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Harrisonburg Impaired Driving Truck Accident Lawyer
Federal law places a higher burden on truck drivers for the safe operation of commercial semis and tractor trailers. Operating a commercial truck while drunk is a severe violation of those standards, as impaired truck drivers can cause devastating accidents due to the driver’s reduced reaction time and reflexes. Due to the pressures of the job, truck drivers may turn to illicit substances, which can similarly make severe accidents more likely.
If you have sustained an injury from an impaired driving truck crash, contact Kendall Law Firm today. Trucking companies can be liable for the negligent actions of their drivers, and you may have a claim for financial compensation. We can review your case and initiate proceedings to recover any losses you suffered as a result of your injuries. Send us a message today to speak to a Harrisonburg truck accident lawyer.
How Our Experienced Harrisonburg Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Kendall Law Firm has over 30 years of legal experience protecting the rights and well-being of injury victims in Virginia. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, including a number of high-value commercial truck accident claims. We are meticulous in our approach to cases and investigate to unearth every potential source of compensation. Here is what one satisfied client had to say about our work:
“I highly recommend the Kendall Law Firm. David and his staff (especially Kara and Carole) kept me informed every step of the way. They were extremely diligent in returning phone calls or emails in a very timely manner. I was helped through the entire process very courteously and professionally. I cannot thank them enough!!” – Janet
In impaired driving truck accidents, our attorneys can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident
- Obtain medical documentation and police reports
- Find eyewitnesses
- Find truck GPS data and maintenance records
- Review truck driver history and qualifications
- Work with expert witnesses
- Calculate injury losses and expenses
- Review blood tests and employment screening results
- Send demand letters
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Demand full and fair compensation through a settlement or lawsuit
- File a lawsuit against trucking companies
We have experience pursuing large trucking companies and are fluent in the state and federal regulations that will affect your case. Substance and DUI truck accidents can drastically change your life, but we can bring peace of mind and closure.
Federal Regulations for Drug and Alcohol Testing of Truck Drivers
Federal trucking regulations prohibit drivers from operating while under the influence of alcohol and drugs and also set testing requirements. For example, all trucking employers must test drivers for drug use in the pre-employment phase and conduct annual random alcohol and drug tests on 10 percent and 50 percent of their commercial driver fleet.
Federal law requires employers to test employees when they have reasonable suspicion that they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Federal law also requires supervisors to receive at least 60 minutes of training each on alcohol and substance abuse awareness. Carriers who violate these federal testing and reporting regulations can face heavy fines and criminal penalties.
Who Is Responsible for Truck Drunk Driving Crashes?
Multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, and truck manufacturers, can share liability for Harrisonburg impaired driving truck accidents. In most cases, the driver will hold primary responsibility. After all, they are the ones who got behind the wheel drunk. Virginia law sets the legal BAC for commercial drivers at 0.04 percent, which is lower than the 0.08 percent limit for most drivers. Given the lower BAC restriction for commercial drivers, one or two drinks can put a truck driver over the legal limit.
Trucking companies can also be responsible for drunk driving crashes. They are responsible for their driver’s actions under federal law, regardless of whether the driver is classified as an employee or independent contractor. Trucking companies may also share liability if their practices and policies contributed to the accident. For instance, the company may be liable if they negligently hired a driver with a history of DUIs and traffic collisions.
A Harrisonburg impaired driving truck accident lawyer from our firm can thoroughly investigate the accident to identify all parties responsible for the accident and pursue them to maximize your compensation.
What Financial Compensation Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
Truck accidents routinely cause catastrophic injuries that are incredibly expensive to treat. A serious injury from a drunk driving truck accident can render you unable to work and earn a living. We can file a truck accident claim on your behalf and work to recover compensation for your injury-related losses, including the following:
- Emergency medical bills and continuing medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages and income, including salary/hourly pay, bonuses, tips, commissions, etc.
- Reductions in lifetime earning potential due to impairment
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury (e.g., housekeeping/childcare costs, alternate transportation, etc.)
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
- Property damage
In the case of a truck accident caused by impaired driving, courts may also require the offending driver and trucking company to pay punitive damages. A court may award punitive damages if the truck driver or trucking company showed recklessness or a wanton disregard for safety with their actions. A truck accident attorney can build your claim for maximum compensation.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation with an Experienced Harrisonburg Truck Accident Lawyer
Commercial truck accident cases, in general, are much more complex than typical auto accident cases, which underscores the importance of working with experienced Harrisonburg personal injury attorneys. Kendall Law Firm will stand at your side with our brand of compassionate and effective legal advocacy. Our firm dedicates itself 100 percent to personal injury law, so we can give our full effort when pursuing your claim. We won’t rest until we have explored every possible avenue for recovering the financial compensation you need to recover and rebuild.
Contact our office online or reach out by phone for a free case consultation with a Harrisonburg impaired driving truck accident lawyer. We’re eager to learn about your case and help you understand your legal rights and options.