Large trucks have always presented tremendous risks to other motorists. There’s a special level of care that driving a vehicle weighing up to 80,000 pounds demands. That responsibility leaves little room for error, so there is no excuse when a truck driver chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If a drunk truck driver struck and injured you, a Morgantown drunk truck driving accident lawyer with Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, can help. We have extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases and a track record of securing life-changing awards and verdicts for truck accident victims and their families throughout West Virginia.
Serious truck accidents can put a tremendous amount of strain on you physically, emotionally, and financially for years to come. Our goal is to secure compensation that covers the full scope of your injuries and losses so you can recover and protect your future as much as possible.
Don’t spend another day wondering who you can hold responsible or what the future may hold. Call us today at (304) 594-1800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Schedule a free case evaluation
Key Takeaways For Morgantown Truck Driving Accidents
- Driving under the influence is prohibited for commercial truck drivers at a much lower blood alcohol concentration than for other drivers
- Victims of drunk truck driving accidents may be able to file claims against both the driver and their employer
- Federal and state laws impose strict rules on alcohol use by truck drivers, including mandatory sobriety windows before duty
- Evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and sobriety test results is essential in proving liability
- West Virginia allows victims to recover for both economic and non-economic losses after a crash
- The legal team at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC can help you pursue accountability, financial recovery, and peace of mind
Why Morgantown Trusts Robinette Legal Group, PLLC
Jeff Robinette, Morgantown Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’re dealing with serious injuries, missed work, and the stress of your recovery after being injured by a drunk or drugged truck driver, you know how quickly the fallout can drain you of your time, energy, and finances. Accidents like these can turn a stable life into a crisis.
In Morgantown and across West Virginia, commercial truck accidents remain a serious threat despite enhanced safety requirements and better crash avoidance technologies. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data shows that in one recent year, 951 commercial truck accidents occurred in West Virginia, claiming the lives of 35 people and injuring 350 others.
When your life has been turned upside down by a drunk truck driver, you deserve representation that combines legal strength with personal care. Robinette Legal Group, PLLC has deep roots in Morgantown and a track record of delivering results for injured clients across Monongalia County.
Some of the reasons clients choose Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, are:
Client-first representation with a personal connection
We treat our clients like neighbors—because they are. Our offices on High Street and Everhart Drive are just minutes from West Virginia University, and we proudly serve the communities of Suncrest, South Park, and beyond. Every client speaks directly with their attorney and gets regular updates.
Former insurance defense insight
Attorney Jeff Robinette began his career defending insurance companies. That experience now gives us a valuable edge when fighting those same companies on behalf of truck accident victims. We anticipate their defenses and build stronger claims.
Decades of proven results
With more than 30 years of legal experience, including millions recovered for injured clients, Jeff Robinette has earned honors like the AV Preeminent Rating, Super Lawyers, and membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. These are not just titles—they reflect a commitment to hard work and justice.
Veteran-led dedication
Before law school, Mr. Robinette served as a jumpmaster in the 82nd Airborne Division. He brings that same commitment to detail, discipline, and mission-driven focus to every case we handle.
No fees unless we win
We offer a free consultation and handle all personal injury claims on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and nothing at all unless we secure compensation for you.
The Elevated Risk of Drunk Truck Driving Accidents in Morgantown
The terrain, traffic, and truck activity in and around Morgantown create a unique combination of hazards. From long-haul rigs passing through the Star City exit on 1-79 to delivery trucks along Beechurst Avenue and Evansdale Drive, driving can be challenging even in the best conditions. Impaired driving, whether through alcohol or drugs, introduces risks that extend far beyond a single bad decision.
Why drunk truck driving is so dangerous
Driving an 80,000-pound vehicle requires focus, control, and quick decision-making. Alcohol and drugs reduce a driver’s coordination, delay reaction times, and impair judgment. Even one beer or a few prescription pills can have serious consequences in the cab of a semi-truck.
