Were you hit by a truck driver who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Dallas, TX? Victims of truck accidents involving drug or alcohol use may be entitled to compensation. A skilled Dallas truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the process and fight for the justice you deserve.
These cases often involve multiple parties and large insurance policies. Understanding your legal rights after a crash is crucial. At Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers, our legal team has years of experience and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation.
Contact us online or call us today at (214) 556-8321 to schedule a free consultation.
How Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Substance-Related Truck Accident in Dallas
Accidents involving impaired truck drivers in Dallas, Texas are often complex. They often involve state or federal safety violations, employer negligence, and reckless driving. A Dallas personal injury lawyer with experience handling truck crash cases can guide you through every step.
Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate whether the driver was under the influence at the time of the crash
- Review driver logs, employment records, and toxicology reports
- Determine whether the trucking company knew or should have known about the driver’s condition
- Pursue a lawsuit—if needed—to recover fair compensation
Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal process. We have been recognized by Expertise.com, Best Lawyers, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Contact our Dallas truck accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.
How Common Is Drug and Alcohol Use Among Truck Drivers in the U.S.?
While most truck drivers follow the law and drive responsibly, substance abuse remains a concern in the commercial trucking industry. According to research from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
- The number of positive drug tests for marijuana and most other substances among truck drivers decreased from 68,639 in 2022 to 61,443 in 2023.
- However, the overall number of drug violations increased to 68,229 in 2023.
- A large number of truck drivers who test positive for substance abuse don’t register for return-to-duty programs.
In Texas, where long-haul and interstate trucking are major industries, the risks of commercial truck driver accidents are high. Dallas highways like I-35E, I-30, and I-45 are frequently used by commercial trucks, increasing the chances of impaired driving collisions.
Why Do Truck Drivers Abuse Alcohol and Drugs?
Truck driving can be physically and mentally exhausting. Long hours behind the wheel, pressure to meet delivery deadlines, and time away from home can all take a toll. Some drivers may turn to drugs to stay awake or manage stress.
Common reasons include:
- Fatigue and the need to stay alert on long hauls
- Chronic pain from sitting for long periods
- Anxiety, depression, or isolation from being away from family
- Pressure from employers or tight schedules
While these challenges are real, substance use while driving is never acceptable; it puts everyone at risk.
How Do Drugs and Alcohol Affect Driving in Texas?
Substances impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely by:
- Slowing reaction times
- Affecting coordination and judgment
- Reducing awareness of surroundings
- Causing drowsiness, confusion, or aggressive behavior
Even small amounts of drugs or alcohol can have a serious effect, especially when operating a large truck.
What Injuries Are Common in Substance-Related Truck Crashes?
Crashes caused by impaired truck drivers often lead to severe or fatal injuries.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Broken bones and crushed limbs
- Burns or amputations
Many victims require emergency care, multiple surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. A personal injury claim can help cover these costs.
Who Is Liable for Drug and Alcohol-Related Truck Accidents in Texas?
In many cases, more than one party may be held responsible:
- The truck driver for operating under the influence
- The trucking company for negligent hiring or failure to test drivers
- A shipping company or contractor, if they played a role in putting pressure on the driver who engaged in unsafe driving practices
Federal law requires trucking companies to test drivers regularly for drug and alcohol use. If they fail to follow these rules, they may be held liable.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident involving drug or alcohol use in Dallas, TX, you may be entitled to significant compensation. These cases often involve serious injuries and large corporate defendants.
An experienced lawyer from Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you file a claim, gather strong evidence, and negotiate for a full financial recovery. Compensation may include payment for medical bills, lost income, future care, and pain and suffering.
Call today to speak with a Dallas truck accident attorney and schedule your free consultation.