What if the truck driver was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash?
If a commercial truck driver was operating under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications that impair driving, Georgia law permits recovery of punitive damages under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1. In DUI trucking cases, the trucking company may also face direct liability for negligently retaining or supervising a driver with a known substance abuse history. FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements under 49 C.F.R. Part 382 impose strict obligations on carriers — violations are powerful evidence of corporate negligence. HBLG has extensive experience pursuing punitive damages claims in DUI trucking cases.
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