Establishing Liability in Trucking Accidents and DUI Cases
An accident with a semi-truck can result in catastrophic injuries. Big rigs are heavier and larger in size than nearly every other vehicle on the road, making them particularly dangerous when they collide with smaller cars. A truck accident can damage personal property and cause bodily injury.
When drivers are under the influence, they are slower to respond, increasing the risk of an accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident caused by a drunk driver, the attorneys at Quick Law Group PLLC, serving Seattle, WA and Bellevue, WA, can help you file a case against the liable party.
What Is the Legal Limit for a Trucker?
DUI cases are predicated upon a finding that the driver was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In terms of alcohol, the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream cannot be over a certain concentration. For drivers of passenger vehicles, the limit is 0.08%. Truckers are held to a higher standard than other drivers. A truck driver is considered over the legal limit when the blood alcohol content is 0.04% or more. The lower limit is in place because it requires more skill and concentration to safely operate a big rig.
To determine if a driver is under the influence, several tests can be performed.
- Field sobriety tests: These tests include the horizontal gaze test, where the driver is asked to track an object by movement of the eyes only. Other tests include the stand on one leg test, or the walk and turn test.
- Breath test: This test gives a scientific result of whether a driver has had more to drink than is legally allowed before taking the wheel.
- Blood test: A sample of blood is taken to measure the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream.
If you have been in an accident with a semi and the officer on the scene charged the driver with DUI, it is critical that you include this evidence in your case when making a claim for reimbursement of damages.
Who Is Liable in a Trucking Accident Caused by DUI?
Liability, and thus responsibility for payment of costs and other damages, for a trucking accident may extend beyond the actual truck driver. The company may bear some responsibility, and a review of their safety procedures and protocols will reveal if that is the case.
It is important to conduct interviews and examine key parts of handbooks and other training materials, as well as the driver’s employment and driving record, when making a claim for damages in a trucking accident where DUI was also involved.
Who to Ask for Help with a Trucking Accident and DUI Matter
The legal team at the Quick Law Group PLLC has extensive experience representing victims of car and trucking accidents. We look at every avenue of potential recovery, so you will receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.
We know how catastrophic the injuries are in a trucking accident, and that care may be ongoing or lifelong. You deserve to be fully reimbursed for all of these injuries, as well as lost wages and any out of pocket expenses incurred as part of your treatment. Contact us online or call our office at (425) 576-8150 for more information.
