Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is against the law in California, yet drivers continue to put others at risk by engaging in this unlawful and risky behavior. Every day, 28 people across the country die in alcohol-related vehicle crashes and the damages caused by impaired driving costs the US economy about $52 billion per year.
Without question, driving under the influence is dangerous for all drivers regardless of the type of automobile they’re driving, but it is especially dangerous for truck drivers. The size and mass of commercial trucks makes them especially dangerous, as the average truck weighs 20-30 times as much as the average passenger vehicle. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by drunk trunk driver, that driver should be held liable.
Substance Abuse Among Truck Drivers
Truckers spend an exhaustive number of hours on the open road, often up to 70 hours a week. In order to combat fatigue and boredom, truck drivers often turn to drugs and alcohol. A number of studies show that truckers turn to alcohol, 
amphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana to make it through their long driving shifts. While amphetamines and cocaine can keep truck drivers awake and alert, these drugs also compel them to take risks on the road, such as driving too fast, making unsafe lane mergers, and having feelings of overconfidence during inclement weather conditions.
Truck Driver Accidents
If a truck driver causes an accident where another driver, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or cyclist is injured because the trucker was under the influence, the trucker should be held liable for his damages. In many cases, the driver’s employer is also financially responsible for the injuries caused. This means that the injured person can recover from:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional suffering
- Therapy
- Lost wages
- Future wages
And other compensatory damages. Discuss your potential for financial recovery with an experienced accident attorney in the San Fernando Valley.
For more information on what to do after you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, contact an attorney with the skill and knowledge to expertly handle your case and help you recover the maximum financial award possible. For a free consultation, reach out to San Fernando Valley accident lawyer Barry P. Goldberg today.
