Commercial drivers, such as truck drivers, bus drivers, and other professional drivers operating a vehicle under a commercial driver’s license, are held to much stricter standards than non-commercial drivers when it comes to drinking and driving. Truck drivers who violate the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits can face severe consequences. Here’s what our skilled Kansas City truck accident attorneys want you to know in the event you or a loved one suffers a catastrophic collision with an impaired truck driver.
Commercial Driver BAC Limits and Road Safety
Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, commercial drivers are considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol if their BAC is 0.04 percent or higher. The federal limit for non-commercial drivers is 0.08 percent. FMCSA also mandates that commercial drivers don’t operate their vehicles within four hours of consuming alcohol.
Truck operators who are caught driving over the BAC legal limit of 0.04 can face criminal charges and the revocation or suspension of their commercial driver’s license (CDL). In addition, anyone injured in an accident caused by a CDL driver has the right to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit.
What Damages Can You Claim In a Truck Accident Civil Suit?
There are two types of damages you can claim: economic and non-economic:
Economic Damages
- Property damage—damage to the vehicle or property inside of the vehicle
- Medical expenses—surgeries, doctors visits, treatments, therapies
- Lost wages–income lost from not being able to work due to your injuries
Non-economic Damages
- Pain and suffering—the impact of the accident and injuries on your mental health
- Wrongful death—loss of a loved one who was a family provider
Hit By A Drunk Commercial Driver? It’s Time for Legal Help
Drunk driving accidents are serious, and when it involves the massive size of a truck (up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded), the injuries can be catastrophic—or worse, fatal. If the careless actions of a commercial driver cause you to suffer severe injuries, you need a successful legal advocate holding them responsible. What’s more, if the operator’s employer has what the FMCSA states as “knowledge that a driver has used alcohol or controlled substances based on the employer’s direct observation of the employee, information provided by the driver’s previous employer(s), a traffic citation for driving a CMV while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances or an employee’s admission of alcohol or controlled substance use,” the employer could be held liable as well.
When up against mounting bills due to medical care, treatments, and therapies, we understand how overwhelming this can be for you and your family. Know that you’re not alone, and you have the right to receive proper compensation.