The Role Drugs Can Play In An Accident With A Semi Truck Driver
Semi truck accident injuries often lead to lawyers looking into drug use. Drug use, if found, can only help any personal injury case you pursue. Here's a little about how commercial truck drivers on any drug can make your claim easier to prove.
Illegal Drugs Are Definitely Out of the Question
Just like everyone else, truck drivers can't use illegal drugs while operating a vehicle. Unlike everyone else, truck drivers must repeatedly prove they don't use illegal drugs to their hiring company. All illegal drugs violate trucking regulations.
A trucker under the influence of an illegal substance is in violation of state law, federal law, and the rules set by the trucking company. Not only did a legal violation occur, illegal drug use also proves negligence.
Prescription Drugs Without a Prescription Are Just as Bad
Truck drivers often take prescription drugs without a prescription. Although taking these drugs is illegal, there's a few that many truckers find too tempting to pass up. For example, truckers need focus and wakefulness. They may see no problem with taking prescription drugs to boost their performance.
Prescription drugs often come with side effects. Certain people don't receive prescriptions for them, usually for their own good. A trucker on prescription drugs they shouldn't take represents a negligent lapse in judgment. That lapse can lead to a serious accident.
Even With a Prescription, Some Truckers Cannot Legally Drive
A truck driver on prescription drugs must reveal this information even before they receive their CDL. Employers will also evaluate if the prescription drug poses a risk. Many prescription drugs are flat-out not allowed. Often, the trucker will need a doctor to say they're okay to operate a commercial truck while using their prescription medication.
How Drug Use of Any Type Can Affect Your Case
A driver under the influence of any drug, whether illegal or legal, can come under heavy question. Negligence isn't confined to the driver of the vehicle. Trucking companies must also test their drivers for drug use and stay alert for any signs their drivers use drugs.
If the company didn't do its diligence, then it holds some responsibility for any accident caused by one of its drivers. The negligence of a trucking company can possibly lead to you receiving punitive damages as a punishment to the company.
Your lawyer will likely investigate the possibility of drug use. If something about your accident suggests the truck driver was under the influence of drugs, don't hesitate to let your truck accident attorney know.
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