Copyright © 2025 Gelb & Gelb, P.C. All rights reserved.
A driver under the influence of either alcohol or drugs, which there’s a legal limits set in the District of Columbia to be considered legally intoxicated, that would apply to alcohol, or legally under the influence of something else, including narcotics, or even medication beyond what they were prescribed, or the amount prescribed. That would be legally under the influence in the District of Columbia.
It is critically important that those involved in an accident due to a driver under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, contact a skilled truck driver lawyer. A diligent DC drunk truck driver accident attorney can help you hold the reckless driver accountable for the crash and help you seek compensation for your damages.
A driver is under the influence of alcohol, that is more common than if a driver is found to be under the influence of a narcotic. Alcohol abuse in the United States is rampant. Drug Abuse is as well, but it tends to be to a lesser extent, when somebody is driving and involved in an accident. But the type of drugs involved would most typically be marijuana, which is even potentially legal to partake with while not driving. Just like with alcohol, even though it is legal to do in their home, then that does not mean it is legal to drive under the influence of that substance.
Trucking accidents involving an intoxicated driver or a driver under the influence of drugs are horribly serious. Since the weight of the vehicle involved, at least the one vehicle the truck, if they run into something with any kind of speed, they are going to destroy whatever they hit. The injuries tend to be quite catastrophic when the truck driver is under the influence.
The most common injuries include:
Those involved in an accident due to a drunk truck driver can recover a wide range of damages. Injured claimants could recover compensation for medical bills, wage loss reimbursement, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages.
If the driver is at fault and negligent, that is enough to pursue a claim for negligence against that truck driver and/or the company, that employs the truck driver.
Whoever insures the truck is going to be responsible to defend and indemnify the driver of the truck. When that truck driver was drinking alcohol and driving, as long as they were within the scope of their employment. If the driver is an independent contractor, then they have their own policy. Their own policy language would mandate how the claim is handled. But if they have their own policy because they are an independent contractor, then that would likely cover them regardless of whether or not they were within the scope of employment.
A driver who is intoxicated and causes an accident could be held liable for any damages they cause. A dedicated DC drunk truck driver accident attorney could help you and your family seek compensation for your injuries. Call Gelb & Gelb, P.C., today to get started on your case.
Copyright © 2025 Gelb & Gelb, P.C. All rights reserved.