After the deaths of a family of a four, including two teens, in a commercial truck accident on April 13, the driver was ordered to operate commercial vehicles within Texas borders by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The big-rig operator supposedly admitted that he consumed two cans of beer prior to the fatal accident as he drove down the wrong side of the freeway. He remains in custody pending the payment of $1 million bail for four counts of manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol.
Authorities with the Texas Department of Public Safety did not say whether his commercial driver’s license is still valid. However, the FMCSA carries the power to pull commercial driving rights in some situations. Five other drivers have also been placed on restrictions in the state thus far in 2013. Federal regulations place tough sanctions against those who operate a truck or bus while drinking. The same regulations mandate that any company that hires commercial drivers perform random drug and alcohol tests on employees in order to help keep the public safe.
The agency pulled his out-of-state driving privileges as they consider the truck driver a danger to the community. His employers did not comment on the incident, the driver’s employment record or on the actions taken against him.
After a fatal accident that involves wrongful death, family members will want to hold someone accountable for the loss of their loved ones. Although the commercial truck driver faces criminal charges and has received serious professional sanctions, the family could also file a civil lawsuit to against the responsible parties. A personal injury lawyer might be able to help with determining financial losses and requesting damages for pain and suffering related to the wrongful death.
Source: My San Antonio.com, “Driver in fatal crash banned from commercial travel outside Texas“, Ana Ley, May 23, 2013
