Weatherford Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use
Were you hurt in a Weatherford, TX, truck accident involving a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol? If so, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.
At Stephens Law Firm, PLLC, our Weatherford personal injury attorneys have spent over 25 years helping injured Texans recover from life-altering crashes. With over $300 million recovered for our clients, we know how to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
Accidents caused by impaired truck drivers can lead to catastrophic harm. Let our experienced Weatherford truck accident lawyers handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery. We offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless we win your case. Call (817) 409-7000 to schedule a free consultation.
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How Stephens Law Firm, PLLC Can Help After a Truck Accident Involving Alcohol or Drug Use in Weatherford, TX
Accidents involving impaired truck drivers often lead to devastating consequences. These cases demand fast action and a deep understanding of Texas personal injury law and the federal regulations governing commercial trucking.
When you hire Stephens Law Firm, PLLC, our Weatherford personal injury lawyers will:
- Investigate the cause of the crash using police reports, toxicology results, and trucking logs
- Preserve and analyze crucial evidence, including dashcam footage and driver employment records
- Coordinate with toxicology experts, accident reconstructionists, and medical professionals
- Determine whether the trucking company violated FMCSA or state alcohol and drug testing rules
- Negotiate with insurers who try to downplay your injuries or shift blame
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement is not offered
Our firm is committed to protecting the rights of victims in Weatherford, Texas, and the surrounding areas. With over two decades of experience, we’re not afraid to go up against powerful corporations and insurance companies. Call to set up a free consultation with our Weatherford truck accident attorneys.
Understanding Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use in Texas
Commercial truck drivers are held to stricter safety standards than non-commercial drivers. Federal regulations under the FMCSA prohibit any measurable alcohol concentration while operating a commercial vehicle. Even a BAC of 0.02% can lead to immediate consequences.
Important facts about drug and alcohol use among truck drivers include:
- Commercial Drivers License (CDL) holders may be subject to random alcohol and drug testing under federal law.
- A BAC of 0.04% or higher can be grounds for immediate disqualification from commercial driving.
- Drivers usually must submit to post-accident drug and alcohol testing under certain conditions.
- Employers are generally required to maintain strict testing programs and remove drivers who test positive.
- Use of controlled substances, including marijuana, even in states where it is legal, is typically forbidden for CDL drivers.
The combination of alcohol, drugs, and the sheer size of an 18-wheeler makes for a deadly mix.
Victims can suffer devastating injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Crushed limbs or amputations
- Severe organ trauma
- Burns and permanent disfigurement
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries or lost a loved one due to a truck driver’s impaired behavior, our legal team is here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Liability in Weatherford Truck Accidents Involving Substance Abuse
In Texas, liability in a commercial truck crash isn’t limited to the driver. In many cases, the trucking company, cargo owners, maintenance providers, or even bars that overserved the driver may share responsibility.
Entities that may be held accountable include:
- The truck driver, if personally impaired while operating the vehicle
- The trucking company, if it failed to conduct required drug and alcohol testing or knowingly allowed an impaired driver on the road
- A third-party alcohol vendor, under the Texas Dram Shop Law, if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual who then caused a crash
- Maintenance companies or others involved in putting a dangerous truck on the road
Stephens Law will investigate every angle to identify all responsible parties. We’ll also examine whether the driver’s impairment stemmed from prescription misuse, illegal drugs, or alcohol, and whether the company had proper safety measures in place.
Why These Cases Require Immediate Action
Time is critical in commercial trucking accidents. Black box data, dashcam footage, and driver logs can be overwritten or destroyed if not preserved immediately. By working with an experienced Texas truck accident lawyer, you can ensure vital evidence is secured before it disappears.
In addition, Texas law typically allows only two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit for compensation following a truck accident.
We recommend contacting an attorney to discuss your legal rights as soon as possible. Even if you’re unsure whether drugs or alcohol were involved, our team can uncover the facts and pursue the maximum compensation available.
Contact Our Weatherford Truck Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Truck crashes involving alcohol or drugs are among the most egregious and heartbreaking cases we handle. They are almost always preventable. We’re here to help you take back control after a traumatic accident.
Call today to schedule a free consultation with our Weatherford truck accident lawyers at Stephens Law Firm, PLLC. We will listen, advise, and begin building a powerful case to pursue the compensation you need. You owe nothing unless we win.
