Driving while impaired is extremely dangerous under any circumstances. However, when a truck driver gets behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound semi-truck, the consequences can be catastrophic for accident victims. Federal and state governments regulate truck driver drug and alcohol use. Still, impaired truck drivers continue to get behind the wheel and cause accidents each year.
The Jacksonville truck driver drug and alcohol use lawyers of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling accident cases. Our lawyers have over 80 years of combined experience. We have recorded tens of millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for thousands of clients.
Let us fight to get you the money you deserve after a truck accident caused by a truck driver’s drug and alcohol use. Contact us today at (904) 396-1100 in Jacksonville, Florida, to get started with a free consultation.
How Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Truck Crash in Jacksonville, Florida
Truck accident cases are complicated, especially when they involve truck driver drug and alcohol use. Our lawyers have extensive skills, legal expertise, and resources to fight these claims. We aggressively pursue all liable parties and sources of compensation.
When you hire our top-rated Jacksonville truck accident lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Investigate the truck accident to determine the cause and identify the responsible parties
- File insurance claims and handle all matters related to the settlement of those claims
- Work with accident reconstructionists, top trucking industry experts, medical specialists, and other expert witnesses as necessary
- Determine how much your truck accident claim is worth after carefully documenting your damages
- Negotiate fair settlements with insurance companies, trucking companies, and other liable parties
- File a lawsuit and take your case to trial if necessary
At Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers, you are our top priority. Our award-winning attorneys are passionate advocates for injured victims and their families. Martindale-Hubbell awarded our personal injury law firm the 2021 Platinum Client Champion Award, which is its highest award for client services.
Our attorneys have been named Super Lawyers each year since 2009 and have been named among Florida Trends Legal Elite numerous times. Additionally, our attorneys have been selected as Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Florida by The National Trial Lawyers.
We are here to help you fight large trucking companies and impersonal insurance providers for the compensation you need and deserve. Contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Jacksonville, FL.
Overview of Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use
The Drug & Alcohol Clearing House provides employers and government agencies with information regarding CDL driver drug and alcohol violations. The December 2023 monthly report revealed a total of 68,229 drug violations and 1,619 alcohol violations to date in 2023. Violations include positive drug tests, refusal of drug/alcohol tests, BAC above the legal limit of .04%, and actual knowledge of drug or alcohol violations.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation require truck drivers and employers to follow all federal and state trucking regulations related to drug and alcohol use. Examples of regulations include:
- Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening before operating a commercial truck
- Random testing for truck drivers
- Post-accident testing if the truck driver receives a traffic citation for an accident involving property damage, death, or injury
- Testing for alcohol and drugs if a supervisor has a reasonable suspicion a truck driver is using drugs or alcohol
- Return-to-duty testing if a truck driver has been removed because of positive drug or alcohol tests
- Follow-up testing when recommended by a substance abuse professional
Unfortunately, these rules and regulations do not stop all use of drugs and alcohol by truck drivers. The result is drunk and drugged truck driver accidents.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Jacksonville, FL?
Call 911 to report the crash. If you suspect a truck driver’s drug or alcohol use, do not confront the driver. Instead, report your suspicions to a law enforcement officer.
Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Refusing medical care or delays in medical treatment could hurt your chances of recovering a fair settlement for your truck accident claim.
Contact our office to discuss how we can help you file a claim to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, including:
- The cost of medical treatment, nursing care, and rehabilitative therapies
- The loss of income and benefits, including reductions in your future earning capacity and lost wages
- Permanent impairments, scarring, disabilities, and disfigurement
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including personal care and household services
- Property damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life and diminished quality of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
The value of your damages depends on your injuries, financial losses, and other factors. Our Jacksonville truck accident lawyers work to maximize your recovery. We defend you from contributory fault allegations when they try to blame you for causing the accident.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Jacksonville Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use Lawyers
Truck accidents caused by truck driver drug and alcohol use are avoidable. If a truck driver causes a crash because of negligent, willful, and intentional wrongdoing, you deserve to be compensated for your damages. Contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (904) 396-1100 to talk with one of our Jacksonville truck driver drug and alcohol use attorneys today.
