Alcohol Use May Have Contributed to Tractor-Trailer Accident
A tractor-trailer accident recently occurred in Elk Grove, which ended with the arrest of the driver. The collision, which involved no other vehicles, happened on southbound Interstate 5 close to Elk Grove Boulevard around 1:00 in the morning. According to the police report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver lost control of his rig, which flipped onto its side and lost its load of hay on the roadside.
Truck Driver Arrested Following Tractor-Trailer Accident
While investigating the crash, it was determined by police that the driver might have been under the influence of alcohol, and the trucker was placed under arrest. The driver was uninjured in the collision.
Alcohol Use by Truck Drivers
Truck drivers have to comply with state and federal regulations in the operation of a big rig. This is because of the large size and weight of the vehicles, which present a significant danger of a tractor-trailer accident to others on the roadway. Having an alcohol level of 0.04 percent or higher is considered a major violation under regulations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Even a first conviction means the truck driver could spend a year in jail and lose their license, among others. A second conviction means the trucker would lose their CDL license for life under both federal and California law.
Common Infractions by Truck Drivers
Truck drivers, just like other motorists, commit infractions that can lead to a tractor-trailer accident. These may include:
- Distracted driving: This is a major problem with truckers who spend long hours on the road and become bored. Texting or speaking on the phone takes the driver’s focus off the road and leads to many accidents.
- Drug use: Most truckers do not drink alcohol while driving because of the serious repercussions if they are caught. However, the use of over the counter and prescription medications is more common. These include stimulants and pain relievers that may give the trucker a temporary boost.
- Speeding: Getting from one location to another is financially advantageous to a trucker since they get paid by the load. This can lead to many truck-related accidents.
Investigating a Truck Accident
Because those who drive a big rig are governed by state and federal regulations, and the vehicle is much different than a passenger car, the cases are more complicated to investigate. Fortunately, our team of injury attorneys and investigators are adept at successfully handling truck accidents. Our investigators:
- Check to see if any federal or state regulations were broken, such as hours of service and rest breaks
- Review the police report for errors and speak to the witnesses to get their accounts of the tractor-trailer accident
- Perform forensic reconstruction, which details how the tractor-trailer accident happened and can point toward who was at fault
- Look for traffic and road surveillance cameras that could have captured the accident on tape
- Check the big rig’s maintenance records to see if defects or lack of proper repairs contributed to the tractor-trailer accident
- Look at the company’s background to see if accidents were reported previously that pointed toward negligence
- Check the trucker’s driving record to look for infractions, tickets, and previous accidents
Elk Grove Truck Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, and I’m an Elk Grove truck accident lawyer. When a negligent trucker causes your accident injuries, you may be able to claim fair compensation. Give me a call at (916) 694-0002 or by using the long-distance line at (800) 404-5400. You can also connect with me online.
You can discover more about my law practice below:
It is an honor for me to be a member of:
My law firm has helped Elk Grove residents since 1982 in obtaining the compensation they deserve for their traffic accidents, wrongful deaths, and all types of traumatic injuries. Phone us to find out how we can help you.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/truck-semi-truck-semi-truck-desert-1499377/
:cd llo [cs 687]