Accidents involving large trucks are dangerous under normal circumstances, but they can be even more catastrophic when a truck driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you’ve been hurt in this type of crash in Chicago, Illinois, you shouldn’t have to handle the aftermath on your own. A respected truck accident attorney can help you file a claim for your pain and suffering, economic losses, and more.
Let Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys guide you toward the financial recovery you deserve. We have decades of combined experience and have secured over $100 million for our clients. Contact our Chicago truck driver drug and alcohol use lawyers today to learn more. We offer a free consultation at (312) 726-1616.
How Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help With Your Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use Claim in Chicago, Illinois
Taking on a truck driver and their insurance company can be stressful, especially if you’re also dealing with medical appointments, car repairs, or loss of income. Our experienced Chicago truck accident lawyers can handle the legal process while you focus on getting better.
We can help by:
- Investigating the accident internally
- Gathering evidence to help your claim
- Working with leading experts as needed
- Determining your legal options
- Handling all the communications and paperwork
- Negotiating a settlement on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary
By hiring Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, you’ll gain a dedicated team that knows how to stand up to large insurance companies and fight for maximum compensation. Contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers today for a free case review. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only receive attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you.
Why Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use Is So Dangerous
Large commercial trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a typical car. A small mistake can lead to a devastating accident. When drivers are impaired by drugs or alcohol, their reaction times drop and they often take bigger risks. Common substances include alcohol, stimulants, prescription drugs, and more.
Use of these substances can violate both federal regulations and Illinois law. If a driver causes a wreck while impaired, they can be held legally accountable for your injuries.
Evidence of Drug or Alcohol Use After a Chicago Truck Crash
Proving that a truck driver was impaired can be key to a successful claim.
Helpful types of evidence might include:
- Police reports: Officers may conduct field sobriety tests or request blood, breath, or urine samples if they suspect impairment.
- Employer records: Trucking companies must perform random and post-accident testing, especially if the crash caused significant damage or injury.
- Witness statements: Bystanders or passengers might notice slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol.
- Truck logs: Electronic logging devices might show patterns of driving that point to fatigue or erratic behavior.
The sooner we can start investigating, the better. Important evidence can disappear if the trucking company or driver isn’t forced to preserve it. Call us today to learn more about our legal services and how we can help you make the most of your case.
Potential Damages You Can Recover After a Truck Accident in Chicago
If you can prove that drug or alcohol use led to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Examples of these include, but are not limited to the following:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication costs
- Lost wages: Income you couldn’t earn while recovering, plus reduced future earning capacity if your injuries limit your work
- Property damage: Repairing or replacing your vehicle and any belongings destroyed in the crash
- Pain and suffering: The physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Changes to your lifestyle or inability to do activities you once enjoyed
In rare cases, courts might award punitive damages if the driver or trucking company showed extreme recklessness. These are meant to punish and deter future misconduct rather than to compensate you. However, the money still goes into your pocket.
Contact Our Skilled Chicago Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Don’t let an impaired truck driver’s negligence go unchecked. Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys is here to fight for you. We have decades of combined experience and have recovered over $100 million for our clients.
Call our Chicago truck driver drug and alcohol use attorneys today to arrange a free consultation. We’ll discuss your case, explain your legal options, and work toward the compensation you need and deserve. Remember: with our contingency fee payment structure, we only get paid if you do.
