Driving after consuming drugs or alcohol is reckless and often deadly. Despite the strict regulations prohibiting drunk driving countrywide, it is still a significant cause of accidents. Massive commercial trucks are challenging to control and handle under normal circumstances; attempting to operate them while intoxicated can quickly lead to a devastating event.
When you are hurt because of an intoxicated trucker, our dedicated truck wreck attorneys can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Schedule an appointment with a compassionate lawyer who regularly handles drunk driving truck accidents in Bangor to learn more.
How to Prove Liability for a Truck Wreck in Bangor?
A civil claim must establish specific elements to prove negligence and secure an award for damages. The plaintiff must prove the following:
- The driver owed a legal duty to operate the vehicle safely and use caution to avoid causing harm to others
- The trucker breached the legal obligation and caused the accident, such as proof of their intoxication and the actions leading up to the incident
- The crash caused the plaintiff’s bodily injuries and other damages and losses
- The claimant sustained verifiable damages, such as proof of injuries and out-of-pocket expenses
A local attorney experienced with intoxicated driving truck accidents can reconstruct the event, speak to witnesses, and gather evidence to establish negligence.
Recoverable Damages After Proving Fault
After satisfying the elements needed to prove fault, the court will likely award monetary damages to cover the following:
- Payment to cover all healthcare costs related to the cause of the action
- Therapy, medical devices, equipment, and prescriptions
- Lost salary and earning potential
- Emotional distress and anguish
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
The award for damages varies depending on the case specifics, including verifiable damages, how the injuries will continue to affect the plaintiff, and the actions responsible for the crash.
Alcohol and Drug Testing Regulations
Driving any motor vehicle over the legal alcohol limit is unlawful and could lead to an arrest, stiff penalties, and ongoing consequences. According to the Code of Federal Regulations 49 § 382, commercial driver’s license holders must submit to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident alcohol and drug testing. While the legal maximum BAC limit for those with standard driver’s licenses is 0.08 percent, it is half of that for truckers.
The regulations strictly prohibit CDL drivers from reporting for duty with a BAC of 0.04 percent or more. Further, they must submit to testing within two hours of traffic accidents. Repercussions for failing or refusing to test will result in penalties, including temporary or permanent loss of driving privileges.
Trucking companies must put truckers who violate the regulations on temporary leave. Refusing to submit to testing or a guilty conviction will result in losing their CDL driving privileges for one year for the first offense. During the consultation, a lawyer knowledgeable about drunk driving truck crashes could answer specific questions about the regulations and civil court process in Bangor.
Speak to an Attorney Knowledgeable About Bangor Drunk Driving Truck Accidents
Intoxicated truckers not only risk harming themselves but also expose everyone around them on the roadway to dangerous conditions. Crashes can have devastating consequences and are wholly avoidable. You deserve a settlement to cover your damages if an intoxicated truck operator caused a crash and caused you or your loved ones harm.
Our determined lawyers experienced with drunk driving truck accidents in Bangor can fight for the justice you deserve. The compensation could cover your damages, expenses, and other costs while you seek quality medical care and take the time to recover. Call today for help.
