Key Takeaways for Accidents Caused by Intoxicated Truck Drivers in Texas
- Drunk driving by truck drivers is a serious problem in Texas, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
- Liability in these cases may extend beyond the intoxicated driver to include the trucking company and other parties under Texas law.
- A personal injury claim may help you recover funds for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses you suffer.
- A Texas DUI truck accident attorney can help you investigate the crash and build a strong case.
- The team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law has the resources and experience to help you fight for the compensation you need.
Injured by a Drunk Truck Driver in Texas?
In one recent year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 187 fatalities in the U.S. that involved an alcohol-impaired truck driver.
Considering the fact that commercial trucks weigh up to 30 times more than the average passenger vehicle, it’s easy to see why truck drivers are held to some of the strictest safety regulations. The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles often lead to catastrophic injuries for those in passenger cars.
Unfortunately, these rules aren’t enough to stop drunk truck drivers from taking to the road. Texas already leads the nation in total 18-wheeler and semi-truck accidents, with 19,424 crashes reported in one recent year, far more than any other state. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), 33 truck crashes involving drunk truck drivers occurred that same year.
Texas Laws on DUI Truck Drivers and Commercial Vehicle Liability
Commercial truck drivers operate under different legal standards than other drivers. While the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for most drivers is 0.08%, the limit for commercial drivers is much lower at 0.04%. This stricter standard reflects the increased responsibility that comes with operating a large, heavy vehicle. A violation of this standard can be a factor in proving a driver’s negligence in a civil lawsuit.
Proving that a truck driver was intoxicated is just one part of building a successful case. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also has strict regulations for truck drivers and the companies that employ them. Our Texas truck accident attorneys investigate all aspects of a truck crash to identify all liable parties, hold them accountable, and push relentlessly to maximize your compensation.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Texas DUI Truck Accident?
A truck accident involving an intoxicated driver may seem straightforward, but a successful claim often goes beyond just the driver. Multiple parties may be liable for the crash, and identifying all of them is an important part of the legal process. Holding all negligent parties accountable may strengthen your claim and help you pursue the maximum possible compensation.
Potential parties in a negligent truck driver claim may include:
- The truck driver, for their reckless decision to drive while impaired
- The trucking company, if it negligently hired or failed to supervise a driver with a history of substance abuse
- The cargo loader, if they improperly loaded the truck, causing a shift in weight that contributed to the crash
- The parts manufacturer, if a defective part, like a tire or brake, failed and contributed to the collision
- A bar or restaurant that overserved the driver before the accident under Texas’s Dram Shop laws
A thorough investigation is essential to uncover every party that may have contributed to your injuries. The Texas personal injury attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law have the resources and experience to investigate every aspect of your case, from the scene of the crash to the driver’s history and the trucking company’s practices. Our team works to build a comprehensive case that fights for your interests against any opponent.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help You After a DUI Crash in Texas?
After an accident, you may encounter pressure from insurance adjusters and the trucking company’s lawyers. They may contact you with settlement offers far below what you need to cover your medical expenses and other damages. When this happens, it’s a good time to consult an experienced truck accident lawyer.
The Texas 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law will manage all communications with the at-fault party and their representatives. This allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of a legal battle while avoiding the many pitfalls of negotiating for a fair settlement yourself.
Getting Legal Help After a Drunk Truck Driver Hit You in Texas
If you have already received medical care for your injuries, there are steps you can take to protect your legal claim. These actions can help your Texas DUI truck accident attorney build a stronger case on your behalf. After seeking medical attention, consider doing the following:
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible. Your legal team can help you understand your options and begin an immediate investigation.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan exactly. Missing appointments or deviating from medical advice may harm your case.
- Keep a recovery journal. Document your daily pain levels, the impact of your injuries on your life, and any new symptoms you experience.
- Preserve all documents related to the accident. This includes photos, videos, police reports, medical bills, and correspondence from insurance companies.
- Do not sign any documents or agree to any settlement without consulting a lawyer. A quick settlement almost always will not cover your long-term needs.
Following these steps may help you preserve the evidence needed to pursue compensation for your injuries. A skilled Houston lawyer will use this information to create a comprehensive claim on your behalf. Our team can help you with these essential tasks so you may feel confident in your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Drunk Truck Driver Accident?
A personal injury claim may help you recover funds to cover the financial and emotional damages from a DUI truck accident. The types of compensation you may pursue can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
A claim can help you seek compensation for losses like:
- Medical expenses, including ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost income and future earning potential if your injuries prevent you from working
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Wrongful death, if the accident resulted in the loss of a loved one
A court may also award punitive damages in a DUI truck crash lawsuit. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate you for your losses, but rather to punish the at-fault party for especially reckless behavior. These damages may apply in cases where the driver’s actions were extremely negligent or reckless.
How a Lawyer Can Help Document Your Losses
When you pursue a personal injury claim, your lawyer will help you gather the necessary documentation to prove the full extent of your damages. This process involves collecting and analyzing evidence to build a comprehensive picture of how the accident has impacted your life.
Your lawyer can help you with these tasks:
- Collecting all of your medical records and bills to demonstrate the costs of your treatment.
- Calculating lost wages and future earning potential if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Valuing non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Gathering evidence of property damage to your vehicle and any other personal property.
- Interviewing witnesses and working with investigators to build a strong case.
The team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law has helped injured victims get the compensation they deserve since 1985. We have the resources to help you document all of your losses, from your initial emergency room visit to your long-term physical therapy needs. We give our clients 110% and work to achieve successful outcomes.
Ready to Take Action After Your Texas DUI Truck Accident?
The legal team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is here to help you get started on your path to recovery after a serious truck accident. With over more than 40 years of legal experience and a track record of securing life-changing settlements and verdicts for our clients, we have the knowledge and resources to take on trucking companies and fight for the compensation you need to heal and move forward. Contact us online now for a free and confidential truck accident case evaluation, or call us at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.
Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law
8584 Katy Fwy #100
Houston, TX 77024
Ph:(713) 973-8888
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
