Commercial trucks move through Scranton and surrounding highways every day, transporting goods across Pennsylvania and beyond. When a truck driver operates one of these vehicles while impaired by drugs or alcohol, the danger to other motorists increases dramatically. Even a brief lapse in judgment behind the wheel of a fully loaded tractor-trailer can result in life-altering injuries.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, represents individuals injured in serious truck accidents throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Our firm offers free case evaluations and advances the costs associated with investigating and pursuing a claim. Legal fees are contingent upon the successful recovery of compensation on behalf of the injured client.
Contact our Scranton DUI accident lawyers at (570) 714-4878 to discuss the details of your truck accident.
How Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Can Help After Drug or Alcohol-Related Truck Crashes in Scranton, PA
DUIs or other accidents involving suspected impairment require immediate and thorough investigation. Federal regulations require commercial drivers to comply with strict drug and alcohol testing standards, and violations of these requirements can significantly affect liability.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, can review post-accident testing results, driver qualification files, dispatch records, and company safety procedures. We can help preserve toxicology reports, electronic logging device data, and employment documentation that could otherwise become difficult to obtain.
Our Scranton truck accident lawyers can examine matters such as:
- Post-accident drug and alcohol testing compliance
- Driver hiring and background screening procedures
- Prior violations or failed tests
- Hours-of-service records and fatigue indicators
- Internal safety enforcement policies
Impairment cases often involve both the driver’s conduct and the trucking company’s oversight. Determining whether warning signs were ignored or policies were inadequately enforced is often central to establishing responsibility. We can assist clients in holding all responsible parties accountable, including the driver, the trucking company, and any third parties whose negligence contributed to the crash.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation with our Scranton personal injury lawyers.
Laws and Regulations Governing Substance Use
Commercial drivers are subject to regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules are designed to prevent impaired individuals from operating large commercial vehicles that pose substantial risks on public roads.
Key regulatory requirements include:
- Pre-employment drug screening
- Random drug and alcohol testing
- Post-accident testing after qualifying crashes
- Immediate removal from duty after positive results
- Prohibition on operating with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or greater
Pennsylvania law also prohibits impaired driving and imposes criminal penalties for violations. When a truck driver operates under the influence, the legal implications may extend beyond traffic citations to serious civil liability.
How Impairment Can Cause Truck Accidents
When driving, drug and/or alcohol use can impair reaction time, decision-making ability, coordination, and judgment. In commercial trucking, where vehicles require greater stopping distances and careful maneuvering, even slight impairment can increase the likelihood of a crash.
Impaired truck drivers may engage in behaviors such as:
- Delayed braking
- Drifting between lanes
- Failure to observe traffic signals
- Unsafe lane changes
- Overcorrection during steering
Because tractor-trailers weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles, crashes often result in severe or catastrophic harm.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Impaired Truck Drivers
Collisions involving large commercial vehicles frequently produce serious injuries due to the size and force involved. Victims may require emergency transport, surgery, and extended hospitalization. In severe cases, injuries could be fatal.
Injuries often associated with these crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ injuries
- Severe soft tissue damage
The impact of these injuries can extend well beyond initial medical treatment. Many victims face prolonged rehabilitation, permanent physical limitations, and significant emotional strain.
Who May Be Legally Responsible?
Liability in drug or alcohol-related truck accidents may extend beyond the driver. Trucking companies are required to implement drug testing programs, monitor compliance, and remove unsafe drivers from service.
Parties that may bear responsibility include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Safety compliance officers
- Third-party testing administrators
In some cases, evidence may show that a company failed to conduct required testing or allowed a driver with a history of violations to remain on the road. Reviewing company policies and enforcement practices is often a key component of the case. A Scranton truck accident attorney can help uncover these crucial details and build a case designed to hold all negligent parties accountable.
What Compensation May Be Available?
A claim involving impaired truck driving may seek compensation for both measurable financial losses and the broader consequences of the collision.
Economic damages are the quantifiable losses you suffered as a result of the injury and can include:
- Medical expenses
- Future treatment costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation expenses
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for the more personal and subjective losses suffered, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of normal life activities
- Permanent disability
In situations involving reckless or egregious misconduct, additional damages may be pursued under Pennsylvania law. Each case depends on its specific facts and evidence. A Scranton DUI accident attorney from our firm can assess your situation and advise on the full range of compensation you may be entitled to.
How Long Do I Have to File an Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law has a two-year deadline for filing personal injury claims arising from truck accidents in most cases. These time limits apply regardless of whether the case involves drug or alcohol violations.
Prompt action can be particularly important in impairment-related cases because testing records, internal company documentation, and electronic data may not be retained indefinitely. Consulting with a Scranton personal injury attorney early can help ensure that critical evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Contact Our Scranton DUI Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
A truck crash involving drug or alcohol use raises serious concerns about safety and accountability. Determining whether regulatory requirements were ignored or company policies were inadequately enforced may be essential to understanding what caused the collision.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, handles complex commercial vehicle cases and works to pursue compensation that reflects the full extent of an injured person’s losses. Speaking with our firm can help clarify your options and whether legal action is appropriate based on the circumstances.
Call us today to arrange a free case evaluation with our Scranton DUI accident attorneys.