Many individuals across the country are employed by the trucking industry. Individuals are able to earn their wages by traveling routes to make deliveries and perform other tasks. These employees also have certain regulations that they are required to follow in order to ensure their safety and the safety of other travelers. If drivers do not adhere to these regulations, truck accidents could result.
Though there are regulations for truck drivers, some individuals may not believe that there are enough rules. An Illinois accident that occurred earlier this year and resulted in the death of five individuals brought about concern after it was found out that the truck driver was legally blind in one eye and that it was legal for him to continue operating as a truck driver. This particular case has caused much concern over whether more strict regulations should be put in place regarding driver vision requirements and other trucking rules.
Though the driver may not have been breaking any laws due to his vision, it was determined that he falsified his driving logs, which is against trucking regulations. Because the accident resulted in multiple deaths, the truck driver faces criminal charges and his court date is set for next month. The prosecution team involved in the case believe that the driver did not pay enough attention to his speed and the other hazards while in a construction zone and that his lack of vision in one eye hindered his ability to be a safe driver.
Truck accidents can have serious repercussions for the relatives of the victims. Though the surviving family members of the victims in this Illinois accident may not be able to seek a civil case while the driver’s criminal case is ongoing, they may wish to do so after the current proceedings come to a close. If the driver is found guilty during his criminal trial, those results could potentially be used as evidence for a wrongful death case. A successful case could possibly allow loved ones of the victims to be awarded compensation for their losses and other damages.
Source: news-gazette.com, “Deadly crash involving Urbana family puts safety push into question“, Noelle McGee, Sept. 14, 2014