Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only leethal for drivers but it is also equally dangerous for other lives and livelihoods. For truck drivers the accident due to the influence of drugs not only results in immediate legal consequences but also impacts the insurance coverage and their financial stability. In India, driving vehicle (any) under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. 

Understanding the limitations for insurance coverage in drunk driving accidents is crucial to safeguard oneself and others common users on the road. 

Insurance Coverage After a Drunk Driving Accident

The Scenario 

Imagine driving a big vehicle with several tons of weight in the narrow line of a busy highway. And the driver of the vehicle is intoxicated with

Insurance Coverage after a Drunk Driving Accident

alcohol which makes vision blurred and also slows down his reflexes. This is a potential risk for the driver vehicle and the other common users of the road because due to the influence of alcohol that driver will feel it challenging to respond immediately to any unexpected obstacle in the road. This impairment not only becomes fatal for drivers life but also poses significant danger to other road users. 

Exclusion in Insurance 

Many truck drivers operate under the drug influence, have a misunderstanding that their comprehensive insurance policy will offer safety under all accidents. But there is a critical exclusion when an accident occurs when the driver is under influence of alcohol or drugs. 

This will not be covered under the insurance. The insurance companies often include this clause, that there won’t be any coverage if the driver is found intoxicated. This means that any damage caused for the vehicle, for third party liability and medical expenses from such accidents will not be covered under insurance, it should be borne by the driver or vehicle owner. 

Legal Formalities

The Indian judiciary system has witnessed cases that highlight the complexities surrounding insurance claims in drunk driving accidents. For example, a motor accident claim tribunal in Mumbai ruled that insurance companies cannot take over the responsibility of paying insurance, if the driver of the vehicle is drunk. 

But conversely a consumer commission in Dehradun upheld an insurance company decision to reject the insurance claim after it was proven that the driver was under the influence of drugs during the accident. These contradicting judgement underscore the variability in legal proceedings and risk of drunk driving accidents. 

Financial Problems 

Let’s keep aside legal formalities and policies. The absence of insurance coverage will result in overwhelming expenses for truck drivers and

Insurance Coverage after a Drunk Driving Accident

vehicle owners. They need to bear the complete expense for damaged vehicles, pay all the medical bills, pay the compensation claims from third parties and other potential legal expenses. These kinds of unexpected financial burdens can lead to severe economic problems, even bankruptcy. 

Caution! 

Not every time the driver will drink and drive just for the sake, most of the time the seasoned driver who went for a long haul will decide to consume some alcohol before starting the return journey. The person always believes that he is in control and he may not indulge in accidents. But due to unexpected sequences he had an accident and during investigation it is revealed that he was under alcohol influence. Insurance company suddenly refused to provide insurance and he should be liable to all expenses and facing legal problems. This is a real life scenario of a driver who had an accident due to influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Conclusion 

For truck drivers the messages are very clear: Restrict yourself from alcohol consumption before and after driving, just for the sake of a few minutes of happiness you cannot put yourself and others life in danger. Also financial burden is a big threat. By choosing to drive under the influence of alcohol, a driver not only puts his life in danger but also some innocent life. So it is the driver’s responsibility to drive cautiously and not indulge in any illegal activities. 

Drivers sober, stay safe, and uphold the honor of your profession