Drunk Driving Truck Accident Lawyer in Chicago

Motor vehicle collisions caused by an intoxicated driver often lead to debilitating injuries and severe property damage. Drunk driving truck accidents are especially devastating because of the sheer size of most commercial vehicles. That’s why you need a drunk driving truck accident lawyer in Chicago.

Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., helps collision victims and their families pursue the justice and compensation to which they may be legally entitled. We work to help our clients assert their legal rights and seek damages from all responsible parties.

With over $100 million recovered for clients, our Chicago truck accident lawyers are here to step in and fight for you against negligent parties and their insurance companies. Call us today for a free consultation.

Why Chicago Trucking Accident Victims Choose Charlie

When you are a victim of a drunk driving truck accident, you need a dedicated legal team of personal injury attorneys that genuinely cares about your outcome and has a proven track record to back it up.

At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our Chicago personal injury lawyers have spent decades fighting for injured clients, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you.

Over $100 Million Won for Injured Clients

Our results speak for themselves. Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. has recovered over $100 million for personal injury clients across Chicago and Illinois, and we are fully prepared to pursue every dollar you are entitled to in your drunk driving trucking accident case.

75 Years of Combined Experience

Drunk driving trucking accident cases are among the most challenging personal injury matters in Illinois law, often involving multiple liable parties, federal trucking regulations, and extensive medical records.

Our personal injury attorneys bring 75 years of combined experience to every case, giving us the depth of knowledge needed to face even the most challenging claims.

Serving Chicago Since 2002

Since 2002, Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., has been a trusted name in Chicago personal injury law. We have a thorough understanding of Illinois law, local courts, and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts to accident victims.

Commercial Truck Drivers Must Meet Strict Regulations Concerning Alcohol and Driving

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is against the law. The dangerous decision to operate a massive vehicle such as a commercial truck while drunk is also likely to be deemed negligent and potentially reckless. Drivers and trucking companies alike may be held accountable for any resulting harm.

Commercial truck drivers must meet federal and state standards that ensure the safe operation of the truck. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations for drivers make clear that drivers are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol for four hours prior to operating a truck.

Furthermore, while the blood alcohol limit for motorists is .08%, truck drivers with a commercial driver’s license have a limit that is half this amount. A trucker can receive a DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of only .04%.

Establishing Liability for a Drunk Driving Truck Accident

Drunk driving truck accident cases will often proceed under a legal theory of negligence per se, which presumes negligence upon violation of a law that is intended to prevent harm to a certain group of people.

Following a truck driving accident caused by a drunk driver, the injured truck accident victim will not be required to prove that the trucker drove in an unsafe or negligent manner if they are alleging negligence per se.

By driving while legally impaired, the trucker will be deemed to have breached their duty of care. A dedicated Chicago truck accident lawyer can determine whether this type of claim would be appropriate in your case.

Can the Trucking Company Be Held Liable?

In addition to the truck driver, an accident victim may be able to assert a personal injury claim against the trucking company if there is an employment relationship between the company and the driver.

Vicarious liability is a legal theory that holds employers like trucking companies responsible for accidents caused by a driver. The driver, at the time of the truck accident, must have been acting within the scope of their employment.

Trucking companies may also be liable if they know, or should have known, that they hired a driver with a record of drunk driving. Additionally, maintaining the employment of a drunk truck driver may subject the employer to direct responsibility for any resulting harm.

Recovering Compensation for Damages in Drunk Driving Truck Accidents

Being struck by a drunk truck driver is one of the most catastrophic events a person can experience on the road. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when an impaired driver loses control of one, the consequences for victims are often devastating and life-altering.

If you were injured in a drunk driving truck accident in Chicago, you have the right to pursue full compensation for every loss you have suffered.

Our drunk driving truck accident lawyers in Chicago have recovered over $100 million for personal injury clients, and we are ready to fight for you. Below are the key categories of damages you may be entitled to recover in a personal injury lawsuit against a drunk truck driver:

• Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for all medical bills related to your injuries, including emergency room treatment, surgeries, hospitalization, physical therapy, and any future medical treatment or ongoing medical care your condition requires.
• Lost wages: If your injuries kept you out of work, you are entitled to recover the lost wages you were unable to earn during your recovery period.
• Diminished earning capacity: If your injuries are severe enough to permanently limit your ability to work, Illinois law allows you to seek compensation for the long-term impact on your earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: Beyond your financial losses, you may recover damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the drunk driver’s reckless actions.
• Medical records and documentation costs: Gathering and organizing your medical records is a critical part of building a strong claim, and these costs are recoverable as part of personal injury cases.
• Property damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the trucking accident.
• Punitive damages: Because drunk driving reflects a willful and reckless disregard for the safety of others, Illinois courts may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault drunk driver and deter future misconduct.
• Insurance claim recovery: Our drunk driving accident lawyers will handle every aspect of your insurance claim, negotiating aggressively with insurers to ensure you are not pressured into accepting a lowball settlement that fails to cover your full losses.
• Wrongful death damages: If you lost a family member in a drunk driving trucking accident, surviving loved ones may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Talk to a Chicago Drunk Driving Truck Accident Attorney Today

Truck drivers who operate their vehicles while intoxicated should be held accountable. If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a crash caused by a drunk trucker, call Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., to understand your legal options.

Our drunk driving truck accident lawyers in Chicago are prepared to evaluate your case and help you seek compensation. Call our team today for a free consultation. Then, visit our FAQ page to learn more.