Were you injured in a truck accident caused by a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Chicago, Illinois? Driving a commercial truck while impaired is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.
If a truck driver hurt you by driving under the influence, you might be entitled to compensation
to cover your injuries, lost income, and pain. The truck driver drug and alcohol use lawyers at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers can help hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
For over a decade, our firm has recovered more than $250 million for accident victims, including 75 settlements and verdicts of at least $1 million. With 35 years of combined experience, our Chicago personal injury attorneys know how to build strong cases against trucking companies and their insurers.
Call our office today at (312) 635-5400 to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Truck DUI Accident in Chicago, IL
Trucking companies and their insurers will act fast to reduce liability after a DUI crash. You need a Chicago truck driver drug and alcohol use attorney with the skills and resources to investigate thoroughly and stand up for your rights.
When you hire Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers in Chicago, IL, we will:
- Conduct a detailed investigation: We review police reports, driver records, toxicology results, and company safety logs to uncover evidence of impairment.
- Identify all liable parties: We’ll look into liability for the driver, trucking company, employers, or maintenance contractors.
- Consult with experts: We work with accident reconstructionists and trucking industry experts to build a solid case.
- Calculate your damages fully: Our team documents your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
- Negotiate assertively: We handle all communications with insurers to fight for a fair settlement.
- Litigate when necessary: If the other side refuses to settle, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Our Chicago personal injury lawyers will handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery. Call to schedule a free consultation.
Dangers of Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use
Driving an 80,000-pound commercial truck requires full attention and fast reflexes. Drug or alcohol use impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases the risk of catastrophic crashes.
Common substances involved in truck driver impairment include:
- Alcohol: Even small amounts can impact coordination and decision-making.
- Marijuana: Can slow reaction time and impair judgment for hours.
- Amphetamines: May be used to stay awake on long routes, but can cause aggressive or reckless driving.
- Prescription drugs: Painkillers and sedatives can cause drowsiness and reduced awareness.
- Cocaine or stimulants: May lead to dangerous risk-taking and erratic behavior.
FMCSA rules ban any alcohol in a truck driver’s system when driving a commercial vehicle. They also require random drug and alcohol tests.
Who Is Liable in a Truck DUI Accident?
Liability in these cases can extend beyond the impaired driver; responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver: For choosing to drive under the influence
- Trucking companies: If they failed to conduct required drug testing, ignored safety violations, or encouraged unsafe driving practices
- Employers or contractors: For negligent hiring if they employed a driver with a known history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Maintenance companies or third parties: If vehicle issues combined with impaired driving contributed to the crash
We will identify all liable parties to maximize your recovery.
What Injuries Are Common in Truck DUI Crashes?
Due to their size and weight, trucks cause severe injuries when driven by impaired drivers, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Amputations
These injuries can lead to long-term disability, chronic pain, and reduced quality of life. Our attorneys will fight to ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Driver DUI Accident?
If you were hurt in a truck accident caused by driver impairment, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: ER visits, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and future care.
- Lost income: Wages you lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to work.
- Pain and suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: If your injuries lead to lasting impairment.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings.
- Punitive damages: In DUI cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish especially reckless behavior.
- Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was killed, their family may recover funeral costs, lost support, and more.
Our team will pursue every dollar you’re owed under Illinois law.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Critical evidence, such as toxicology results, driver logs, and maintenance records, can be lost quickly. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible protects your rights and strengthens your case.
Call Our Chicago Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured by a truck driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the Windy City, contact Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers today. Call now to schedule your free consultation with a dedicated Chicago truck driver drug and alcohol use lawyer. Let us stand up for your rights and pursue justice on your behalf.