Philadelphia Drug Related Trucking Accident Lawyers

Drug Related Trucking Accidents

Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs can be just as dangerous, if not more so, than driving under the influence of alcohol, especially if the driver operates an 80,000 pound tractor trailer. Truck driving while under the influence of drugs, whether they are over-the-counter medications, prescription medications or controlled substances, can adversely affect a truck operator's ability to physically and cognitively perform simple driving tasks, such as steering, braking, and shifting gears, as well as adversely affect their decision making abilities.

Commercial Vehicle Driver Drug Testing

DUI of drugs increases the probability of a Philadelphia big rig crash, in addition to putting the occupants of other, smaller, motor-vehicles at greater risk of serious injury or death. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recognizes this, which is why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict rules and regulations regarding drug-use by commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

All drivers that hold a commercial driver license (CDL) and drive CMVs on public roads are regularly tested for controlled substances. If a big rig operator tests positive for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamines or phencyclidine (PCP), they will be removed from operating any commercial vehicle on public roadways, in addition to being penalized by any state laws regarding illegal drug possession and use.

Controlled substances are not the only type of drugs that can impair a semi truck operator's ability to drive safely. Both prescription and non-prescription drugs, and their side effects, may also cause problems.

Effects of Drugs on Truck Drivers

Whether the drug is a controlled substance or an over-the-counter or prescription medication, it can negatively affect a heavy truck operator's physical and mental state, which would subsequently alter their driving patterns and decision making abilities. Drugs can cause:

• Drowsiness;
• Hallucinations;
• Paranoia;
• Blurred Vision;
• Retarded Dexterity;
• Mood Swings;
• Nervousness;
• Black-Outs;
• Aggression;
• Respiratory Distress;
• Seizures;
• Heart Attack;
• Stroke; and
• Other physical complications.

These conditions may cause a big rig operator to make abrupt and unsafe lane changes, drive at unsafe speeds, fall asleep at the wheel, drift into other lanes, poorly negotiate turns, drive erratically, ignore traffic signals and signs or just lose complete control of the vehicle. A Pennsylvania semi tractor trailer crash caused by any of the situations may cause a number of serious injuries, if not death, to other motorists.

Drug-Impaired Big Rig Crash Injuries

The size and weight of heavy trucks transfers an inordinate amount of force on impact with a smaller vehicle. For this reason, victims of drug-related tractor trailer accidents are often left with severe and potentially life-altering injuries that may even result in partial or total disability. These include:

• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Head injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Amputation;
• Lacerations; and even
• Burn injuries.

Serious injuries often require medical treatment, hospital stays, rehabilitation, emotional support and even home care. Unfortunately, substantial medical costs often accompany these services; medical costs that an insurance policy may not cover.

Making a Quick Recovery with Just Compensation

In order to properly recover from the physical and emotional hardships that result from a serious injury, an injured victim must be able to get all the medical and emotional services he or she needs. The dedicated Philadelphia drug related truck accident attorneys at Anapol Schwartz consider it their duty to recover the compensation their clients need to fully recover from a drug-impaired truck driver accident in Pennsylvania. Call us today at (866) 735-2792 to tell us how we may support you through this difficult time.

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