If you have driven alongside an 80,000-pound semi-truck on the freeway, you know how intimidating their size and power can be. In California, home to some of the busiest freight corridors in the nation, including I-5 and the 99, these massive vehicles share the road with millions of passenger cars every day. Now, imagine the driver is impaired. The results can be devastating, especially given the state’s high traffic density and long stretches of high-speed highways. That is why California has some of the strictest DUI laws for commercial drivers, holding them to a lower legal blood alcohol limit than regular motorists. If you or someone you care about has been affected by such an incident, speaking with a skilled California truck driver DUI lawyer can be the first step in protecting your rights and holding the responsible party accountable.
Stricter BAC Limits for Truck Drivers
For most drivers in California, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%. But for commercial drivers, including semi-truck and delivery truck operators, the threshold is just 0.04%. That is half the limit and for good reason. Operating a massive commercial vehicle requires sharp reflexes, split-second decision-making, and complete attention to the road. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and reaction time.
DUI Is Not Just About Alcohol
When most people hear “DUI,” they think of alcohol. But California law also prohibits truck drivers from operating their vehicles under the influence of any controlled substance that impairs their ability to drive. This includes marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and even certain prescription medications. If a substance impacts a driver’s alertness or coordination, it can lead to serious accidents.
The Immediate Consequences
When a truck driver is pulled over and found to be impaired by drugs, they face immediate consequences. Their commercial driver’s license (CDL) can be suspended on the spot, often through an administrative action before the criminal case even begins. Without a CDL, they cannot work in the trucking industry, a career-ending consequence for many drivers.
On top of license suspension, the driver may face:
These penalties can increase if the driver caused an accident that resulted in injuries or fatalities.
The Devastating Impact on Victims
When a truck driver under the influence causes a collision, the damage is often catastrophic. The size and weight of commercial trucks mean that smaller passenger vehicles stand little chance in a crash. Victims may suffer severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or even death. Families are left with mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma that can last a lifetime.
Conclusion
When injured in an accident caused by an impaired truck driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, trucking companies and their insurers often have aggressive legal teams working to minimize payouts. Having an experienced attorney on your side can level the playing field. A knowledgeable lawyer can investigate the crash, gather crucial evidence like logbook records and build a strong case to pursue maximum compensation.
