Commercial drivers bear significant responsibility when operating large vehicles on public roads. Due to this heightened duty, they must comply with strict regulations following any accident. One common question arises in these scenarios: must a driver undergo drug testing after a crash?
When drug testing is required
Federal regulations mandate drug and alcohol testing under specific conditions involving commercial vehicle accidents. Authorities require testing if the crash results in a fatality. Testing also becomes necessary if law enforcement issues a citation and the incident causes bodily injury or disables a vehicle to the point of requiring towing. These tests aim to determine whether impairment contributed to the incident.
What substances drivers are tested for
Drug screenings evaluate the presence of substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, opioids, and certain prescription drugs known to impair cognitive or motor function. Separate alcohol testing follows similar protocols. Regulations impose strict timelines. Testing must occur within a few hours post-incident, depending on the substance in question.
Who conducts the testing and why
Employers bear responsibility for coordinating drug and alcohol testing with certified laboratories or licensed medical professionals. These screenings serve to establish whether substance use influenced the driver’s behavior at the time of the crash. Test outcomes carry implications for insurance liability, employment status, and civil or criminal litigation. Drivers who refuse testing face legal consequences tantamount to those following a confirmed positive result.
If a commercial vehicle strikes your vehicle, the driver’s drug test results can influence how liability is assessed. A positive result alone does not establish fault, but it strongly supports allegations of impaired driving. Attorneys and insurers often rely on these findings to shape arguments, assign responsibility, and determine appropriate compensation.