Philadelphia DUI Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries for drivers and occupants of passenger vehicles. Thousands of people are injured and killed each year in a DUI truck accident across the United States. Tragically, many of these accidents could have been avoided. Truck driver negligence and intentional wrongdoing are factors in many truck accidents. Driving under the influence is a common example of negligence and wrongdoing that is entirely avoidable.

Our experienced DUI truck accident lawyers at Pansini Law Group have recovered millions for injured victims. If you think you have a case, contact us online for a free consultation.

Drunk Driving and Commercial Trucks

Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous driving decisions a motorist can make. When that motorist is a truck driver, the driving behavior becomes even more alarming. Given the fact that roughly 72 percent of the victims of truck accidents are occupants of other vehicles, DUI truck accidents put other people on the road at high risk for death and serious injuries.

When a truck driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the driver’s ability to operate the truck safely is significantly diminished. The truck driver’s skills, reasoning, reaction times, and coordination are all negatively impacted by alcohol or drugs. Truck drivers who are intoxicated ignore speed limits, drive recklessly, are easily distracted, and participate in other dangerous driving behaviors that put everyone at risk.

Driving an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or other commercial truck is a complicated process. Truck drivers must have specialized training to operate commercial vehicles. There is always a potential for danger if a truck driver does not have sufficient training and experience, or the truck driver makes errors behind the wheel. When you add alcohol or drugs to the situation, the risk of a truck crash increases substantially.

DUI Limits for Commercial Truck Drivers in Pennsylvania

The legal limit for all drivers throughout the country is 0.08 BAC. However, the FMCSA has set a BAC of 0.04 for CDL commercial motor vehicle operators. Truck drivers who have a BAC of 0.04 or higher are considered to be driving under the influence.

Pennsylvania aggressively enforces drunk driving laws for truck drivers. A truck driver convicted of DUI loses his or her CDL for at least one year for the first offense. If the commercial truck is approved to carry hazardous materials, the CDL suspension is for three years.

Even though the state may enforce drunk driving laws for truck drivers, it does not prevent all DUI truck accidents. Some truck drivers ignore the laws and the dangers of operating a truck while intoxicated. Just a small amount of alcohol can impair a truck driver’s abilities and increase the risk for a DUI truck accident.

Alcohol is not the only concern. Truck drivers may use illegal drugs to help them stay awake longer. They may also use drugs for recreation on long trips. Illegal drugs, and some prescription drugs, are just as dangerous as alcohol when operating a commercial vehicle.

Who Is Responsible for a DUI Truck Accident in Philadelphia?

A truck driver who causes a DUI truck accident can be arrested and face multiple DUI charges depending on the circumstances of the accident. However, the truck driver can also be held liable in civil court for injuries and damages caused by the DUI truck accident.

Unfortunately, many truck drivers do not have the resources to pay large accident claims. Therefore, our Philadelphia DUI truck accident lawyers search for all other resources to compensate victims of a drunk driving truck accident.

In many cases, the insurance company for the trucking company is liable for damages caused by a truck accident. The fact that their driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash does not relieve the insurance company from liability. The trucking company and the insurance provider may fight the claim. They may allege they are not liable for the truck driver’s illegal actions.

However, trucking companies are responsible for meeting federally mandated testing guidelines. When a trucking company is negligent or fails to follow federal regulations and laws, the trucking company can be held liable for damages caused by an intoxicated truck driver.

Talk to an Experienced Philadelphia DUI Truck Accident Attorney Now

We believe that it is our job to help make our roads safer for our community. We do so by holding trucking companies and insurance companies liable when truck drivers break the law or negligently cause a truck accident.

Our mission is to maximize the recovery for our clients. However, in doing so, we want to send a strong message to companies that negligence and wrongdoing that hurt innocent victims will not be tolerated.

Truck accident cases are incredibly complicated. They involve numerous parties who have endless resources to investigate and fight injury claims. The Philadelphia truck accident lawyers of the Pansini Law Group have the experience, resources, and skills to stand up to these companies.

We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients through our aggressive and passionate representation inside and outside of the courtroom. Let our trained and successful trial lawyers do the same for you.

Call (215) 732-5555 to schedule a free consultation with a Philadelphia DUI truck accident lawyer to discuss your injury case.