Were you injured in a truck accident caused by a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol? At Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced Lake County truck accident attorneys have been representing injured people for over 30 years.
We’ve recovered over $125 million for our clients, and we’re ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (847) 513-9582 to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate and experienced attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees if we win.
Why Choose Kass & Moses After a Truck Accident in Lake County, IL?
Commercial truck drivers have a legal responsibility to drive safely and remain sober on the job. When a trucker violates that duty, the results can be catastrophic. If you believe that drugs or alcohol played a role in your crash, you have rights.
At Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers, we have decades of combined experience handling serious truck accident cases throughout Illinois. Our team brings together seasoned attorneys, investigators, and experts who know how to uncover the truth and protect our clients’ rights.
Here’s why so many people across Illinois trust our firm:
- Decades of experience in truck accident law
- Proven track record of results
- Tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts
- Personalized, compassionate representation that addresses your unique needs
- Deep knowledge of federal and Illinois trucking laws
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how our Lake County truck accident lawyers can help you.
The Dangers of Drug and Alcohol Use in Commercial Trucking
Operating an 18-wheeler while impaired by drugs or alcohol is both illegal and dangerous. Federal regulations set strict limits on substance use for commercial drivers. For instance, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher qualifies as driving under the influence under FMCSA rules (half the legal limit for ordinary drivers).
Despite these rules, some truckers still take the wheel after drinking or using drugs — whether it’s alcohol, prescription medication, marijuana, or stimulants used to stay awake. Even a momentary lapse in control can lead to devastating consequences.
Common injuries in these crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and crushed bones
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Burns, amputations, and disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Victims of impaired truck drivers often face lengthy recoveries. Our attorneys fight to ensure that the responsible parties are held fully accountable.
Are Trucking Companies Required to Test Drivers for Drugs and Alcohol?
Yes. Federal law requires trucking companies to maintain comprehensive drug and alcohol testing programs. These rules, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), are designed to prevent impaired driving before it happens.
Employers must conduct:
- Pre-employment testing before hiring a driver.
- Random testing throughout the year.
- Post-accident testing when certain criteria are met, such as a fatal crash or an injury that requires medical treatment away from the scene.
Unfortunately, some trucking companies fail to meet these obligations. When that happens, the company can be held responsible for its negligence. At Kass & Moses, we investigate every aspect of a trucking company’s safety program to identify failures that may have contributed to your accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Lake County Truck Accident Involving Drugs or Alcohol?
Truck accidents involving impaired drivers can involve several responsible parties. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend beyond the driver to include the company that hired or supervised them.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver for operating a commercial vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The trucking company if it failed to monitor the driver’s conduct.
- A bar, restaurant, or vendor that knowingly overserved the truck driver before the collision
Our legal team will gather evidence to determine exactly who was responsible and pursue claims against every negligent party to maximize your recovery.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Drug or Alcohol-Related Truck Accident?
If you were injured in a truck accident in Lake County, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages under Illinois law.
Your compensation may include money for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to work
- Property damage to your vehicle or other personal property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for spouses or family members
Punitive damages may also be available to punish the truck driver or trucking company for a drug or alcohol-related truck accident.
Contact Our Lake County Truck Accident Lawyers Today
When a truck driver’s drug or alcohol use leads to tragedy, victims deserve answers. The experienced attorneys at Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers have been representing injured clients across Illinois for more than three decades. We’re ready to help you rebuild your life.
If you were injured in a truck accident in Lake County, don’t wait to get legal help. Call today for a free consultation with an experienced Lake County truck accident attorney.