Alcohol limits for commercial truck drivers
Federal and West Virginia law impose stricter limits on commercial drivers than the general public. While most motorists face DUI charges at 0.08% BAC, truck drivers violate federal rules at 0.04% BAC. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also prohibits any alcohol consumption within four hours of duty and bans use of any controlled substance without medical clearance.
Morgantown’s unique exposure to truck traffic
Our city is home to Interstate 79, U.S. Route 119, and several industrial access points for timber, gas, and coal transportation. This network of roads makes Morgantown a critical hub for trucking and a hot spot for potential danger when drivers are impaired.
How Trucking Companies May Be Liable for Drunk Driving Accidents
It’s easy to assume the truck driver is the only person at fault, but in many cases, the trucking company may share or bear full legal responsibility.
Truck companies may be liable for drunk truck driving accidents if they:
- Hired a driver with a known history of DUI or substance abuse
- Failed to conduct random drug and alcohol testing as required by federal law
- Pressured drivers to meet delivery deadlines without adequate rest
- Neglected to remove drivers from duty after warning signs of impairment
- Allowed or ignored safety violations in driver logs or vehicle inspections
These failures may be uncovered through a diligent legal investigation. Companies that cut corners should be held accountable when their negligence puts Morgantown families at risk.
What Evidence Can Strengthen Your Claim?
Proving liability in a drunk truck driving accident case depends on building a case with clear, admissible evidence. The more you can document early on, the stronger your position during negotiations or trial.
A skilled attorney can help collect:
- Results of breathalyzer, blood, or urine tests
- Police reports, crash reconstructions, and citations
- Testimony from other motorists or bystanders
- Video footage from traffic cameras or dashboard systems
- In-cab monitoring logs and GPS records
- Black box data showing sudden stops, speeds, or route deviations
Each of these elements helps paint a full picture of what happened—and who was responsible.
Holding Trucking Companies Accountable for Preventable Tragedies
Morgantown’s roads, especially the University Avenue corridor, Route 705, and Green Bag Road, are filled with students, families, and workers. A single impaired trucker traveling through these neighborhoods poses danger to everyone nearby.
These crashes often lead to:
- Wrongful death, especially in high-speed collisions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that require lifelong care
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in permanent mobility loss
- Multiple surgeries and long-term physical therapy
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety
Truck drivers who violate the rules of the road, and the companies that let them behind the wheel, must be held accountable. Legal action can help create safer practices across the industry while providing families with the support they need to heal.
Schedule a free case evaluation
Common Damages Recovered in DUI Truck Crash Cases
A DUI truck crash can cause far more than physical injuries. It can affect your livelihood, emotional well-being, and sense of security. These devastating consequences deserve full financial accountability. That’s why a personal injury claim must include both economic and non-economic damages, and in some cases, punitive or wrongful death damages as well.
Economic Damages
These damages cover the financial costs of the crash. Many victims face overwhelming bills and a sudden loss of income. A legal claim can help recover compensation for:
- Hospital bills, surgeries, and physical therapy
- Ongoing or future medical care
- Lost wages due to time away from work
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect long-term employment
- Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement
Economic damages ensure that the financial burden of your recovery doesn’t fall solely on your shoulders.
Non-Economic Damages
Some of the most painful effects of a DUI truck crash are not visible. These are the emotional and psychological consequences that impact your day-to-day life. You may be eligible for compensation related to:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or support
While no dollar amount can undo the pain, these damages help recognize the full scope of what you’re going through.
Wrongful Death Damages
When a loved one is tragically killed in a DUI truck crash, the emotional toll is immeasurable. No family should have to endure such a devastating loss—especially when it could have been prevented.
In wrongful death claims, the surviving family may be able to recover damages for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the deceased’s income or financial support
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
- Emotional suffering and grief
These cases are deeply personal and incredibly painful. If you’re facing this kind of loss, know that you’re not alone and that compassionate legal support is available to help your family seek justice and healing.
