It is illegal in the state of Alabama to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When a large commercial truck, which can weigh more than 80,000 pounds, is being driven by a drunk driver, serious accidents can result from this reckless driving. Because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger automobiles, they have stricter standards.
Driving a commercial vehicle in Alabama requires a driver to have a commercial license, and. In contrast, the legal intoxication limit for passenger vehicle drivers is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the limit for commercial drivers is 0.04% BAC.
If a truck driver decides to drive while intoxicated, they are putting other motorists at significant risk. At Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, we do not tolerate this negligent and reckless behavior. Our Birmingham impaired truck driver accident lawyers understand how to navigate these types of complicated cases.
In most truck accidents involving a drunk truck driver, the blame falls on the truck driver. Many trucking companies have strict policies in place to ensure their drivers do not drink and drive. You could have a claim against the trucking company for inadequate supervision. The attorneys at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP will investigate all possible sources of liability and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a truck driver under the influence in Alabama, you have the right to take legal action. We are prepared to fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation you need and deserve. The sooner we can get started on your case, the better your chances of a favorable result. Call us today at (205) 324-1212 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Why do I need a drunk truck driver accident lawyer?
Even if a truck driver is convicted of driving under the influence, there is no guarantee you will win your lawsuit. Most accidents involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and 18-wheelers have devastating and costly injuries and damages. Truck accidents can forever change your life or that of your loved one. You need an experienced truck accident lawyer by your side that will pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The skilled attorneys at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP can help you bring an injury claim against the negligent truck driver. We are dedicated to fighting for maximum compensation for your case, which may include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Proper damage
- Punitive damages
After a truck accident, it is critical to gather and preserve vital evidence. A skilled truck accident attorney can interview witnesses, document the scene, obtain logbooks from the trucking company, among other tasks, in demonstrating the extent of the injuries and harm you suffered.
The Birmingham truck accident lawyers at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us a dime until we win a recovery for you. Because we understand the financial strain caused by truck accidents, we want to be able to help people without them having a pay a monthly bill from us. When you bring your truck accident case to Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, we will handle all the expenses along the way. Allow us to handle all the complicated legal matters so you can focus on what is most important: your recovery.
Why choose Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP?
If you think that the truck driver’s alcohol or drug consumption contributed to the accident that left you with severe injuries, you should get help from an experienced Alabama truck accident attorney right away. The skilled lawyers at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP have been fighting for truck accident victims in Birmingham and throughout Alabama for over two decades.
Our attorneys understand what it takes to hold careless and reckless truck drivers accountable for drunk and drugged driving accidents. You can rely on us to explore all your legal options available and pursue full compensation for your damages.
No matter how complicated your truck accident case is, you can count on Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP to be in your corner. Because we know how truck accidents can drastically impact the lives of victims and their families, we consider your needs first and foremost when putting together the best legal options for you.
During your free, no-obligation consultation, we will discuss all your possible courses of action and explain all the details of your claim. With a record of many favorable results and millions of dollars recovered for truck accident victims, Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP will help you, too, recover maximum compensation for your losses. Call us today at (205) 324-1212 to set up a free initial consultation.
Cases We Handle
Commercial trucks are some of the largest vehicles on the road. Their size and weight make them extremely dangerous when they are involved in an accident, which is why these vehicles are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
Some of the types of impaired commercial vehicle driver claims we handle include but are not limited to:
- 18-wheelers
- Semi-trucks
- Tractor-Trailers
- Ambulances
- Logging trucks
- Delivery trucks
- Bucket Trucks
- Dump Trucks
- Fire Trucks
- Garbage Trucks
- Utility Trucks
- Other commercial carriers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, we get many questions from clients in Birmingham and throughout Alabama regarding their drunk truck driver accident claims. Below we have compiled several of the most commonly asked questions. If you have any questions about your truck accident case, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable Birmingham personal injury attorneys by calling (205) 324-1212 today.
What are some common characteristics of a drunk truck driver?
Common signs a truck driver is driving while drunk include:
- Swerving
- Aggressive driving
- Tailgating
- Braking erratically
- Making overly wide turns
- Traveling at very slow or fast speeds
- Driving on other than designated roadway
- Driving against oncoming traffic
What are common drunk truck driving injuries?
Common drunk truck driving injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Back injuries
- Chest injuries, such as broken ribs
- Spinal cord injuries, which may result in paralysis
- Bone fractures
- Burn injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal organ damage
Who can be held liable in a drunk truck driver accident?
When a truck driver causes an accident as the result of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the driver is not the only party that could be held liable. Depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident, the other parties that could be held responsible include:
- Truck company
- Truck owner
- Truck part manufacturer
- Cargo loading company
- Maintenance company
In many drunk truck driver cases, the truck driver is undoubtedly responsible. However, you can identify all liable parties with a seasoned truck accident lawyer.
What do I do if I have been involved in a truck accident?
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Alabama, take the following steps:
- Assess the condition, health, and safety of yourself and others, and seek medical treatment right away.
- Call local law enforcement so they can file a police report.
- If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene with your smartphone.
- Collect information from the truck driver, including their name, the trucking company they work for, their contact information, driver’s license number, and their insurer and policy number. Talk to any eyewitnesses at the scene and record their accounts.
- See a doctor, even if you feel okay. A medical examination will provide a record of your health immediately following the accident and can identify injuries that have yet to show symptoms
- Save all paperwork. Keep all your paperwork and receipts related to your drunk driving truck accident. The police report, medical records, and other paperwork from your doctor, and any receipts related to your medical treatment may all prove to be crucial evidence in your injury claim.
- Contact an experienced Alabama truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
When should I hire a truck accident attorney?
You should hire an experienced Alabama truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Promptly seek legal advice so you can gather as much information as possible to support your claim. The Alabama truck accident attorneys at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP offer free initial consultations, during which we will explain all of your legal options.
Contact a Birmingham Drunk Truck Driver Accident Attorney Today
Despite the harsh penalties for drunk driving offenses, impaired truck drivers are still responsible for accidents, injuries, and fatalities every year in Birmingham. At Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, our highly skilled truck accident lawyers have helped many victims of negligence in our twenty-plus years of service.
If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident due to an accident caused by a drunk truck driver, our legal team is ready to help. We have the skills, resources, and experienced needed to handle complex truck accident cases. We aren’t afraid to take on the largest trucking companies and insurance companies to help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
