DUI Truck Accident Lawyers

A DUI charge can be extremely detrimental for a truck driver, both personally and professionally. In the United States, a truck driver’s livelihood depends on their commercial driver’s license (CDL), which allows them to operate large vehicles.

A DUI charge can result in the suspension or revocation of the CDL, effectively rendering the driver unable to work in the trucking industry. This restriction can have severe financial consequences as it may lead to a loss of income and potential difficulty in finding employment in a different industry.

Additionally, a DUI conviction can tarnish a truck driver’s reputation and credibility. Trucking companies prioritize safety and reliability when hiring drivers, and a DUI charge raises concerns about a driver’s judgment, responsibility, and ability to adhere to rules and regulations. It may lead to a loss of trust from both employers and clients, making it challenging to secure future job opportunities. Even if an employer decides to retain a truck driver with a DUI conviction, they may face increased scrutiny, mandatory alcohol testing, and stricter supervision.

A DUI charge often comes with severe legal consequences, such as fines, license suspension, probation, and even imprisonment, which can further impact a truck driver’s life. If a driver is charged with DUI after being involved in an accident, they could face jail time on top of monetary fines and other punishment.

Drunk Driving Laws for Truck Drivers in Arizona

Drunk driving laws for truck drivers in Arizona are in place to ensure the safety of both the truck driver and other road users. As commercial truck drivers are responsible for operating large and potentially dangerous vehicles, they are subject to more stringent regulations regarding alcohol consumption and driving under the influence (DUI).

In Arizona, it is illegal for any driver to operate a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher. This is half the legal limit for non-commercial drivers, which is set at 0.08%. Truck drivers are held to a higher standard regarding alcohol consumption because of the increased risk associated with their occupation.

In addition to the lower legal limit, truck drivers in Arizona also face severe consequences if caught driving under the influence. First offenses can result in a suspension of their commercial driver’s license (CDL) for one year, as well as other fines and penalties. Subsequent offenses can lead to longer license suspensions, higher fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, and, in some cases, even permanent revocation of the CDL.

Arizona trucking companies must perform regular drug and alcohol testing on their drivers. These tests may be conducted during pre-employment screening, randomly, or if there is reasonable suspicion of alcohol or drug use. Failing a drug or alcohol test usually leads to immediate suspension and possible termination of employment.

Remember that even if a truck driver is below the legal limit for alcohol, they can still be charged with a DUI if they are found to be driving recklessly or the cause of an accident.

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a truck driver suspected of DUI, call the DUI truck accident lawyers at Torgenson Law for a free case evaluation. Our legal team has provided exceptional legal representation for Arizona drivers for more than 20 years. Nobody has more experience investigating DUI accidents, identifying who’s at fault, and building the strongest compensation claim.

Drunk Driving Statistics in Arizona

Drunk driving is a serious issue that continues to have devastating consequences in Arizona. According to the latest available data from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were a total of 5,489 alcohol-related crashes in Arizona in 2022. These crashes resulted in 202 deaths and 3,538 injuries.

The statistics further reveal that alcohol-related crashes accounted for about 42% of total injury crashes in Arizona that year. The statistics also show alcohol was involved in over 53% of all property damage resulting from auto accidents.

Furthermore, the data indicates that the economic loss due to alcohol-related crash injuries in Arizona for 2022 was a staggering $296 million, with over $30 million in property damage.

What To Do After a Crash with an Intoxicated Truck Driver

Being involved in a crash with an intoxicated truck driver can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. However, ensuring your safety and protecting your legal rights is crucial in the aftermath of such an incident. Here are some immediate steps to take:

Ensure you’re safe. Immediately after the crash, move to a safe location away from the road and any potential hazards. If you or others involved in the accident require medical attention, immediately call for emergency help.
Call the authorities. Contact the local authorities and report the incident. Inform them about the truck driver’s suspected intoxication. The police will arrive at the scene to assess the situation, gather evidence, and file an accident report, which is essential for any future legal proceedings.
Take notes. If it is safe to do so, take photographs or videos of the crash site, capturing the damage to the vehicles, any injuries, traffic conditions, road signage, and skid marks. Also, take note of any important details, such as the truck’s license plate number, company name, and insurance information. This evidence will be invaluable later on.
Get medical treatment. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it is crucial to get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries may not be apparent right away but could manifest symptoms later. Document any injuries and follow all recommended medical treatments. These medical records will help substantiate your claim if you decide to pursue legal action.
Gather witness information. If witnesses are present at the scene, collect their names, contact information, and statements regarding what they observed. Their testimony can provide critical insight and corroborate your account of the accident.
Contact your insurance. Notify your insurance provider about the crash with an intoxicated truck driver. Provide them with all the relevant details, including the police report and any witness statements.

Call Torgenson Law. Contact the DUI truck accident lawyers Arizona drivers trust most with finding justice as soon as possible after an accident. Our personal injury attorneys are highly experienced in handling truck accident cases, specifically those involving intoxicated drivers. We will help navigate the complex legal process, investigate the incident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a compelling case for litigation.

Damages From a Drunk Truck Driving Accident

Accidents caused by drunk truck drivers can result in severe physical and financial damages. When pursuing a legal compensation claim, several types of damages can be recovered, aiming to compensate the injured party for their losses.

Medical Expenses. One of the primary damages that can be recovered is the cost of medical treatment. This includes ambulance fees, emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medication costs, rehabilitation, and any future medical care required due to the accident. These expenses can quickly escalate, especially for severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations.
Property Damage. If your vehicle or any other property was damaged as a result of the accident, you can seek compensation to cover the costs of repairs or replacement. Additionally, if you had any personal belongings in the vehicle that were damaged or lost, you may be entitled to recover their value.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings. If the injuries sustained in the accident prevent you from working for a period of time, you can seek compensation for the income you would have earned during that period. Additionally, suppose the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability. In that case, a claim can be made for future lost earning capacity if it can be proven that the accident hindered your ability to earn a living.
Pain and Suffering. Damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress are more subjective but can still be recovered. These damages aim to compensate for the physical and emotional pain experienced as a result of the accident and its consequences. Factors considered in determining the amount include the severity of the injuries, the recovery process, and the impact on one’s daily life and emotional well-being.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life. If the accident led to permanent injuries or disabilities that limit your ability to engage in activities you previously enjoyed, you may be eligible to recoup damages for the loss of enjoyment of life. This includes hobbies, sports, social activities, and overall quality of life that have been significantly impacted by the accident.
Punitive Damages. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for negligence or extreme disregard for the safety of other drivers on the road.

Contact Torgenson Law Today

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a suspected intoxicated truck driver, call the DUI truck accident lawyers Arizona drivers count on to get results. Torgenson Law has protected the rights of Arizona drivers for over two decades.

Our experienced staff will thoroughly investigate the incident and build a compelling case for getting you the compensation you deserve. For a confidential consultation, reach out to us online or call us at 602-726-0747 and allow us to help you get justice for your pain and suffering.

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