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In Pennsylvania and most other places around the United States, the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) a driver can have without facing criminal charges for drunk driving is 0.08 percent. For semi-truck drivers and other people driving commercial vehicles with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), though, the legal BAC limit is 0.04 percent.
Unfortunately, some long-haul truckers still choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated and often cause catastrophic traffic collisions as a result. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving truck accident in Harrisburg, representation from a knowledgeable tractor-trailer crash attorney will be critical to helping you get fair compensation for the harm you have suffered due to a truck driver’s illegal and irresponsible behavior.
Proving a Truck Driver Was Drunk Behind the Wheel
Because of the stricter definition of drunk driving for truck drivers in Pennsylvania, it is common for truck drivers involved in traffic wrecks to be breathalyzed at the scene by police officers and cited for drunk driving if they blow a 0.04 or higher. If police do charge a trucker for drunk driving at the scene of a crash in Harrisburg, that charge should be included in the accident report. That could serve as strong evidence of the trucker’s liability for the accident during ensuing civil litigation.
However, if a drunk trucker is not arrested after being involved in a wreck, or if DUI charges against them are dropped or dismissed, it is still possible to hold them civilly liable for the collision. Having help from a seasoned legal professional can be especially important during this type of claim, since it may fall to the injured individual filing suit to prove impairment on the part of a defendant truck driver through evidence like:
- Witness testimony
- Crash scene photos
- Receipts showing when and where the defendant purchased alcohol
Getting Paid Fairly Within Filing Time Limits
Legal counsel can also play a key role in identifying, assigning fair values to, and proactively demanding compensation for all compensable damages linked to a drunk driving truck wreck in Harrisburg, including things like:
- Costs of past and future medical care
- Physical pain and suffering
- Personal property damage, including vehicle replacement/repair costs
- Emotional anguish and distress
- Lost working capacity or earnings
- Lost enjoyment of life
Most importantly, a capable truck injury lawyer can help construct and file the strongest possible claim within the deadline set by the statute of limitations. This usually allows no more than two years for a truck crash victim to file suit after initially sustaining injury.
Get Help from a Harrisburg Attorney With a Drunk Driving Truck Accident Lawsuit
Driving a tractor-trailer safely requires significant training, a good deal of hands-on experience, and a clear state of mind. Unfortunately, not all truckers can be trusted to make sure they have that last requirement covered for every drive. When truck drivers cause crashes resulting in injuries because of impairment by alcohol or drugs, they can be held financially accountable for all ensuing losses.
You have help available after a drunk driving truck accident in Harrisburg from a dedicated lawyer at our firm. Call today to discuss your legal options.
