Intoxicated Truck Drivers
Any motorist driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is more likely to be involved in an accident that can result in serious or even fatal injuries, but the risks are significantly increased when the driver is behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. This level of dangers is precisely why Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute Title 75 § 3802(f) prohibits people from driving, operating, or being in actual physical control of the movement of commercial vehicles, school buses, or school vehicles in any of the following circumstances:
- The alcohol concentration in the driver’s blood or breath is 0.04 percent or greater within two hours after he or she has driven, operated or been in actual physical control of the movement of a commercial vehicle.
- The alcohol concentration in the driver’s blood or breath is 0.02 percent or greater within two hours after he or she has driven, operated or been in actual physical control of the movement of a school bus or a school vehicle.
- The driver has imbibed a sufficient amount of alcohol such that he or she is rendered incapable of safely driving, operating or being in actual physical control of the movement of the vehicle.
- The driver is under the influence of a controlled substance or combination of controlled substances.
- The driver is under the combined influence of alcohol and a controlled substance or combination of controlled substances.
People who are involved in crashes caused by the drivers of commercial trucks can sustain catastrophic head, brain, neck, or spinal cord injuries that require extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation, leading to enormous medical expenses and possible inability to ever work again. In many cases involving tractor trailers that weigh several tons, innocent people are killed.
Commercial drivers are expected to safely operate their vehicles and be in the best possible condition to do so, but they can be held civilly liable if they are charged with DUI after causing accidents. In addition to the drivers themselves being negligent, it is important to understand that the employers of these drivers may also be liable.
In any accident involving a commercial vehicle, lawyers and representatives of the truck carrier’s insurance company will quickly be on the scene and attempt to get victims to sign agreements that prohibit them from taking legal action. Many times, these conditions will be included as part of a lump sum settlement that is far less than what people may be entitled to.
If you suffered serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a crash caused by an intoxicated commercial truck driver, you should contact the West Chester DUI accident lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices as soon as possible. Our Philadelphia truck accident attorneys work as a team to develop the strongest possible cases for our clients, and we provide legal services on a contingency fee basis so victims do not pay us anything unless we get them monetary compensation.
Contact Our PA Personal Injury Lawyers
We are a team of Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers our main offices located in West Chester, Chester County Pennsylvania and serving clients throughout the greater Philadelphia Metro Area including Lancaster County, Berks County, Bucks County, Delaware County and Montgomery County. If your family has been victimized by the negligence of another and you are seeking a free initial consult on you rights and possible claims, it is crucial you speak to an experienced Pennsylvania Injury lawyers in order to ensure your rights are protected and to review all of your legal options with you.
The Injury attorneys of Ciccarelli Law Offices have successfully represented individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania that have been injured in accidents. Our Chester County based law firm is based at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19380 and serves clients throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to in Kennett Square, Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Exton, Chester Springs, Chadds Ford, Landenberg, Lancaster, Media, Harrisburg, Reading, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, Malvern, Parkesburg, Phoenixville and Paoli. Contact us now at (610) 692-8700 or call toll free (877) 529-2422. Don’t wait—contact an attorney immediately.