Truck drivers are required to follow strict safety rules, especially when it comes to alcohol and drug use. When those rules are ignored, impaired driving can place everyone on the road at serious risk. Crashes involving intoxicated or drug-impaired truck drivers in St. Petersburg, Florida, often result in severe injuries due to the size and force of commercial vehicles.
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group has represented injured Floridians for over two decades and has recovered over $250 million on their behalf. Our attorneys bring 50+ years of combined experience to complex trucking accident cases. We understand how substance use violations intersect with federal trucking regulations and employer responsibilities, and we know how to investigate these cases thoroughly to build a strong case.
If you were injured in a crash involving a truck driver suspected of drug or alcohol use, we can explain your legal options. Contact our office at (772) 569-8155 to schedule a free consultation with a St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees if we win.
How Can Graves Thomas Injury Law Group Help After a Drug or Alcohol Related Truck Accident in St. Petersburg, FL?
Cases in St. Petersburg, FL, involving impaired truck drivers demand careful investigation beyond a standard crash analysis. Our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers can examine not only the driver’s conduct but also the trucking company’s hiring, supervision, and compliance practices to determine how substance use was allowed to occur.
We are familiar with federal and state regulations governing commercial drivers, including testing requirements and reporting obligations. We identify violations of these rules and use that evidence to show how impairment contributed to the collision and resulting injuries.
To develop these cases, our team may take steps such as:
- Reviewing post-accident drug and alcohol test results
- Obtaining driver qualification and employment records
- Analyzing logbooks and electronic logging device data
- Examining company drug testing and enforcement policies
- Interviewing witnesses and first responders
- Documenting medical treatment and long-term effects
After our investigation is complete, we can handle settlement negotiations or litigation while keeping you informed and involved at every stage. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with our St. Petersburg truck accident attorneys.
What Role Can Drugs and Alcohol Play in Truck Accidents?
Substance use affects reaction time, judgment, and motor coordination, all of which are critical for safely operating a commercial truck. Even small impairments can have catastrophic consequences when a large vehicle is involved.
Impairments that can result in a truck accident in St. Petersburg include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Use of illegal drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine
- Misuse of prescription medications
- Fatigue masked by stimulants
- Failure to comply with mandatory testing rules
- Ignoring medical disqualifications
The consequences of such actions are severe, encompassing potential fatalities, severe injuries, and substantial property damage. Beyond the immediate wreckage, the emotional toll on those involved, including the truck driver, victims, and their families, can be immense and long-lasting. Our attorneys understand this and approach each case with the care and sensitivity required by the circumstances.
What Injuries Commonly Result From Truck Crashes?
Accidents caused by impaired truck drivers often involve high-speed impacts or loss of vehicle control. Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, these crashes frequently cause devastating harm to occupants of smaller vehicles.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ injuries
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Wrongful death
These injuries may require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation. The full impact of these injuries must be considered when pursuing compensation.
Who May Be Liable for a Truck Accident Caused by Driver Drug or Alcohol Use?
Liability in impaired trucking cases often extends beyond the driver. Federal regulations place responsibility on trucking companies to prevent impaired drivers from operating commercial vehicles.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company or employer
- Staff responsible for drug-testing compliance
- Third-party contractors involved in driver management
- Vehicle owners or leasing companies
Our St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys can examine each party’s role to ensure accountability is assigned appropriately.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida law generally requires personal injury claims to be filed within two years of the accident. Once this deadline passes, courts may no longer allow the case to proceed, no matter how strong the merits are.
Because specific circumstances can affect how the deadline is calculated, contacting an attorney ensures that your case is filed correctly and your rights to compensation are protected.
Contact Our St. Petersburg Truck Accident Attorneys for Help Today
Crashes caused by drug or alcohol impaired truck drivers are especially troubling because they are often preventable. Truck accident claims involving substance use call for legal representation with experience in regulatory compliance and serious injury litigation. Graves Thomas Injury Law Group represents clients throughout Florida in complex truck accident cases.
Contact our office to request a free consultation with a St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer and learn how we can help you pursue accountability and financial recovery.
