The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has conducted a study that documented the roles played by alcohol and drugs in large truck-related accidents. One aspect of this study involved large truck accidents in which the driver of the truck was fatally injured. Here, it was shown that 1/3 of those truck drivers, who were killed in an accident, tested positive for drugs or alcohol.

The relationship between drug use and fatigues was also cited as a major issue. A common cause of large truck accidents is driver fatigue. As a result, drivers will resort to the use of methamphetamines and other types of stimulants in order to counter the effects of fatigue. Furthermore, the NTSB was able to show a strong relationship between drug use and violations of maximum continuous driving regulations.

Alcohol and drug impairment is an issue for all drivers to be concerned with. However, added to that, the damage that can be caused by an 18-wheeler and you have a recipe for disaster. Beginning in the early 1990’s the NTSB tightened regulations involving on-the-job alcohol and drug use by drivers of large trucks. Besides prohibiting substance use, it also mandated pre-employment drug screenings and random drug testing.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

DUI accident injuries can require expensive medical treatment and physical rehabilitation that can result in lost earnings. To find out more about compensation for a DWI- related injury, you may wish to consult with Lubbock, TX accident attorneys Todd Elias and Steven J. Gordon at their Houston, Texas office.

]]> http://longislandinjurylawyer.net/alcohol-and-drug-abuse-among-drivers/feed/ 3 http://longislandinjurylawyer.net/truck-accidents-and-personal-injuries/ http://longislandinjurylawyer.net/truck-accidents-and-personal-injuries/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:11:26 +0000 Admin http://longislandinjurylawyer.net/?p=75 Tens of thousands of truck accidents occur each year in the United States, and the rate is rising. There are over one hundred thousand injuries suffered in truck accidents and thousands of deaths. The victim is usually the driver of the smaller vehicle rather than the truck driver. This is due to the sheer difference in size between a commercial truck and the average passenger car, as a truck is about forty times larger than a car.

Truck accidents happen for many different reasons. Trucks may be poorly maintained and can crash due to faulty brakes or tires. The driver may be intoxicated or sleepy and unable to safely operate the truck. Some truck accidents occur due to bad roads including potholes and guardrails that are installed incorrectly. Sometimes drivers misjudge the angle of a ramp or turn and roll the truck over on another vehicle. For whatever the reason, truck accidents can cause devastating personal injuries.

The most serious personal injuries result in death. A person could be crushed or they could suffer a fatal head injury. They may die due to loss of blood or oxygen deprivation. There can be any number of reasons a victim dies immediately or soon after an accident with a truck.

Other personal injuries do not result in death but can be life threatening. These victims will be rushed to the hospital where they may undergo surgery. They may sustain severe head injuries or have multiple broken bones. Doctors may find that there is extensive damage to the internal organs. These victims may die or may eventually recover enough to leave the hospital. This recovery may be complete and they are able to return to their normal life or they may be permanently disabled.

Some victims of truck accidents appear to have no serious injuries. They may claim to feel fine and be tempted to refuse medical care. However, it is important that all accident victims get examined by an EMT or physician. They could have internal injuries that are not readily apparent. They may have a severe brain injury that is not obvious at first. If the truck carried hazardous fuel or cargo they may have respiratory injuries that may seem mild but could develop in the next few hours or days. Any person who has been involved in a truck accident should seek immediate medical care even if they appear to be perfectly fine.

Another reason to seek medical care after a truck accident is to ensure that the victim’s medical condition after the collision is documented. If a victim refuses care and then a hidden injury becomes apparent days later the defendant’s attorney could argue that the injury is not connected to the accident. It is best in any type of truck accident to seek medical care. If there are hidden injuries the hospital should be able to find them and give proper treatment. The hospital and doctor will also have records and documentation of the injuries in case the accident claim goes to trial.

This article is not intended as legal advice.

Related Web Pages: For more information about truck accident injuries please visit TruckAccidentLaw.org.