Local Law Firm Explains Drunk and Drugged Driving in 18-Wheeler Accidents
When an 18-wheeler driver uses drugs or alcohol, the results can be devastating. These massive vehicles already require skill, focus, and quick judgment to operate safely. Add impaired driving into the mix, and the risk of catastrophic crashes skyrockets. At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we fight to hold negligent truck drivers and the companies that employ them accountable when impairment leads to tragedy. Call (210) 893-0000 for a free consultation today.
Why Drugs and Alcohol Make Truck Driving So Dangerous
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, meaning any mistake can cause severe injuries or death. Drugs and alcohol impair a driver’s:
- Reaction time – Delays in braking or swerving can cause devastating rear-end collisions or rollovers.
- Judgment – Impaired drivers take risks they normally wouldn’t, such as speeding or unsafe lane changes.
- Coordination – A trucker under the influence struggles to control steering and braking.
- Alertness – Drugs and alcohol increase the likelihood of drowsy or distracted driving.
For truck drivers responsible for such enormous vehicles, impairment isn’t just reckless—it’s deadly.
Federal Rules on Truck Driver Substance Abuse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits commercial truck drivers from operating an 18-wheeler under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To enforce these safety rules, the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse records every violation and removes non-compliant drivers from service. These federal regulations play a critical role in keeping San Antonio highways safe and holding negligent trucking companies accountable.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules to prevent impaired driving by 18-wheeler operators. Truck drivers and carriers must comply with these regulations to protect everyone on the road. Key FMCSA rules include:
- A BAC of 0.04% or higher disqualifies a truck driver from operating a commercial vehicle. This is half the legal limit for regular passenger vehicles, reflecting the extreme danger posed by large trucks.
- Truck drivers cannot consume alcohol within 4 hours of driving. Even small amounts of alcohol can significantly impair reaction times and decision-making in heavy trucks.
- Federal law requires random drug and alcohol testing for all commercial drivers in safety-sensitive positions. These tests actively monitor truck drivers and identify impaired operators before they cause a serious crash.
- When a truck driver tests positive for drugs or alcohol, the law requires immediate removal from service. Trucking companies must comply with these safety regulations or face heavy fines and potential liability if an accident occurs. By holding drivers and trucking companies accountable, these rules protect the public and reduce the risk of devastating 18-wheeler accidents
Despite these strict FMCSA rules, violations still occur, often with tragic collisions. When impaired truck drivers operate on busy Texas highways—like I-10, I-35, and Loop 410 in San Antonio—innocent motorists and families face severe injury or death. Negligent trucking companies that allow non-compliant drivers on the road may be held fully accountable for the damages they cause.
Who Is Liable in a Drunk or Drugged Truck Driving Accident?
When an impaired truck driver causes a crash, multiple parties may be legally responsible:
- The truck driver – Drivers who operate an 18-wheeler while impaired directly endanger everyone on the road. Their poor judgment, slowed reaction time, and inability to control a massive vehicle make them the primary cause in many collisions.
- The trucking company – Companies that fail to enforce FMCSA rules can be held legally accountable. This includes failing to conduct mandatory drug and alcohol tests, ignoring warning signs of substance abuse, or allowing a driver known to be impaired to stay on the road. Trucking companies have a legal duty to protect the public, and when they breach that duty, victims can pursue significant compensation.
- Third-party contractors – This can include medical examiners, drug testing facilities, or safety compliance companies that improperly cleared a driver to operate a commercial vehicle. If these parties negligently certify a driver, they may share liability for the resulting crash.
Our team of truck accident lawyers in San Antonio and Leon Valley investigates every angle to prove negligence. We gather evidence from police reports, drug and alcohol tests, driver logs, and company records to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Why Early Legal Action Matters
After an impaired truck accident, trucking companies and insurance carriers act fast to shield themselves from liability. They often work to limit your claim before you even realize it. Key evidence—such as toxicology test results, driver logs, employment records, and truck maintenance files—can vanish or be destroyed if you don’t act quickly. Witnesses’ memories also fade with time, making it more difficult to prove fault.
When you contact an experienced truck accident attorney right away, your lawyer takes immediate steps to secure this evidence, protect your legal rights, and build a strong case on your behalf. Acting fast gives you the best chance to recover maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Speak With a San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Looking for a truck accident attorney near me? If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident caused by drug or alcohol use, you don’t have to face the fight alone. At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, our San Antonio 18-wheeler accident attorneys know how to take on trucking companies and win justice for victims.
Call us today at (210) 893-0000 for a free case review. We stand ready to protect your rights and hold impaired truck drivers accountable.
