Trucking accidents in Orlando, Florida can be devastating. When a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the risks become even higher. A fully loaded commercial truck may weigh tens of thousands of pounds, so any lapse in judgment or reaction time can lead to serious injuries—or even fatalities.
If you or a loved one were harmed by an impaired truck driver, you might have the right to pursue substantial compensation.
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law has an experienced team of Orlando truck accident attorneys who will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact our truck accident lawyers in Orlando today at (407) 801-3000 for a free consultation.
How Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law Can Help With Your Orlando Truck Accident Claim
If you’ve suffered injuries because a truck driver was intoxicated, you might be dealing with hospital bills, lost earnings, and ongoing therapy. You also deserve accountability—trucking companies and their insurers often push back hard to avoid large payouts. That’s where our firm comes in.
Our Orlando truck accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the crash
- Prove your damages
- Negotiate or litigate in court if necessary
- Shield you from blame
- Provide guidance every step of the way
With our 100 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases in Orlando, FL, and tens of millions recovered, we have the background to handle even complex litigation involving large trucking companies. Our goal is to help you recover physically and financially.
An Overview of Truck Driver Drug and Alcohol Use in Florida
Federal and state laws prohibit commercial truck drivers from using alcohol or illegal drugs before or during their shifts.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict regulations, including:
- Zero tolerance: Drivers are restricted from driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher (half the usual 0.08% limit for non-commercial drivers).
- Regular testing: Trucking companies must perform random, post-accident, and suspicion-based drug testing.
- Forbidden substances: Drivers can’t take certain prescription medications, illegal drugs, or over-the-counter meds that might impair their reflexes or mental clarity without proper clearance.
However, some drivers ignore these rules. They may be tired, stressed, or trying to combat a hectic schedule. Others might habitually use substances and slip through the cracks if companies don’t monitor well.
When an impaired truck driver hits the road, they put everyone at risk, including motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Simple lane changes or sudden stops become dangerous maneuvers that can cause serious collisions.
Damages You Can Recover After an Impaired Truck Driver Crash
If a truck accident caused by drug or alcohol use harmed you, you can pursue monetary compensation (called “damages”) for things like:
- Medical bills: ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and future treatments
- Lost wages: If you missed work or suffered a career setback due to injuries
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress, including scarring, depression, or anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If you can’t do hobbies or activities you once loved
- Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement if your car was wrecked
- Wrongful death: If a loved one died in a truck crash, the surviving family members might seek funeral costs, lost support, and more
In rare cases, Florida courts may award punitive damages if the driver’s behavior was extremely reckless—like driving with a very high BAC or ignoring repeated DUIs. Punitive damages aim to punish egregious conduct.
Proving Negligence in a Drug- or Alcohol-Related Truck Accident
To hold the truck driver or others liable, you must establish the legal elements of negligence:
- Duty: The driver owed a duty to operate the truck safely and follow substance use regulations.
- Breach: They violated that duty by driving impaired.
- Causation: Their breach caused or contributed to the accident that injured you.
- Damages: You suffered harm—like physical injuries or lost income—as a direct result.
Our Orlando truck accident lawyers gather evidence like toxicology reports, arrest records (if any), and driver logs to prove the driver’s impairment. If the trucking company failed to monitor or tested improperly, they may share liability.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire an Orlando Truck Accident Attorney?
Our firm, Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law, handles these injury claims on a contingency fee basis meaning:
- No fees upfront or out-of-pocket.
- We only receive attorney’s fees if we get you a settlement or verdict.
- Our payment is a portion of your recovered compensation.
This arrangement makes quality representation accessible regardless of your financial situation. We’re driven to maximize your award because we only get paid when you do.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Orlando Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck driver drug and alcohol use is a major safety hazard on Florida’s roads—one that can leave innocent people facing catastrophic harm. If you’ve been hurt in Orlando due to an impaired commercial driver, Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law is here to help.
Call us for a free consultation. Our Orlando truck accident lawyers will examine your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you need to recover—physically and financially.
