dangers of Impaired Truck Drivers
If these obligations seem burdensome, it is a good thing: truck drivers who are impaired in any way are a danger to everyone else on the road. They might:
- Fail to see a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist on the road before striking them
- Forget to check their blind spots before changing lanes, causing a side-impact collision
- Be unable to safely stop their rig in time before crashing into another car or object
- Make erratic movements that can cause the truck to roll over or jackknife
- Fall asleep behind the wheel
- Speed or engage in other reckless conduct
In short, impaired truckers are more likely to crash into others. When they do, that other person will often suffer catastrophic injuries that can leave permanent physical disabilities. For this reason, drivers who flout these drug and alcohol limits, and the companies that permit them to do so, can be found legally responsible.
Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in St. Louis for a Free Consultation
Before you accept any settlement from a trucking company after a crash in St. Louis, Missouri, remember this: the company is not looking out for you. They are protecting themselves and their drivers from accountability. Do not settle your case without first talking with us at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers. We have your interests in mind and will help you assert your legal rights.
Contact our office today and request a free case review with one of our talented St. Louis truck accident lawyers. We will fight for you and help you take charge of your future after a crash.