Drunk Driving a Top Cause of Many Fatal Trucking Accidents

September 17, 2012

Brooksville, Florida – Truck drivers are required to abide by a zero tolerance policy when it comes to getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and yet fatal truck accidents involving drunk drivers still occur quite regularly in Spring Hill and throughout the rest of the country.

According to data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2010, 2 percent of all fatal trucking accidents involved intoxicated truck drivers with blood alcohol contents ranging anywhere from .08 to .14. In a recent study entitled “Prevalence of High BAC in Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatal Crashes,” it was found that pickup truck drivers accounted for 25 percent of alcohol-impaired drivers in 2010.

As part of the national campaign “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” the NHTSA also reported that there were a total of 10,228 drunk driving deaths that occurred throughout the U.S. in 2010. Of these fatalities, 70 percent involved a driver with a blood alcohol content of .15 or above, which is nearly twice the legal limit in every state. Even more shocking, pickup truck drivers accounted for the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers with BACs at or above .15 – totaling 18 percent.

The most common BAC reported in all drunk driving fatalities in 2010 was .18, more than twice the legal limit in every single state.

When truck drivers operate their vehicle under the influence of drugs, alcohol or even prescription medications, the results can be deadly especially due to the fact that many of these trucks weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 80,000 pounds. With the average passenger car weighing in around 2,000 to 5,000 pounds, it is not hard to see how destructive these accidents can be to motorists and pedestrians in Spring Hill, Brooksville, Ridge Manor, Weeki Wachee, Hernando Beach and Masaryktown.

Injuries in a Spring Hill DUI truck accident can range in severity from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening injuries, including head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burn injuries, loss of limbs, disfigurement and internal organ injuries. The Hernando County Truck Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton understand the permanent damages and disabilities these accidents can cause and can help injury victims pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage and pain and suffering. Surviving family members who have lost a loved one in a truck accident caused by an impaired driver can seek wrongful death compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, loss of parental support or guidance, all related medical expenses and mental anguish.

The insurance company’s ultimate goal is to avoid or minimize payment for the cost of damages related to a DUI truck accident. The Hernando County Truck Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can make sure you receive the just compensation you deserve for your losses. Our staff of attorneys and investigators can investigate the evidence surrounding your claim and interview any witnesses in order to build a powerful case on your behalf. If you were injured or suffered the loss of a love done in a Spring Hill DUI truck accident, contact us today online or call 352-666-2121.