Drunk Driving Truck Accidents in Little Rock

Because Little Rock is part of several major trucking corridors, truck accidents are not uncommon. While these types of crashes are among the most severe on the road, drunk driving truck accidents in Little Rock are often catastrophic. If you have been injured in a collision with a drunk truck driver, reach out to the experienced truck accident attorneys at Mays, Byrd & O’Guinn, PLLC for the trusted legal counsel you deserve.

Commercial Drivers Are Held to Stricter Limits

The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers across the country is 0.08 percent. Truckers, however, are professional drivers who operate massive machines that can cause immense damage. As a result, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets the BAC limit for commercial drivers, including truckers, at 0.04 percent. Failure to abide by this requirement can affect a Little Rock trucker’s commercial and noncommercial license, and can lead to devastating DUI semi-truck collisions.

Levels of Impairment

Alcohol-related impairment is progressive. Even just a 0.02 percent BAC can compromise a driver’s judgment, and the effects only worsen. The following are some examples of dangers drivers face as their level of intoxication increases:

  • Lowered inhibitions and exaggerated behaviors
  • Potential losses in small-muscle control, affecting vision
  • Slowed thinking and increased lapses in judgment
  • Poor muscle coordination
  • Problems with self-control, reasoning, and memory
  • Significant delays in reaction times
  • Greater difficulty detecting danger
  • A serious decline in muscle control

In Little Rock, any one of these signs of impairment behind the wheel of a big rig can exponentially increase the risk of a deadly accident.

Enhanced Risk of Operating Commercial Trucks

Large commercial vehicle accidents are some of the most dangerous collisions on Little Rock roadways, and when a driver is drunk, the situation becomes even more dire. Truckers operate tractor-trailers that can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. The weight difference between a semi-truck and a standard car is immense, making passengers of other vehicles far more likely to suffer serious injuries in an accident with a truck driver. In addition, other features of these large vehicles make them more prone to devastating accidents.

High Center of Gravity

The rigs truckers pull are tall, carry heavy loads, and have a high center of gravity that leaves them vulnerable to extremely dangerous rollover accidents. Truck drivers who fail to take tight curves slowly or who do not slow down in response to adverse weather increase their risk of collision.

Jackknife Accident Risk

The cab and trailer that make up a tractor-trailer are joined by a heavy-duty hitch. This hitch allows the two parts to work in safe unison, including angling closer to one another on curves and exits.

A truck driver’s impairment can leave them unable to control the rig’s hinged effect, resulting in a jackknife accident. When a semi jackknifes, the trailer forcefully swings around to the cab, much like closing a pocketknife. This creates a dangerous and unpredictable hazard for all traffic.

What Are Your Legal Damages in a DUI Truck Accident Claim?

The losses you are likely to experience after a drunk truck driver causes a crash in Little Rock can be significant and far-reaching. A lawyer experienced in these types of incidents could accurately document and value the following key categories of loss:

  • Property damage to your vehicle
  • Current and future medical bills
  • Lost income and lost future earning potential
  • Physical pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress
  • Permanent disability

Working with a seasoned attorney could ensure your compensation claim accounts for all of the effects your injuries have had on your life and future.

Contact Our Little Rock Firm After a DUI Semi-Truck Collision

Few traffic collisions are more dangerous and deadly than drunk driving truck accidents in Little Rock. If you suffer injuries in a collision caused by an intoxicated truck driver, the personal injury attorneys at Mays, Byrd & O’Guinn, PLLC could help. We could work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case.

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