Commercial truck drivers have an obligation to refrain from drinking and driving while on Louisiana roadways. This type of impairment dramatically increases the risk of an accident, and due to the size of 18-wheelers, a crash can have life-altering consequences for those involved.
If you were hurt in a drunk driving truck accident in Prairieville, it is crucial to consider all your legal options for holding the negligent party accountable. Speak with a dedicated semi-truck collision attorney from Tomeny | Best today. We could help you recover the compensation you deserve to move forward with your life.
What is the Legal Limit for Commercial Drivers?
Like most states, Louisiana has adopted a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of .08 for most motorists. When a driver exhibits a .08 or higher following a blood, breath, or urine test, the state has strong evidence that they are guilty of driving under the influence (DUI).
It is worth noting that this threshold is lower for commercial vehicle drivers. Operating a semi-truck with a BAC of .04 or above is illegal. Truck drivers risk criminal charges for driving with that much alcohol in their system, and they will also have their commercial driver’s license (CDL) suspended.
Why Impaired Truckers Are Dangerous
A person who is impaired by alcohol represents a significant threat any time they get behind the wheel of a commercial truck. The use of alcohol impacts a driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. It reduces their reaction time and makes them less likely to come to a complete stop in time to prevent a crash.
When someone is impaired, they are less likely to be limited by inhibitions. This can lead to risky behavior and poor decisions that a driver would not make under different circumstances. From road rage to reckless maneuvers, these actions can lead to a dangerous drunk driving semi-truck crash in Prairieville and cause severe damage to everyone involved.
Time Limit for Filing an Injury Lawsuit
Anyone considering legal action after being hurt in a Prairieville drunk driving truck accident has a limited time to act. The statute of limitations is the deadline that applies to every negligence case filed in the state. When a case is filed after the time limit expires, the judge is generally required to dismiss the case forever. If a person was injured after July 1, 2024, they have two years from the date of the injury to bring a claim. If it happened before this time, they only have one year. Although this might seem like a lot of time, building a winning case for compensation does not happen overnight, so it is crucial to prioritize speaking with an attorney as soon as possible.
Talk to a Prairieville Attorney about Pursuing Damages for Your Drunk Driving Truck Accident Case Today
When you have been hurt in a drunk driving truck accident in Prairieville, now is the time to evaluate your legal options. You may be able to recover a monetary award by filing a civil lawsuit against the impaired trucker.
Our seasoned attorneys at Tomeny | Best could help you pursue just compensation. Reach out right away to discuss your case during a free consultation.