Some of the most dangerous types of accident are those involving tractor trailers. So you can imagine how devastating it can be when a truck driver is drunk at the time of the crash. When someone is operating a powerful machine and crashes into a passenger vehicle, the results are bound to be disastrous. So is the trucking company liable if their driver is drunk and causes an accident?

If you’re the victim in one of these accidents, you’re going to suffer some pretty serious injuries. You’ll probably be in the hospital for days or even weeks. You may need surgery and physical therapy. Odds are, you’ll never be the same. And all because someone decided to drink and drive.

If you’re lucky to survive this accident, you’re going to need to call an experienced truck accident lawyer in Baton Rouge. They’ll review your case and determine who needs to be held accountable. You may be surprised that it’s not just the truck driver. There are multiple people who could be held responsible in an accident like this.

You’re going to need to focus on recovering from your injuries. It’s important that you have a skilled trial attorney there to handle the legal side of things. You should call one as soon as possible after your accident. It can make the difference between getting nothing and getting the compensation you deserve.

Why Would a Commercial Truck Driver Be Drinking?

Most of us would never think of drinking on the job. It’s not only a good way to get fired but it just isn’t productive. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks that way. Commercial truck drivers spend a lot of time on the road. Some of them don’t get to see home for days or weeks at a time. Does this make it okay for them to drink and drive? Absolutely not. However, it may explain why some of them make this deadly decision.

Some truck drivers decide to have a beer or two while on lunch. Others actually drink while they’re on the road. The bottom line is, they’re not supposed to operate a commercial vehicle when they’ve been drinking or using drugs. When they drive drunk, they’re already making a deadly machine even deadlier.

It doesn’t matter why a truck driver is drinking. The fact that they are means that they are more likely to get into a serious accident. If you’re the victim in this accident, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries.

Who May Be Liable?

When you first meet with your Baton Rouge trial lawyer, they’re going to ask you what happened. You need to tell them the whole story. They’re also going to look at the police report. The report is going to state whether the other driver was cited for DUI at the scene. If they were, your lawyer is going to get proof of this.

If the truck driver was on the clock at the time of the accident, they won’t be the only one named in your claim. Your Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer is going to pursue the following parties:

  • The truck driver and their insurance company
  • The company the driver works for
  • The restaurant or bar that served them the alcohol
  • Any other third parties that may have contributed to the crash

The goal is to get you compensation for your injuries. It doesn’t matter where that money comes from. Your attorney is going to name as many defendants as possible. This is because you can’t go back and add parties later on. So, it’s important that they make this decision early on.

Your Baton Rouge Truck Accident Lawyer Will Demand Damages

If you get injured in a truck accident, your Baton Rouge accident lawyer is going to demand damages. You have a right to compensation for your injuries. Some of the damages your lawyer will demand includes:

  • Medical bills and future medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Lost future earnings
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent disability

Your lawyer will work hard to get you as much money as possible. It depends on how bad your injuries are. It also depends on whether or not you’ll be able to fully recover from your injuries.

Call an experienced truck accident lawyer in Baton Rouge at Babcock Injury Lawyers today and schedule your initial consultation. It’s absolutely free and you pay nothing until you settle your case. The trucking company will have a lawyer working for them and you should too.