Have you been injured in a truck accident caused by drug or alcohol use in Indianapolis, Indiana? Rob King & Associates Trial Lawyers can help when you contact us at (317) 916-0000. We offer a free consultation with an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer who will fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Truck driver impairment is a serious danger on the road, often leading to devastating crashes. These accidents leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, long-term injuries, and emotional trauma. If a negligent, impaired truck driver caused your accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone—contact us today to learn how we can help.
How Our Indianapolis Truck Accidents Attorneys Help You with an Impaired Truck Driver Accident Claim
Rob King & Associates Trial Lawyers proudly represents truck accident victims in Indianapolis, IN. When an impaired truck driver causes harm, you need a legal team with the experience, recognition, and results to stand up to the trucking industry.
Here’s what our truck accident lawyers can do for you:
- Our attorneys have more than 40 years of combined experience handling complex personal injury claims and holding negligent parties accountable.
- We’ve recovered millions of dollars for injured clients through both jury verdicts and negotiated settlements.
- We are seasoned trial lawyers and aggressive negotiators, prepared to take on powerful insurance and trucking companies.
- Our team holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a distinction that reflects our strong reputation among peers and judges.
- We’ve been recognized by respected legal organizations, including The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Avvo, for our commitment to excellence in personal injury law.
If you need help, call today to schedule your free consultation with an Indianapolis personal injury attorney.
Key Legal Regulations for Truck Drivers in Indianapolis
Federal and state laws hold truck drivers to strict standards when it comes to drug and alcohol use. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial vehicle drivers to participate in a structured drug and alcohol testing program that includes:
- Pre-employment testing before operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
- Post-accident testing following crashes involving a fatality, medical treatment away from the scene, or disabling damage.
- Random testing to ensure ongoing compliance while drivers are on the job.
- Reasonable suspicion testing when supervisors observe signs of impairment.
- Return-to-duty and follow-up testing for drivers returning to work after a violation.
Indiana fully aligns its CDL drug and alcohol testing laws with these federal requirements. State-employed CDL drivers are also subject to a state-run testing program that mirrors FMCSA standards.
Penalties and Compliance With CDL Drug and Alcohol Regulations
Truck drivers who violate drug and alcohol rules face serious consequences. A violation can result in the suspension or revocation of their commercial driver’s license (CDL) until they complete a return-to-duty (RTD) process.
This process includes:
- A professional substance abuse evaluation.
- Counseling or treatment, if recommended.
- Supervised drug and alcohol testing to ensure compliance.
In addition, the FMCSA’s national Clearinghouse prevents states from issuing or renewing CDLs to drivers with recorded violations. Drivers may also face criminal DUI charges under Indiana law, which imposes stricter standards and harsher penalties for commercial operators.
When impaired driving leads to a crash, both the driver and their employer may be held civilly liable for the damages that result.
Causes and Contributing Factors for Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Accidents in Indianapolis, IN
Truck driver drug and alcohol use continues to be a dangerous factor in serious truck accidents throughout Indianapolis, IN. While regulations exist to prevent impaired driving, several contributing factors can still lead to these tragic crashes.
Here are some of the most common causes:
- Unrealistic delivery schedules set by trucking companies can pressure drivers to stay on the road longer than is safe, increasing fatigue and the temptation to use stimulants.
- Fatigue-related drug use occurs when drivers turn to substances to stay awake, especially during long hauls or overnight shifts.
- Self-medication with drugs or alcohol is sometimes used by drivers dealing with stress, depression, or the isolation of life on the road.
- Substance addiction may also play a role, with some drivers struggling to manage long-term drug or alcohol dependency while remaining behind the wheel.
- Negligence by trucking companies can contribute, especially if they fail to comply with mandatory testing protocols or choose to ignore or conceal positive drug or alcohol test results.
- Weak enforcement of testing requirements may allow some impaired drivers to avoid detection, even with regulations in place at both state and federal levels.
If you’ve been affected by an impaired driving crash, don’t wait. Call today to schedule your free consultation with an Indianapolis personal injury attorney.
Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident Caused by Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use?
If a truck driver causes an accident because they are impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, they can face criminal charges. Additionally, if the DUI truck accident causes injuries or death, the driver may be personally liable for damages.
Trucking companies may also be held liable for a DUI truck accident. The company’s negligence can lead to liability. Employers may be held liable for damages caused by employee negligence under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability.
What Damages Can I Receive for a DUI Truck Accident in Indianapolis, IN?
If you are injured in a truck accident, you can seek compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. These damages include:
- The cost of past and future medical treatment and personal care
- Loss of income, including lost wages, decreased earning capacity, and loss of employment benefits
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Impairments and disabilities
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
You may also receive punitive damages if a jury finds that the truck driver or trucking company was grossly negligent. The amount you receive for damages depends on the severity of your injuries and other factors.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured by an impaired truck driver in Indianapolis, IN, you deserve answers—and a legal team that will fight for every dollar you’re owed. At Rob King & Associates Trial Lawyers, we’re ready to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
Call today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Indianapolis truck accident lawyer. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery.
