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Drunk Truck Drivers in Houston
Hold Negligent Truck Drivers Responsible
Commercial truck drivers in Texas are held to strict standards when it comes to drinking and driving. Any driver found operating their vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .04 percent or higher will lose their license for at least one year. Unfortunately, violations occur and others on the road suffer in the resulting truck accidents. If you were injured by a drunk truck driver, you have the right to pursue legal action.
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At The Cox Pradia Law Firm, P.L.L.C., we have dedicated our efforts exclusively to helping accident victims seek justice. We understand the immense pain associated with a drunk driving accident and can be trusted to stand on your side. Because members of our team have been named among some of the best attorneys in Houston, you can feel confident when retaining our firm’s truck accident lawyers. Let us bring more than 40 years of combined experience to your aid today.
Proving Drunk Driving in a Truck Accident Case
One of the most important steps after a crash with a commercial truck is gathering evidence that shows the driver was impaired. The process isn’t always as straightforward as it seems, but several forms of proof may help establish that a truck driver was under the influence at the time of the accident.
Types of Evidence That May Support Your Case
- Police Reports and Sobriety Tests: If law enforcement responds to the scene, they may conduct field sobriety tests or administer a breathalyzer. Documentation of failed sobriety tests or an elevated blood alcohol content (BAC) from a breathalyzer, even on the low commercial threshold of .04 percent, can form the backbone of your case.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Sometimes, bystanders or other drivers witness the trucker weaving, driving erratically, or exhibiting telltale signs of intoxication (such as slurred speech or the odor of alcohol). Their statements may strengthen your claim, especially if police did not perform immediate chemical tests.
- Surrounding Circumstances: Evidence gathering can extend beyond the crash site. If someone saw the truck driver consuming alcohol at a nearby bar or restaurant prior to the wreck, these observations may have significant value.
- Medical Records: In situations where the truck driver is transported to a hospital after the accident, any blood tests performed for medical reasons can also show alcohol levels. This medical evidence can be particularly persuasive if police testing wasn’t conducted or results are inconclusive.
Bringing these pieces together to demonstrate liability is often complex, but a strong case can be built even if not every type of evidence is available. An experienced attorney knows where to look and how to assemble a persuasive argument to hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Pursuing Compensation for Your Losses
A drunk driving accident is automatically made more serious when it involves a semi-truck. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles can have damaging and even deadly consequences for victims. You may be suffering from lifelong injuries, costly medical bills, and property damage. This is why it is so necessary to file a claim in order to obtain the compensation you deserve.
A successful claim can ensure that you are compensated for:
- Medical treatment and bills
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Property loss
If the truck driver was drunk at the time of the accident, there is a good chance they will be considered responsible. Under certain circumstances, however, the trucking company may also share liability and your compensation award may reflect that. By discussing your case with a personal injury lawyer, you can ensure that you understand your options and are ready to obtain maximum recoveries after a tragedy.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident Involving a Drunk Driver
In the aftermath of a serious accident with a commercial truck—especially when intoxication is involved—it’s crucial to take swift action to protect your health and legal rights.
1. Ensure Safety and Alert Authorities
Your first priority is safety. Call 911 right away so emergency responders can provide necessary medical care and law enforcement can assess the scene. The police report compiled at the accident scene will become a valuable component of your legal claim.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel your injuries are minor, get a thorough evaluation from a medical professional as soon as possible. Not only does this protect your well-being, but medical records will help link your injuries directly to the accident—critical when pursuing compensation.
3. Document the Accident Scene
If you’re able, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the scene:
- Take photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and surrounding area.
- Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Make note of relevant details while memories are fresh.
Evidence such as eyewitness statements, police documentation, and photographs can be instrumental in establishing the truck driver’s impairment and negligence.
4. Save All Documentation
Retain copies of medical records, repair estimates, and any communication with insurance adjusters. These materials may be requested during your case to demonstrate the full impact of your injuries and losses.
5. Consult with a Qualified Truck Accident Attorney
The path forward after a drunk driving truck accident can be daunting, with trucking companies and their insurers working quickly to protect their own interests. Partnering with an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer gives you the advantage you need. Your attorney can investigate the facts, secure evidence (including potential reports from accident reconstruction experts), and handle negotiations with insurance companies—allowing you to focus on your recovery.
By taking these steps promptly, you not only safeguard your health but also position yourself for the best possible outcome in your pursuit of justice.
Navigating Insurance Challenges After a Truck Accident
In the aftermath of a truck accident, dealing with insurance companies can present its own set of hurdles. Victims may find themselves up against insurers who attempt to minimize or deny valid claims, delay critical payments, or dispute the severity of injuries and damages. This is particularly discouraging when you are trying to focus on your recovery and rebuild your life.
Additionally, insurance adjusters may request extensive documentation, press for quick—often inadequate—settlements, or exploit any uncertainty you may have about your rights and the true value of your claim. These tactics can add unnecessary complications and stress to an already difficult situation.
Fortunately, working with an experienced legal team can help level the playing field. An attorney who understands the strategies typically used by national insurers like Allstate or GEICO can advocate for your best interests and protect your right to fair compensation, allowing you to concentrate on healing while they handle the negotiations.
Gathering Evidence of Driver Impairment
If you’re pursuing a claim after a truck accident caused by a suspected drunk driver, it’s important to collect strong evidence showing that the driver was impaired at the time of the crash. Multiple forms of proof can strengthen your case and support your right to compensation.
Key Evidence Often Includes:
- Law Enforcement Reports: When police officers respond to the scene, their observations and field sobriety test results can be invaluable. Evidence such as failing a sobriety test, results from breathalyzer exams, and any chemical tests for alcohol or drugs are critical pieces of documentation.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from people who witnessed the accident or observed the driver’s behavior can also be important. Witnesses might describe the driver’s erratic movements, the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, or having seen the driver drinking at a bar or restaurant prior to the crash.
- Medical Records: Medical documentation created after the accident, such as hospital-administered blood alcohol tests, can provide objective proof of intoxication.
- Video and Photographic Evidence: Footage from traffic cameras, security cameras near the scene, or even photos and videos taken by bystanders can reveal the driver’s state just before or after the wreck.
- Receipts or Bar Tabs: Evidence that the driver made purchases at establishments serving alcohol before the accident can also support your claim.
By gathering this range of evidence, you and your attorney can build a compelling case that the truck driver was under the influence—and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get Your Life Back with a Houston Truck Accident Attorney!
A drunk truck driver has the power to derail your life completely, at the very least in the short term, but their negligent behavior should never be ignored. We take our clients’ concerns seriously and are committed to securing the outcome they both need and deserve.
You may need to focus solely on your recovery and that’s okay. While you do, our Houston truck accident lawyers are prepared to work tirelessly behind the scenes to resolve your case efficiently and with success.
Don’t let another day pass without protecting what matters most: call The Cox Pradia Law Firm, P.L.L.C.!
