Large trucks are dangerous by nature, with weights and sizes that far exceed the average passenger car. If a truck driver engages in the reckless activity of drinking and driving, the risk of a catastrophic truck accident increases exponentially. If you suspect a trucker of drunk driving before or after an accident in North Carolina, it is important to take certain steps. Contact our Wilmington truck accident attorney at Shipman & Wright LLP to schedule a free consultation.
Recognize the Signs of Drunk Driving
The first step is knowing how to recognize a drunk or impaired truck driver. Alcohol impairment can affect many of a trucker’s faculties, making it difficult to properly control the truck. This can result in many erratic driving behaviors and signs of drunk driving, including:
- Swerving in and out of a lane
- Drifting over the line that separates two lanes
- Entering a lane of oncoming traffic
- Speeding or driving too slowly
- Hitting the brakes suddenly or erratically
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating others, or following too closely
- Running red lights and stop signs
If you notice that a large truck is driving in a way that it shouldn’t be, remain alert and vigilant. Keep your eye on the large truck and stay a safe distance away for your safety.
Increase the Following Distance
If you are driving and spot an 18-wheeler that is driving erratically, maintain a safe distance. Stay far away from the truck or exit the roadway entirely for your own safety. Never attempt to chase down or stop a drunk truck driver. If you can, keep the truck in front of you rather than behind you; semi-trucks have large stopping distances that pose a risk of rear-end collisions.
Notify the Police
Call 911 right away to report the drunk truck driver. Give law enforcement all of the information you can without getting too close to the truck. This includes a description of the truck, license plate numbers, and the location and traveling direction of the truck. Describe the truck driver’s erratic behaviors and explain why you suspect intoxication.
Collect Information
If you get into a truck accident in Wilmington and the truck driver is showing signs of alcohol impairment, do what you can to gather information and evidence to document your personal injury case in Wilmington while still at the scene. Take the following actions:
- Call the police to report the accident. Request a copy of the police report.
- Take photos and videos at the crash scene, including footage of the truck driver’s behaviors.
- Gather the contact information of any vehicle passengers and witnesses.
- Go to the hospital right away for medical care and keep copies of your health care records.
- If the truck driver faces criminal charges for driving under the influence, collect evidence associated with the arrest and conviction.
- Request bodycam footage or statements from the arresting officers.
A Wilmington drunk driving accident attorney can help you gather evidence to support your drunk driving truck accident claim, including the truck’s black box, alcohol and drug testing records from the trucking company, the driver’s crash history, and expert testimony.
Hire a Lawyer for Assistance
Truck drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their trucks safely, prudently, and according to all applicable laws. This includes the law in North Carolina that prohibits commercial drivers from operating their vehicles with a blood alcohol concentration level at or above 0.04 percent. Unfortunately, many truck drivers are guilty of breaking this law.
If you get involved in an accident caused by a drunk truck driver, an attorney can provide you with invaluable assistance throughout the legal process. Your attorney can investigate the accident to search for evidence of intoxication. Then, your lawyer can take over the claims process to handle your case efficiently while you focus on healing from your injuries.
With help from the right attorney, it can be easier to prove truck driver intoxication and recover the financial compensation that you deserve. For more information about a specific truck accident case in North Carolina, contact Shipman & Wright for a free legal consultation.