Truck accidents are some of the deadliest accidents, and when the person behind the wheel of a massive semi is impaired, the associated danger escalates. Unfortunately, drunk driving truck accidents in Woodbridge Township are all too common. If you have been injured by a trucker’s impairment, consult with an experienced truck accident attorney at Fredson Statmore Bitterman LLC for help.
Truck Drivers Are Held To Higher Safety Standards
Because truckers are professional drivers who operate vehicles that can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds, the government holds them to higher safety standards. These include a zero tolerance for impairment behind the wheel of big rigs.
Truck drivers accept a responsibility to respect the safety of everyone on the road, which includes abstaining from driving while intoxicated. Unfortunately, not every Woodbridge truck driver takes the matter as seriously as they should, and too many continue to engage in drunk driving, increasing the chances of a devastating crash.
What Are the Effects of Alcohol?
Alcohol has many risky effects, especially when operating a huge machine at high speeds on our roadways. These include:
- Blurred vision
- Lapsed judgement
- Slowed reaction times
- Difficulty making decisions
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Difficulty concentrating on the task at hand
Each of these effects of drunk driving involves impairment of a critical skill or ability that is necessary for a trucker to drive safely, often leading to Woodbridge wrecks.
The Required Elements of Your Drunk Driving Truck Accident Claim
To bring a successful drunk driving truck accident claim, you will need to demonstrate that the truck driver owed you a duty of care. Every motorist accepts this duty when they drive on the road, which establishes this element in your claim.
Then, you must demonstrate that the truck driver failed to fulfill this responsibility, and drunk driving meets this requirement. The truck driver’s impairment must have been the direct cause of the accident that injured you and, as a result, you suffered losses that the law recognizes, which are called legal damages.
You can trust your experienced Woodbridge Township attorney to prove each of these key pieces in your drunk driving truck accident claim.
Calculating Your Legal Damages
To obtain the compensation you deserve, you will need to accurately demonstrate the full extent of the losses you have suffered as a result of the truck driver’s impairment. These legal damages break down into the following categories:
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Medical bills, including estimated future expenses
- Lost wages, which can include losses related to your future earning potential and career development
A skilled Woodbridge lawyer can calculate the value of your impaired driving truck wreck claim to help you obtain maximum compensation.
Necessary Steps To Protect Your Claim
Your drunk driving truck accident claim will be unique to your specific situation. There are, however, universally beneficial steps you can take to help protect your claim and bolster your recovery.
First, seek medical care immediately to establish records of your injuries and improve your prognosis. Follow all of your doctor’s instructions and advice carefully, which can support a more favorable claim outcome. Then, as soon as possible, consult with a trusted truck accident attorney and rely on them to talk with the insurance company.
This last step is especially important because the insurance company is a for-profit business. As such, it will make every effort to keep your settlement low, which could include twisting your words. It is best for your Woodbridge truck accident attorney to handle all communication regarding your drunk driving accident claim.
Contact an Experienced Woodbridge Drunk Driving Truck Crash Lawyer Today
Drunk driving truck accidents in Woodbridge happen, and if you have been injured in one of them, you need professional legal representation on your side. At Fredson Statmore Bitterman LLC, we harness the full scope of our experience and legal skill for every valued client we represent, and we are here for you, too. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us today to set up a free consultation.
