Because of the sheer size of trucks and tractor-trailers, they have the potential to do serious harm when they are involved in a motor vehicle accident. As a result, the drivers are held to a higher standard. Sadly, a fatal accident took place recently. The accident resulted in the death of one man and placed five others in the hospital. One of those hospitalized is an 11-year-old boy who was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Right now, it is unknown if these injuries are going to result in lifelong medical complications for the child.
At the time of the accident, the big-rig truck was headed west during the morning rush-hour. All of a sudden, the truck crossed the double-yellow lines into oncoming traffic. As it crossed those lines, it struck another vehicle, killing the driver of that vehicle. The 11-year-old boy was injured in this same collision. After this collision, the truck continued and sideswiped a minivan. All occupants in the minivan were taken to the hospital for treatment as well. According to information from David Boehrer Law Firm, “when 18-wheelers crash, they typically leave catastrophic injuries in their wake.” Sometimes, these injuries can lead to complications that last for the rest of someone’s life. Some of the most common injuries that result from truck accidents include spinal cord damage, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and damage to internal organs. Sometimes, these injuries can even be fatal.
Of note, the driver of the truck also sustained some minor injuries in the accident. He was taken to the hospital for treatment first. Then, he was taken to the local jail. The driver was booked on charges of driving under the influence. A DUI charge can mean the driver was under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.
When someone makes the decision to operate a motor vehicle while impaired, the judgment and inhibition is often compromised. Alcohol can make it difficult for someone to take evasive action in the face of changing road conditions. This places not only the driver of the vehicle but others on the road at risk. Furthermore, alcohol and other drugs (such as benzodiazepines) can make people drowsy behind the wheel of the vehicle. If someone falls asleep while driving, they will lose control of their vehicle, placing others at risk.
These are only a few of the many risks that come with operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When someone drives a truck while under the influence, the risks are only magnified due to the size of the vehicle. As seen in this accident, the results can sometimes be catastrophic. While some injuries can be treated and lead to a full recovery, others can lead to complications that might last the rest of someone’s life. Finally, as this accident showed, some collisions can even be fatal.
