There are no situations where drunk driving is anything but a significant threat to public safety. However, this behavior is even more dangerous when it involves the operator of a commercial vehicle.

The injuries that result from drunk driving truck accidents in Brownsville can be catastrophic, potentially changing your life forever. If you suffered harm through no fault of your own, our experienced truck crash attorneys can help you seek justice from the intoxicated driver who struck you.

Blood Alcohol Concentration Limits for Commercial Drivers

Commercial truck drivers are held to stricter standards than regular motorists when it comes to blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Under the law, the legal limit for commercial drivers operating vehicles over 26,000 pounds is 0.04 percent. This is half of the maximum limit that most other motorists must remain under. This lower threshold reflects the heightened responsibility and risk associated with operating large trucks.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces this limit across all states. In addition, commercial drivers are subject to alcohol and drug testing randomly or after accidents. A violation can result in the automatic suspension of a driver’s commercial license and leave them liable to a personal injury claim after an accident.

It is important to remember that a commercial driver could be held civilly liable for a Brownsville crash even if their BAC is below 0.04 percent. This is because your attorneys have the power to establish impairment during a civil trial in several ways.

Evidence of Intoxication

In a drunk driving truck crash case, there are different pieces of evidence your Brownsville attorney could use to prove the commercial driver was impaired. Police reports often include the results of a blood alcohol test, which can show whether the driver exceeded the legal limit. Officers may also note physical signs of impairment, such as slurred speech or the smell of alcohol.

Witness statements can provide crucial details about the driver’s behavior before or after the crash, including erratic driving or unsteadiness. There might even be dashcam footage that captured signs of intoxication or dangerous driving.

In many cases, trucking companies perform post-accident drug and alcohol testing, which can serve as additional evidence if your case goes to trial. Our experienced attorneys can collect and preserve this evidence, giving you the best shot at fair compensation for your injuries.

What are Common Injuries in a Drunk Driving Truck Accident?

The injuries that result from a Brownsville truck accident caused by an intoxicated driver can be devastating. Impaired drivers often lack the capacity to slow their vehicles or maneuver around hazards, and a crash can result in life-altering medical conditions, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Amputation
  • Compound fractures
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Paralysis
  • Severe burns

If you are living with these injuries due to the negligence of a drunk driver, our attorneys are here to help you with your personal injury claim.

Call a Brownsville Attorney After a Drunk Driving Truck Crash

Drunk driving truck accidents in Brownsville are not only a tragedy, but they are also entirely avoidable. If you have sustained injuries due to the negligent behavior of an impaired driver, you must act right away. Putting off your personal injury claim for even a matter of days could make it difficult to recover the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys are proud to advocate for the injured, and we understand what it takes to hold drunk drivers accountable. Contact our experienced team at Javier Villarreal Injury Law Firm today to learn more.