Are Truckers Tested for Drugs After an Accident?

Any semi-truck accident can result in disastrous consequences for the other driver involved. Because semis are much larger than other vehicles, the damages from an accident involving one of these trucks can be catastrophic.

If you were injured in an accident involving a semi-truck driver, it is critical to not only get the help you need but ensure the semi-truck driver followed proper procedures after the accident including submitting to a drug test.

Drug Testing for Semi-Truck Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules regarding semi-truck drivers remaining sober behind the wheel. There is no uniform timeline that all drivers must follow for drug testing after an accident, but companies have procedures for drivers should a crash happen.

The Importance of Drug Testing

Drugs can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Any substance can make a driver have a slower reaction time, impaired judgment, and difficulty staying awake. These effects can be dangerous when driving a large vehicle like a semi-truck.

Additionally, drug use is often associated with other risky behaviors. For example, drivers who use drugs are more likely to speed or drive recklessly. This increases the chances of an accident happening. Another risky behavior is addiction equating to a semi-truck driver not being able to stop using drugs even though they understand they are putting themselves and others at risk.

It is also in the employer’s best interest to ensure that their employees are not using drugs. Drug use can result in job loss for the driver and ruin the employer’s reputation.

What You Can Do if You Are Involved in an Accident with a Semi-Truck

Whether you believe a semi-truck driver was under the influence of drugs or not before a crash happened, you should reaffirm that a drug test was given following the accident. This can be extremely beneficial especially if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver.

You don’t need to weigh this decision alone — the team at The Roth Firm, LLC is ready to talk through all your options so you can be properly compensated for the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Reach out to our Georgia and Tennessee personal injury attorneys 24/7 either online or by phone. (404) 777-4899