Being injured in a truck accident is devastating enough, but when a collision is caused by a truck driver under the influence of drugs, it can be infuriating for victims. Truck drivers have a duty to stay alert and aware of their surroundings, especially due to the sheer size and weight of their vehicle. At The Simon Law Firm, we hold drugged truck drivers responsible for the people they have wrongfully injured. If you or a loved one have suffered losses due to an accident involving an impaired truck driver, speak with our Atlanta drugged truck driving accident attorneys.
A truck driver driving while impaired by drugs may be more likely to miss accident cues. When stimulants are used to stay awake for long periods of time and they begin to wear off, extreme fatigue may follow, heightening the risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Drugs such as marijuana can slow reflexes and make concentration difficult. Driving behavior can be influenced by any kind of drug abuse, making reckless maneuvers more likely and increasing the probability of a car accident in Atlanta.
When any of the following occur in a truck accident, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires employers to test their truck drivers for drugs:
A drug test must be administered within 32 hours of the accident in these cases. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a urine specimen will be analyzed for marijuana, cocaine metabolites, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP).
In a minor accident in which there is minimal property damage and no one is injured, the FMCSA does not require truck drivers to submit to testing.
If you are involved in a truck accident and suspect the truck driver is impaired due to illegal, over-the-counter, or prescription drugs, it is imperative to act quickly in order to have the trucker tested for drugs. By consulting with and hiring an Atlanta drugged truck driver accident lawyer, it will ensure that the necessary next steps are taken to collect and preserve evidence needed to prove impairment and liability.
An investigation will be conducted, independent of the police department. Your attorney will speak to witnesses, If the driver has a history of substance abuse, it may be detailed on existing records that can be subpoenaed from the trucking company. Obtaining these records quickly may also prevent the trucking company from destroying any pertinent information.
With evidence of impairment, damages can be sought to hold the trucker and possibly the trucking company accountable through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Atlanta, GA.
We will fight for the compensation you deserve, and we always put your best interests first. Contact us today and schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your legal rights.
