Truck Driver Faces Consequences After Fatal Crash In San Antonio

On behalf of Lovett Law Firm posted in Truck Accidents on Friday, May 24, 2013.

A 60-year-old Carrollton truck driver involved in a fatal truck accident last month on I-90 will reportedly be losing his ability to make interstate movements. Following an investigation conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the man was banned from driving commercial vehicles outside of Texas. That accident resulted in the death of a family that had been travelling in an SUV.

The driver allegedly told police that he had drank two 16-ounce cans of beer prior to the wreck. He was subsequently charged with four counts of intoxication manslaughter. At the time of the crash, he held a commercial driver’s license.

It isn’t clear yet whether the driver’s license is still active, but the Department of Public Safety has said that the agency has the authority to strip a driver of commercial driving privileges.

Of course, it is a violation of federal regulations for truck and bus drivers to operate a commercial vehicle under the influence of federal law. Federal safety regulations also say that truck and bus companies employing commercial drivers should conduct random drug and alcohol testing programs.

Other federal regulations apply to truck and bus drivers, and they are bound to obey these under certain penalties. Those who are harmed in an accident resulting from the failure to observe federal safety regulations can and do recover damages from such drivers. In pursuing such cases, it is important for the plaintiff’s attorney to understand not only the relevant regulations and laws, but also how to present the case effectively and advocate for the best possible outcome.

Source: Driver in fatal crash banned from commercial travel outside Texas,” Ana Ley, May 22, 2013.