New Braunfels Truck Driver DWI Accident Attorney
Truck Driver Drunk Driving And Drug Use Accidents In Comal, Hays And Guadalupe Counties
Anyone who drinks to excess or uses drugs and then gets behind the wheel of a vehicle jeopardizes not only their safety but that of their passengers and everyone else on the roads. Yet, it is even more dangerous when a big-rig operator drives their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
A semitruck with its trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds (40 tons), and Texas truck accidents are far more likely to result in devastating injuries or death to those involved. In the large majority of Comal County’s truck wrecks, it is those in the nontruck vehicle that are seriously injured or killed.
High Volume Of Big Rigs On Comal County Roadways
A large portion of the traffic traveling on Interstates 10 and 35 each day are semitrucks. If the drivers of these trucks choose to drive after using alcohol or drugs before driving, all of the New Braunfels commuters and residents who use these highways are also put at risk.
When drug or alcohol use by a truck driver causes an accident, that driver is legally responsible for any resulting injuries or deaths. These truck wreck victims should call a top Comal County big-rig accident lawyer at 830-443-9193 for advice as soon as possible.
DWI Charges For Commercial Drivers In Texas
In Texas, a driver can be charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of greater than .08. However, if an 18-wheeler is operated by someone who has been drinking any amount of alcohol, this could impair their ability to drive their truck safely. When truck drivers drink and drive, it increases the chances that they will be involved in a DWI truck crash with devastating results.
Can Criminal Evidence Collected By Police Be Used In A Civil Lawsuit?
Drunk and drugged driving is a crime. Therefore, when police come to investigate the crash, they will likely subject the truck driver to breath, blood or urine tests if they suspect alcohol or drug impairment. Evidence of impaired driving will typically result in criminal charges and a conviction.
As a victim of the crash, you have the right to pursue a separate civil lawsuit against the impaired truck driver and their employer. In preparation for that civil suit, your attorney can subpoena those test results to be used in your case.
Are Truck Drivers More Likely To Be Impaired By Drugs Or Alcohol?
It is hard to find reliable statistics on drunk vs. drugged driving among truck drivers. Anecdotally, however, it is widely known that many truckers rely on stimulants to keep themselves awake for extended periods of time. These could include legal stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, but also illegal drugs like speed, meth and cocaine.
Obviously, any driver is dangerous while they are high on an illegal drug. But they are likely also dangerous after the high has worn off as well. In sufficient quantities, the street drugs mentioned above can keep someone awake for days, but the effects will eventually wear off. When they do, the driver is going to be incredibly fatigued and in no condition to be behind the wheel.
Seek Help From A Skilled Injury Attorney Today
While some Texas truck accidents may truly be accidents, truck wrecks involving drug and alcohol use usually could have been prevented. If a truck driver chooses to drive drunk and causes an accident that injures or kills someone, they need to be held liable for their actions. If you have been involved in a DUI truck accident, contact a New Braunfels truck wreck lawyer. The Bettersworth Law Firm offers free, no-obligation consultations.