Punitive Damages
In especially severe or outrageous cases, such as those involving repeat DUI offenses or gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are not meant to cover your personal losses, but instead serve to punish the wrongdoer and help prevent similar reckless behavior in the future.
Punitive damages are often pursued when a truck driver or trucking company has shown a willful disregard for public safety.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Truck Driving Crash in Morgantown
By now, you may have received medical treatment, or you continue to undergo treatment. Either way, protecting your health and your legal rights go hand in hand. Even if the cause of the crash seems straightforward, drunk truck driving accident claims are often complicated.
Take the following measures to protect your claim:
- Hire a lawyer immediately to manage communications, protect evidence, and file critical paperwork
- Continue all medical treatments and follow your care plan to document the full scope of your injuries
- Record your pain levels and challenges in a daily journal or video log for non-economic damage claims
- Preserve physical evidence, such as damaged personal property or torn clothing from the crash
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies or giving recorded statements without legal guidance.
These actions can make the difference between a denied claim and a recovery that helps rebuild your life.
Legal Standards and Liability in West Virginia DUI Truck Accident Cases
Understanding how liability is assigned in West Virginia can help you feel more confident in your next steps. While every case is unique, state and federal regulations provide a clear legal framework.
Comparative fault in West Virginia
West Virginia follows a modified comparative fault rule under W. Va. Code § 55-7-13c. This means that you can recover compensation even if you were partly at fault—so long as your share of the blame is less than 50%. The compensation amount is reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Who can be held responsible?
In a typical Morgantown DUI truck crash case, multiple parties may share liability:
- The truck driver, for operating under the influence
- The trucking company, for negligent hiring or supervision
- A third-party maintenance company, if vehicle defects contributed to the crash
- The shipping company, in cases involving unreasonable delivery expectations
An experienced attorney will help identify every potentially liable party to strengthen your claim and increase your options for financial compensation.
Federal alcohol rules for truckers
In addition to state law, the FMCSA’s Section 392.5 prohibits alcohol consumption within four hours of going on duty or operating a commercial vehicle. A driver does not need to be legally drunk to violate this rule. Any detectable blood alcohol concentration while driving can violate federal law.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Truck Accidents in Morgantown
What is the statute of limitations for filing a DUI truck accident claim in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, most personal injury and wrongful death claims, including those from DUI truck accidents, must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. This deadline is outlined under W. Va. Code § 55-2-12. Failing to file in time may forfeit your right to pursue compensation.
What if the truck driver wasn’t legally drunk but showed signs of impairment?
Even if a driver’s BAC was below 0.04%, you may still have a valid claim if their behavior indicated impairment due to alcohol, prescription drugs, or other substances. Observations by witnesses, dashcam footage, or field sobriety tests may help prove this.
How much does it cost to hire a Morgantown truck accident attorney?
At Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing up front, and you only pay if we recover compensation for you. We also provide a free case evaluation to discuss your options.
Ready to File a Claim?
No one expects to become a victim of a drunk truck driving crash. But when it happens, the decisions you make in the days and weeks that follow can shape your recovery for better or worse. You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. The right law firm can take on the burden of investigation, negotiation, and litigation while you focus on your health and your family.
At Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, we help accident victims across Morgantown and the surrounding areas pursue meaningful legal action after being hit by impaired truck drivers. Whether your crash happened near Chestnut Ridge Park, along the Monongahela River, or on the mileground, we’re here to help.
Get Help Now from a Morgantown Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Morgantown drunk truck driving accident, don’t wait to protect your future. These cases involve large corporations, aggressive insurance carriers, and powerful defense teams. You need legal counsel that knows how to handle every aspect, from identifying liable parties to presenting compelling evidence.
Call Robinette Legal Group, PLLC at (304) 594-1800 or contact us online today for your free case evaluation with a Morgantown personal injury lawyer. We’re ready to hear your story, explain your options, and help you fight for what’s right.
Schedule a free case evaluation
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
Our Awards and Certifications
