This is what can happen when a commercial vehicle is involved in a drunk driving accident in Baltimore

Baltimore, MD – People who have to drive for a living may spend long hours on the roads each day, which increases their risk of being in an accident. Some industries such as truck driving are also known to have problems with drivers who abuse drugs or alcohol. The combination of these factors means accidents will happen at times after a driver is intoxicated. 

Attorneys near me can give more information about things like commercial vehicle regulations, drunk driving lawsuits, and other related matters.

Regulations against commercial driving and alcohol use

Commercial drivers are subject to more strict regulations than drivers of standard vehicles, and traffic laws such as those against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs apply to them as well. Someone who drives a semi truck, bus, or makes deliveries can be charged with crimes or sued by any accident victims if it is discovered that they had illegally consumed drugs or alcohol before operating their vehicle. 

Lawsuits against the employer

In many cases involving commercial vehicles, the company that employs the driver will be liable for any damage that they cause. This is due to agency principles in tort law, and companies that employ commercial drivers often have special insurance for these reasons. Commercial accidents tend to be more expensive than standard vehicle crashes, as large semi trucks or other larger vehicles can cause very serious damage. 

If an intoxicated commercial driver causes serious injuries or fatalities, this can be a problem for the business or their insurer, as these kinds of accident lawsuits can result in hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars of liability. Baltimore DUI accident lawyers have to handle these kinds of cases on a regular basis. 

What is important in a civil accident lawsuit?

Baltimore accident lawyers have to prove the elements of negligence to win a civil lawsuit for compensation. The fact that the driver was intoxicated can be used as evidence of negligence, but it may not necessarily be the deciding factor in the case, and the person does not need to be convicted of drunk driving in criminal court. Negligence means that the driver deviated from the normal standard of care expected of drivers on the roads, which lead to injuries and other damages. The victim and their attorney can also use things like medical bills, wage statements, and other documentation to prove the specific amount of damages that they expect to recover from a settlement or jury verdict. 

Advice after a drunk driving crash in Baltimore

USAttorneys.com is a website that lists lawyers in Baltimore and other cities around the country. People who need additional advice about these matters can browse the listings to find an attorney who matches their needs.