Have you been injured in a truck accident involving a driver’s drug or alcohol use in Joliet, Illinois? Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys can help when you contact us online or call (815) 726-1616. We offer a free consultation with a Joliet truck accident lawyer to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
Accidents caused by impaired truck drivers often leave victims with serious injuries, overwhelming expenses, and lasting emotional trauma. We’re committed to holding negligent drivers—and the companies that enable them—accountable. You won’t owe any legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Why Choose Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys To Help After a Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use Accident in Joliet, IL?
When a truck accident involves drug or alcohol use, the consequences for victims in Joliet, IL, can be life-altering. Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys serves the area with the skill and experience needed to take on powerful trucking companies and insurance carriers.
Here’s what sets our team apart:
- We bring decades of combined experience to truck accident claims and have recovered over $100 million for injured clients.
- Our attorneys know how to challenge trucking corporations and insurance companies that attempt to avoid responsibility after a serious crash.
- From day one, we handle all communication, paperwork, and negotiations so you can focus on healing.
- We keep you informed throughout the process while building a strong case to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you need help, call today to schedule your free consultation with a Joliet personal injury attorney.
What Causes Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use Accidents?
Drug and alcohol use among truck drivers often stems from long hours, tight delivery deadlines, and inadequate oversight by employers. Some drivers turn to stimulants to stay awake during extended shifts, while others rely on alcohol or pain medication to cope with fatigue or chronic pain.
Common contributing factors include:
- Pressure to meet unrealistic schedules
- Lack of proper substance testing or enforcement
- Inadequate vetting, resulting in unqualified drivers
- Poor supervision by trucking companies
- Isolation and mental health challenges
- Easy access to over-the-counter stimulants or prescription drugs
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations strictly prohibit drug and alcohol use by commercial drivers, yet violations continue to occur. When companies fail to enforce these rules, they can be held responsible for the harm that follows.
What Injuries Commonly Occur in Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use Accidents?
Collisions with impaired truck drivers frequently lead to severe injuries due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles. Victims may experience both immediate trauma and long-term complications.
Typical injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe burns or disfigurement
- Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder
Each of these injuries may require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and time away from work, creating costs that should not fall on the victim.
What Compensation Is Available to Me?
If you were injured in a Joliet truck accident caused by an impaired driver, you may be entitled to several types of compensation under Illinois law. These damages are meant to address both your financial losses and the physical and emotional harm you’ve suffered.
You can pursue economic damages to cover your measurable financial losses, including:
- Current medical bills and hospitalization costs
- Projected future medical expenses if ongoing treatment is needed
- Lost wages from time missed at work
- Reduced earning potential if you can no longer work in the same capacity
- Rehabilitation or long-term care costs
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacement
You may also seek non-economic damages to help you cope with the personal impact of the crash, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or trauma
- PTSD or anxiety
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship or consortium in wrongful death cases
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are designed to punish particularly reckless or dangerous conduct—such as a truck driver operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol—and to discourage similar behavior in the future.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit?
Under Illinois law, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. This statute of limitations applies to most truck accident cases. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation in court.
However, certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injury. Evidence in trucking cases can disappear quickly; it is crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
Zayed Law Offices can begin investigating immediately to preserve records, obtain test results, and protect your right to compensation.
Speak With a Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use Lawyer in Joliet, IL
If you were hurt in a crash caused by a truck driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Joliet, Illinois, Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys can help. Our firm fights for victims across Illinois and has recovered millions for injured clients.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. To get started, contact our office today to speak with a dedicated Joliet truck accident lawyer about your claim.
