Savannah Truck Driver Intoxication Accident Lawyer
Drunk-driving is incredibly dangerous in any type of vehicle, but when an intoxicated driver is behind the wheel of a powerful truck or tractor-trailer, the deadly force can be even greater. If you or your loved one sustained an injury in a wreck, an experienced Savannah truck driver intoxication accident lawyer could help you pursue compensation of your damages.
The party liable for your injuries could be the individual truck driver or their insurer, the commercial trucking company employing the negligent driver, or even the establishment that sold the driver the alcohol. A skilled truck accident attorney can bring a claim for the compensation you need and deserve.
Blood Alcohol Content Limits for Truck Drivers
Under Georgia law, the standard blood alcohol limit for drivers is below 0.08 percent. In other words, any driver with a BAC level of 0.08 percent or higher can automatically be charged with driving under the influence.
Truck drivers, however, are subject to even stricter BAC limits, since the state of Georgia prohibits commercial drivers from having a BAC level of 0.04 percent or higher. Evidence that a truck driver who caused an accident had a BAC level above the legal limit can weigh heavily in favor of a victim seeking damages in compensation of their injuries.
Still, even if a truck driver’s BAC level does not exceed the legal limit, it is still possible their driving was impaired. While not necessarily illegal, the presence of any alcohol in a truck driver’s system could be used in court to potentially establish negligence. A truck driver need not break the law in order to be held responsible for a victim’s damages.
Trucking Company Duties in Savannah
Trucking companies may be liable for their employees’ actions under certain circumstances. There are certain factors that courts consider when determining if a trucking company is liable, including whether they:
- Knew or should have known about the driver’s tendency to drink and drive;
- Failed to conduct adequate background checks or review driving records of potential new hires;
- Did not require periodic drug and alcohol screenings, or only screened applicants at the initial stage of the hiring process; or
- Ignored other safe-driving policies and regulations.
A resourceful Savannah truck driver intoxication accident attorney can examine not just the specific circumstances of a drunk driving accident, but also a wider range of factors, such as the trucking company’s policies and practices, and how those could contribute to a driver getting behind the wheel intoxicated.
How a Savannah Truck Driver Intoxication Accident Lawyer Can Help
A knowledgeable Savannah truck driver intoxication accident attorney can work seek reimbursement for your damages. Families of victims killed by drunk driving accidents involving large trucks may also be eligible for wrongful death compensation. Whatever damages you suffered due to an intoxicated truck driver, a compassionate Savannah truck driver intoxication accident lawyer can be by your side as you navigate the judicial system. Call today for a free consultation to discuss your rights.