Risks of Impaired Truck Drivers and Consequences

Truck Accidents Caused by Truck Drivers

The most prevalent cause of truck accidents each year were reported to be caused because of errors by the truck driver. In many cases, drivers are impaired (by alcohol, fatigue or another substance), which leads to increased risk and a higher chance of poor judgments. These large trucks can weigh 20-30 times more than other vehicles on the road. A mistake with one of these vehicles can lead to pile-ups, car accidents and more.

Have you or someone you love been injured as the result of a trucking accident? Contact our experienced truck accident attorneys at Rob Levine & Associates today. Our team of attorneys has fought for countless victims, just like yourself. These cases are more complicated than a normal car accident because most drivers will receive help from large trucking companies. While accidents do happen, no driver should be able to be grossly negligent in a way that leads to an accident. Trucking companies and their drivers need to be held accountable for their actions.

Accidents involving 18-wheelers have caused many pileups and hundreds of injuries each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 80% of all injuries sustained are to victims rather than the driver. The large size and weight of these vehicles make them tough to slow down and especially dangerous when the driver is impaired in any way. Reports have found that alcohol is most widely reported to be used by truck drivers but also different forms of drugs to stay awake or make their fatigue less intense. This industry has been linked to poor work conditions because of the strain it puts on drivers and the risk to others around them.

Consequences to Driving Impaired

Driving while impaired can get your license suspended and require a fine depending on how impaired you are. The penalties increase if you are underaged, speeding or cause an accident while impaired. Rhode Island charges first-time offenders of DUI that leads to a serious injury or death at 1-10 years in jail, a fine up to $5,000, revoked license for two years and required alcohol and/or drug treatment. An estimated 200,000 18-wheelers are traveling on U.S. roads each and every day. Impaired drivers who cause an accident where someone is killed can face upwards of 15 years in jail, depending on how many people were killed.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been injured in Rhode Island, Connecticut or Massachusetts in a truck accident give our office a call! Let our experienced truck accident attorneys help you get your life back on track. (888)533-7507