Driving under the influence of alcohol is a dangerous and reckless choice. When an impaired driver is behind the wheel of a commercial truck, the consequences can be catastrophic. Due to their size and weight, tractor-trailers involved in drunk driving accidents often cause devastating injuries or fatalities.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a drunk driving truck accident in Bakersfield, the legal team at Colvin Accident Lawyers is here to help. These collisions can be life-altering, and our experienced truck accident attorneys are dedicated to pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Commercial trucking requires specialized training, licensing, and strict compliance with safety regulations. Even when fully alert, operating a large commercial vehicle is challenging. Alcohol impairment makes controlling a truck significantly more dangerous.
An intoxicated truck driver may experience:
Slower reaction times
Poor judgment and decision-making
Difficulty maintaining lane control
Failure to check blind spots
Misjudging distances or speeds
Missing traffic signs or hazards
Inability to focus or stay awake
Because of these risks, truck drivers are held to higher legal standards than ordinary motorists.
Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, commercial truck drivers are legally impaired at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04%, which is half the limit applied to non-commercial drivers.
When a truck driver chooses to operate a vehicle while intoxicated, they violate both state and federal laws and put everyone on the road at risk. Victims of Bakersfield truck accidents caused by drunk driving often face overwhelming medical bills, lost income, physical pain, and emotional trauma.
Liability in a drunk driving truck accident is not always limited to the driver. Multiple parties may share responsibility, depending on the circumstances of the crash.
The intoxicated truck driver is often the primary liable party, particularly when alcohol impairment directly caused the collision.
A trucking company may be held accountable if it:
Failed to properly screen or train drivers
Ignored prior DUI or substance abuse history
Did not enforce alcohol and drug testing policies
Encouraged unsafe scheduling or oversight
Under California law, bars or restaurants may be liable if they illegally overserved alcohol to a visibly intoxicated commercial driver, contributing to the crash.
An experienced Bakersfield drunk driving truck accident lawyer can investigate all potential sources of liability to ensure every responsible party is held accountable.
The physical toll of a serious truck accident is often accompanied by significant financial stress. Even with insurance, injured victims may face extensive out-of-pocket costs, including:
Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
Surgeries and ongoing rehabilitation
Prescription medications and therapy
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Vehicle repair or replacement
In addition to economic losses, victims may also be entitled to non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In particularly egregious cases, punitive damages may also be available.
If you or a loved one was injured due to an intoxicated truck driver, you may have the right to pursue compensation from all responsible parties. Acting quickly can help preserve evidence and protect your claim.
At Colvin Accident Lawyers, our experienced personal injury attorneys handle drunk driving truck accident cases from start to finish. We investigate the crash, explain your legal options, and fight aggressively to hold negligent parties accountable.
Contact Colvin Accident Lawyers today to speak with a Bakersfield drunk driving truck accident lawyer and schedule a consultation.
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