Tractor Trailer Crash Closes Interstate 40 in Guilford County, NC
Fort Mill, SC Personal Injury Lawyer
A tractor trailer carrying 25,000 pounds of baby formula crashed into a bridge pillar in Guilford County, according to a news report. The crash caused miles of delay and resulted in the closure of I-40 East for several hours. The driver was able to get out of the truck before it was engulfed by flames. The driver, Randall Scott, has been charged with reckless driving. He apparently told highway patrol that he had a medical condition and blacked out before striking the bridge pillar.
Truck Driver Medical Conditions
The health of the driver is one of the many different factors in determining why truck accidents occur. Commercial truck drivers have to meet certain health qualifications in order to obtain and keep a commercial driver’s license and ensure that they are healthy enough for the job. They are required to obtain and maintain a medical examiner’s certificate that provides details about any health conditions they may have, and if they fail to update this certificate every three years, their commercial driver’s licenses may be revoked.
Driving large trucking rigs is a rigorous job that puts a strain on drivers’ health. Some of the health conditions prevalent among long-haul commercial drivers are obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Additionally, obese and diabetic drivers also have a higher chance of hypertension and other vision and hearing issues. This may play a role in determining who is liable for injuries caused by a tractor trailer.
Medical Conditions and Vehicle Accidents
There are certain medical conditions that can affect a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. These conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, poor eyesight, and seizure disorders, may result in limitations being placed on an individual’s driver’s license depending upon severity. If the impairment is severe, it can be a determining factor when trying to ascertain the liability of an individual who is involved in a vehicle accident.
Generally, if a person knows that he or she has a medical condition that may strike at any time while driving, then he or she may be held negligent if an accident occurs. However, there are preexisting medical conditions that go undiscovered until after the accident. Someone who has never experienced the symptoms of a medical condition might be able to claim the defense of a sudden emergency and be able to mitigate or entirely avoid liability for an accident. This requires extensive medical documentation, and being able to prove it in court often requires a lot of complex evidence and expert testimony.
Drivers are required to exercise reasonable care when getting behind the wheel of a car. This becomes an even greater responsibility with tractor trailers because they can cause severe to fatal injuries if involved in a crash. This reasonable care includes being aware of any health conditions and acting accordingly. If you have been injured in a truck accident and believe that it was caused by the negligent actions of the truck driver and/or the trucking company, the attorneys at Bice Law, LLC may be able to help you seek compensation. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Bice Law:
The personal injury firm of Bice Law will examine your case to determine the type and amount of damages that your injury warrants, including payments for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any permanent disability. We’ll determine whether an out-of-court settlement or trial is the best strategy to obtain maximum benefits for you or your family. If you have suffered injury or harm because of someone else’s actions, take the first step to protect your legal rights – contact the personal injury firm of Bice Law serving both North and South Carolina. You only have a limited time after your injury to file a claim, so act quickly. Call 877-BICE-877 today or submit an online request to get a free consultation with a personal injury attorney. We serve families across both North Carolina and South Carolina.
