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Truck driving is known to be a difficult and lonely job. Truck drivers are meant to cover thousands of miles each week to speed up deliveries for the major retail companies we all buy from every day. To fight loneliness and fatigue, many truck drivers turn to drugs and alcohol. We all know the dangers of driving under the influence. However, when you add an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer, that danger greatly increases. If you or your loved one were injured in a truck driver substance abuse case, call a Regan Zambri Long truck accident lawyer today for a free initial consultation.
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Our personal injury lawyers are constantly praised by past clients because we stick to our mission: we work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for you and your family in the quickest timeline possible. Our truck accident lawyers are professional but compassionate and we will fight fiercely on your behalf in the courtroom.
Because the trucking industry has to follow local, state, and federal laws, truck accident claims can become complex very quickly. This is why it is very important to have an expert legal team behind you during the claims process. The Regan Zambri Long truck accident attorneys have secured millions for their clients, including a $15.2 million settlement for a man who was injured in a dump truck accident.
When you work with a Regan Zambri Long truck accident lawyer, your focus will be on your recovery, while ours will be on winning your case. To do so, we will follow a few basic steps.
Unfortunately, alcohol and drug use are high among commercial truck drivers. There are two main problems 18-wheeler and semi-truck drivers have while on the road: fatigue and loneliness. Many trucking companies encourage their drivers to listen to podcasts or audiobooks and stay in touch with family and friends on the phone to lessen the loneliness.
However, the same trucking companies demand extremely long hours from their drivers and force them to be on the road for days or even weeks at a time.
There are several different types of drugs truck drivers consume to fight loneliness and fatigue. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over 25,000 commercial truck drivers who were tested for drug and alcohol use tested positive. The main types of drugs truck drivers consume while on the road are:
Washington DC has strict laws regarding the behavior of truck drivers, especially when it comes to driving under the influence. In DC, a commercial vehicle is defined as any four-wheeled vehicle that is longer than 22 feet and used for transporting commercial loads or property. The DC trucking regulations for commercial vehicles include:
The maximum penalty for driving under the influence is up to 75 days in jail, a $2,500 fine, and getting your license taken away for 1 year. For commercial truck drivers, Washington DC issues a 5-day mandatory minimum sentence. Regular car drivers are considered under the influence at .08%, but in Washington DC, a truck driver is considered under the influence at .04%.
Not only do trucking companies and drivers have to follow local DC laws, but they also must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.
Contributory negligence is a law that is practiced in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia (as well as Alabama and North Carolina). It is a law that is considered outdated by many and can make personal injury lawsuits difficult for the claimant (the truck accident victim who files the claim). Contributory negligence law states that if the claimant had any responsibility in the accident, then he or she cannot collect any compensation.
For example, if your truck accident was caused by the truck driver’s substance abuse, who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but you were also speeding at the time of the accident, you may be found to be partially at fault for the accident. This would keep you from recovering damages. This is different from comparative negligence laws, which allow you to receive some compensation even if you are at fault. Under comparative negligence laws, if the drunk truck driver was 80% at fault for the accident, and you were 20% at fault, you would be able to claim 80% of the damages. Lawmakers in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia are trying to move toward comparative negligence laws because many believe they are fairer than contributory negligence laws.
The Regan Zambri Long truck accident lawyers deeply understand contributory negligence laws in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Our practice extends to all three jurisdictions and we are confident we can secure the maximum amount of damages in all three states. In over 30 years of being in practice, we know that defense lawyers will be quick to use contributory negligence laws to try to get their clients out of trouble. Our truck accident lawyers will build a rock-solid case and prove that you were not at fault for the accident and that you deserve the highest amount of compensation possible. We offer free initial consultations for truck accident victims. During the consultation, you will speak with a seasoned truck accident lawyer who will guide you through the claims process and answer any questions you may have. Call today to speak with one of our esteemed truck accident attorneys.
A: There is no one estimate for how much you can collect for your claim – it all depends on the severity of your injuries. However, your Regan Zambri Long truck accident lawyer will pursue the maximum amount of damages, which can include:
This monetary compensation will help offset the sudden and ongoing medical bills from the accident. At Regan Zambri Long, we firmly believe you should not have to pay for someone else’s negligence. We will work hard to make sure you and your family are not put under financial distress because of a negligent truck driver.
A: There are several steps to take following an accident to ensure your safety and also to help your truck accident claim:
A: Truck accidents can be caused by several factors, including:
