Have you been injured in a truck accident caused by an impaired driver in Peoria, Illinois? Joel E. Brown, P.C., can help when you call (309) 673-4357. We offer a free consultation with a Peoria truck accident lawyer who is ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Impairment behind the wheel of a massive truck can leave victims facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost income. Our team investigates quickly, secures vital evidence, and holds every responsible party accountable.
With contingency-based representation, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Choose Joel E. Brown, P.C. After an Impaired Driving Crash
At Joel E. Brown, P.C., we know trucking companies fight hard to protect their drivers. Clients in Peoria, IL, choose us because:
- We bring more than 30 years of experience handling serious injury and truck accident cases.
- Our attorneys have won millions of dollars on behalf of injured clients and their families.
- We prepare every case for trial, building leverage that helps secure fair settlements from insurers.
- Our team investigates company safety practices and driver histories to uncover violations of the rules.
With our dedicated team on your side, you won’t have to face trucking companies or insurers alone. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a Peoria personal injury attorney.
Why Drugs and Alcohol Are So Dangerous for Truck Drivers
Operating a semi-truck requires precision, alertness, and careful judgment. Impairment undermines all of these skills and puts everyone on the road at risk.
Common effects of drug and alcohol use include:
- Slower reaction times and reduced ability to stop in emergencies
- Poor decision-making and reckless maneuvers at high speeds
- Difficulty staying awake and maintaining focus
- Problems with balance, coordination, and judgment
- Increased likelihood of missing road signs or traffic signals
Federal law prohibits commercial truck drivers from operating with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.04, which is stricter than the standard for passenger vehicle drivers. Yet despite regulations, impaired driving remains a factor in far too many trucking accidents in Illinois.
What Injuries Commonly Occur in Impaired Truck Driving Accidents?
Truck accidents involving drug or alcohol use are often violent, leaving victims with long-lasting injuries. The massive force of a semi-truck can devastate smaller passenger vehicles.
Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries
- Severe burns or disfigurement from vehicle fires
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress
Such injuries can require lifelong treatment, forcing victims and their families to bear enormous costs and life changes. Our attorneys ensure every harm is accounted for in your claim.
What Compensation Is Available to Me?
Damages in an impaired truck driver case are designed to help victims heal, recover financially, and rebuild their lives after a traumatic event. Compensation often includes both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may cover:
- Emergency room care and hospital treatment
- Rehabilitation, therapy, and in-home care
- Lost wages and diminished future earning potential
- Vehicle replacement or repair
- Costs of long-term disability support or adaptive equipment
Non-economic damages reflect the personal impact of the crash. These may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or family relationships
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability
- Reduced enjoyment of life
If the crash results in a wrongful death, surviving family members may also pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and the emotional devastation of losing a loved one.
How Long Do I Have To Bring a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?
After a serious truck crash, it can be difficult to focus on legal matters while you’re healing. In Illinois, however, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is critical—missing it usually means losing your right to recover compensation.
Some exceptions apply, such as cases involving minors or wrongful death. Because these rules can be complex, speaking with a lawyer early ensures your claim is filed on time and gives your attorney the opportunity to build the strongest case possible.
Contact Joel E. Brown, P.C. For Help
If you were injured in a truck accident caused by a driver’s drug or alcohol use in Peoria, Illinois, Joel E. Brown, P.C., is here to help. With more than three decades of experience and millions recovered, our firm knows how to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
Call today to schedule your free consultation with a Peoria truck accident lawyer. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.