Where a Drugged or Drunk Truck Driver Accident in New Mexico Causes You Serious Injury, Call Us
While most people know that it is never acceptable to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, there are times when people choose to do so anyway. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and unacceptable due to the dangers associated with driving while impaired. While it is serious and unacceptable for a motorist to operate their vehicle while impaired, it is especially unacceptable for truck drivers to drive their semi-tractor trailers while under the influence. A drunk truck driver accident in New Mexico can result in serious or fatal injuries, including injuries that are permanent, catastrophic, or disabling.
Trucking accidents due to a truck driver driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be catastrophic due to their massive size and force of impact when the truck collides with another motor vehicle or pedestrian. Trucking accidents due to an impaired truck driver should never happen. This is why if you or your loved one was injured in a trucking accident due to a truck driver driving under the influence, you should contact an experienced trucking attorney today to determine if you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a drunk truck driver accident in New Mexico, call our experienced trucking accident lawyers in Albuquerque, New Mexico for a FREE consultation. At the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., we have a proven track record of success handling all types of trucking wrecks, especially cases involving truck driver drivers. Call us to schedule a FREE consultation to learn more.
Dangers of Truck Drivers Driving Under the Influence
It is incredibly dangerous to drive a semi-tractor trailer while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drugs or alcohol can slow reaction times as well as impair the truck driver’s judgement. Additionally, coordination, difficulty steering and staying in their lane, and impaired ability to track moving objects can lead to a serious, catastrophic accident.
In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has the strictest drunk driving rules in the country. Truck drivers are prohibiting from having a drink within 4 hours of starting a shift, and must have a BAC not higher than 0.0. That means any BAC could be drunk driving.
Federal Rules Regarding Drug Testing for Truck Drivers
Federal rules require truck drivers to be drug tested prior to being hired, randomly throughout the year, after an accident involving bodily injury, a fatality or vehicle damage, if there is suspicion that a driver is under the influence, upon return to duty after a driver has tested positive for drugs and alcohol, and follow up after a driver has successfully returned to duty to ensure that the driver is not operating their semi-tractor trailer under the influence.
How Our Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You After a Drunk Driving Accident in New Mexico
Our experienced trucking accident attorneys are able to review any factors involved in the accident including if the driver was driving erratically, drifting into other lanes, or braking constantly. Additionally, we may be able to review the driver’s medical records which may include blood tests to determine if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
We may also talk to witnesses that may be able to assist in providing details as to how the driver was operating the vehicle at the time of the crash. Additionally, federal law requires mandatory drug testing of commercial drivers in certain circumstances after an accident has occurred, so we can review the results of those tests if they were conducted.
Learn how we can help you after a drunk driving accident in New Mexico by dialing (505) 273-2978 for your consultation. We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 273-2978 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.