Commercial big rigs haul tons of cargo over long distances. Naturally, these vehicles are much larger than a common passenger car and a lot more unwieldy. Truckers need to have significantly more awareness to avoid crashing into other drivers on the road. Like regular drivers, consuming alcohol can have a detrimental effect on their abilities, putting everyone else at risk.
Federal regulations are in place to prevent drunk driving truck accidents in Athens, but they could still happen. The truck crash lawyers at the Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, could help you file a claim to recover compensation if you have been hit by a drunk truck driver. Call our firm to speak with an attorney about your situation.
Blood alcohol content (BAC) measures a driver’s level of intoxication. BAC is the percentage of alcohol present in the bloodstream at a point in time. Throughout the United States, the legal limit for drivers in their own private cars is 0.08 percent. A BAC at or above this value falls into the category of intoxication, making it illegal to operate a motor vehicle. Doing so could result in charges for driving under the influence.
This limit is different for commercial truck drivers, who must comply with the rules and regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). According to this agency, the legal limit for truckers is 0.04 percent, which is half the BAC for regular drivers. This does not just apply when they are behind the wheel, as drivers cannot be on duty at this BAC level. This includes non-driving activities, such as being on-site at a facility or inspecting the vehicle for service.
These rules are in place to discourage drinking before operating an 18-wheeler, which should reduce the risk of a crash on the roads in Athens. Sadly, some drivers and companies choose to ignore these rules and put everyone else in danger.
Anyone who holds a commercial driver’s license must comply with the FMCSA regulations, and the failure to do so could place responsibility on the driver. However, trucking companies are also responsible for their employees’ conduct and for ensuring that they are in compliance with the rules.
Companies may institute breathalyzer tests before starting work and conduct random testing to check their drivers’ BAC levels. Similarly, if the employer has a reasonable suspicion that an employee may be drunk, then it must administer a test and prohibit the driver from going on duty if they fail. All of this means that a trucker’s employer could share some of the blame for an accident if their employee was intoxicated and they allowed them to drive their vehicle in Athens.
If you were injured in this type of accident, this means you may file a claim against the company’s commercial carrier insurance policy, which is another requirement under the FMCSA. One of our experienced lawyers could help you with this process to recover compensation, such as for medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.
Due to their massive size and weight, drunk driving truck accidents in Athens can be devastating for a smaller car and everyone inside. If this happened to you, come and speak with us about your legal options.
The lawyers at the Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, are here to help you and your family get through this difficult time. Contact our firm to set up an initial case consultation with our team.
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