As a victim of an alcohol or drug-related truck accident, you have legal rights. Not only can the impaired driver face criminal charges, but you may also be entitled to seek compensation through civil action. By holding the driver and their employer accountable, you can recover compensation to help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. A Cincinnati truck accident attorney at Monge & Associates may be able to assist you with your case.
DUI Laws and Regulations for Commercial Truck Drivers
Ohio takes a strict stance against drinking and driving, and the consequences for commercial truck drivers can be even greater. If a truck driver is convicted of operating a vehicle while impaired, their commercial driver’s license (CDL) will be disqualified for one year. For a second offense, they would face a lifetime CDL revocation.
If a commercial vehicle is transporting hazardous materials, an impaired truck driver could face up to a three-year CDL disqualification. Additionally, if a CDL holder is arrested for impaired driving while operating a non-commercial vehicle, their CDL will be suspended for 90 days.
The Impact of Substance Abuse on Truck Driver Performance
Truck drivers may turn to drugs and alcohol for various reasons, including long hours, demanding schedules, and the stress of being away from home for extended periods. However, substance abuse can significantly impair a driver’s performance, leading to slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased coordination.
Alcohol and drugs can also cause fatigue, which can further compromise a truck driver’s performance. Impaired drivers may have difficulty maintaining their lane, controlling their speed, or responding to changing traffic conditions. All of these factors can heighten the risk of accidents, putting the lives of the driver, other motorists, and pedestrians in danger.
Compensation Options for Victims of Impaired Truck Drivers in Ohio
The physical, emotional, and financial pain caused by an impaired accident can be overwhelming. Victims are often left with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and the inability to work or enjoy life as they once did. If you have been injured in an accident caused by an impaired truck driver, you deserve justice.
In Ohio, victims of truck accidents are entitled to an insurance claim or lawsuit and recover compensation for their losses. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other accident-related costs. However, to prove your right to this compensation, you will need to prove that the truck driver, their employer, or another liable party caused the accident to occur.
This is where a truck accident attorney can make all the difference. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather crucial evidence, and prove your right to compensation. They can also handle all communication with insurance companies and represent your case in court, if necessary. With an attorney’s support, you can focus on healing and recovery, knowing that your case is in capable hands.
Fighting for Victims of Alcohol and Drug-Related Truck Accidents
Truck accidents involving alcohol or drugs demand immediate legal action. The lawyers at Monge & Associates can help you hold the impaired driver and their employer accountable. Contact us today at (513) 224-5591 and learn how we can help you build a compelling case that proves your right to compensation.