Even in small quantities, alcohol can impair judgment, relax inhibitions, and increase reaction time. These effects are particularly dangerous for truckers, who often operate vehicles that are up to 20 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. The size of these vehicles makes it more difficult to stop them and avoid an accident, as well as increase the amount of force in an accident. 

If you or a loved one have been a victim of a drunk driving truck accident in Merrillville, you may be eligible for compensation. The dedicated truck accident attorneys at The Law Offices of David W. Holub could help establish that the trucker and their employer may be liable. Give us a call today.

What Is Drunk Driving?

Most people are familiar with .08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) being the legal limit for intoxicated driving. People with a BAC of .08 or above are prohibited from driving in almost every state, including Indiana. As a result, some people may believe that it is safe to drive with a lower BAC. The reality is that even a single drink can impair judgment and reaction time, making a driver less safe and increasing the risk of an accident. By the time a driver gets to .08 BAC, they are 2.5 times more likely to be in a wreck.

Under 49 C.F.R. § 392.5, federal law prohibits all drinking and trucking by prohibiting commercial drivers from consuming alcohol or being under the influence within four hours of going on duty. This law also prohibits a commercial truck driver from having any measured alcohol concentration while on duty.

Whether or not a trucker’s BAC is high enough to support criminal charges is not as important for recovery in a personal injury claim as demonstrating that the trucker was under the influence. Any alcohol in the trucker’s system can help establish negligence, given that drivers cannot consume or be under the influence of alcohol while operating a commercial vehicle. 

Injuries from Drunk Trucking Wrecks

Because drivers are used to seeing big rigs and other large commercial vehicles on the road, they may stop thinking about how large these vehicles actually are. However, compared to passenger vehicles, they are massive. Even in low-speed accidents, trucks can cause severe injuries to people in a wreck.

While many people walk away, many people also die from these injuries. Those in between the two extremes may experience injuries that range from moderate, like broken bones, all the way to severe, like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Recovering from these injuries can take weeks, months, or even years. Many people will never fully recover and may need substantial damages to pay for ongoing medical treatment, modifications to their homes or vehicles, lost wages, and more.

In addition to physical injuries, victims may suffer from emotional injuries, too. Victims may have emotional trauma, and their families may experience loss of consortium, loss of services, and more. 

A drunk driving truck accident attorney in Merrillville could help obtain compensation for both physical and emotional injuries so that you can get the justice you deserve. 

Talk to a Merrillville Attorney About Drunk Driving Truck Accidents 

Truck accidents can lead to tremendous physical damage, financial loss, emotional struggles, and more. While they are always devastating, injuries from drunk-driving truck accidents in Merrillville can be even more frustrating. In general, these injuries are entirely preventable, which can make the emotional component of recovery more challenging.

You may be entitled to damages for all of the harm you experience in a wreck. Contact The Law Offices of David W. Holub to learn more about your legal options.

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