Drugged Driving Truck Accidents

Driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous in any situation, but when you are operating a massive commercial truck that could weigh 80,000 pounds, that danger intensifies exponentially. However, there are truck drivers who take controlled substances, as well as over-the-counter medications with unsafe side effects while behind the wheel, which often leads to serious and even fatal collisions. Miami truck accident attorney Robert Dixon helps victims injured by a driver under the influence of drugs pursue the compensation they need in order to recover. Responsible parties in these situations can include a driver, as well as a company that may have hired them without conducting proper background checks or engaging in mandatory routine drug testing of those they employ. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we can help investigate the circumstances leading to your truck accident, seek to hold the proper individuals or entities accountable for your harm. Our firm offers dedicated and seasoned legal guidance for clients throughout South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. If you were injured or a loved one lost their life as a result of a truck driver being under the influence of drugs, please contact our office today to find out more about your legal rights and options.

Even though driving a truck under the influence of drugs is clearly dangerous, illicit drug use is prevalent among the trucking community. Because of the long hours on the road, and the lack of sleep many drivers face, stimulants are usually the most popular drugs used by drivers. These drugs include methamphetamines and amphetamines, cocaine, and prescription drugs like Adderall. Marijuana is also used by truck drivers sometimes to pass the time.

Those that drive while using drugs can cause significant accidents, as well as injuries and even death to victims involved. Victims who have been injured or family members who have lost loved ones because of the actions of a drugged truck driver can pursue personal injury or wrongful death claims against the driver, as well as others, who have acted negligently. Negligence exists when a party has breached a duty of care owed to another to act as a reasonable and prudent person would under the circumstances. Getting behind the wheel of a commercial truck while under the influence of an illegal drug is generally considered an unreasonable action, and when that action causes another’s injuries, those found to have ben negligent are responsible for damages. Trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for an employee’s negligent acts where that employee was acting under the scope of employment. Trucking companies are also responsible for drug testing their drivers before hiring them, as well as conducting random drug tests throughout employment. If a company fails to do such testing, they may be directly liable for harm that results from a drugged driving truck accident. A seasoned truck accident lawyer can help you seek the evidence you need to support a claim of drugged driving.

Victims injured in a drugged driving truck accident can recover compensation for past and future medical costs, loss of income from time missed at work, any differences in their earning capacity caused by their injuries, and pain and suffering. Family members pursuing wrongful death claims may be compensated for outstanding medical bills the victim incurred due to their injuries before death, as well as funeral or burial expenses, and loss of support. It is important to contact legal counsel as soon as possible following a collision to make sure proper testing of the driver takes place as well as the necessary evidence is collected.

It may not be readily apparent that a truck driver was under the influence of drugs at the scene of an accident. Because of this, it is often a victim or their representative’s responsibility to make sure drivers suspected of drug use are tested as required by federal regulation, and that testing is proper. Truck accident lawyer Robert Dixon assists victims injured in these types of accidents during all stages of the process, from early investigation until conclusion of any necessary litigation. If you have questions about your legal rights following a drugged driving truck accident, please call the Law Offices of Robert Dixon at 877.499.4878 or contact us online today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to learn more about how we can help. We serve clients in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.