Driving large semi-trucks isn’t for everyone. It takes an immense amount of responsibility, awareness, and endurance. The hours are long and monotonous, traffic makes highways an obstacle course, and turning is always hazardous. When a large truck is involved in an accident, they usually cause catastrophic injuries and death. Recently an impaired truck driver killed a passenger and seriously injured the driver in a head-on collision. The careless and selfish acts of the truck driver are inexcusable.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to a truck driver’s negligent actions, you need a truck accident attorney in Pacific Northwest, Washington. Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys have extensive experience with large truck collisions and impaired drivers. When you need an exceptional Pacific Northwest truck accident attorney, call Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys today.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Respond to Trucker’s DUI Charges in Fatal Crash
Travis Lee Tolliver has been shut down by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, FMCSA, following the accident he caused while intoxicated. Tolliver was traveling down Route 23 in Wise County, Virginia, in the wrong direction. Highway patrol estimates he traveled approximately 2 miles before crashing into a car head-on. The passenger of the vehicle was killed while the driver sustained severe injuries.
At the hospital, Tolliver refused to provide a blood sample for testing. The Commonwealth of Virginia charged Tolliver with;
- Manslaughter under aggravated circumstances
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol/narcotic drug
- Unreasonably and unlawfully refusing to give a sample of blood after arrest
The FMCSA conducted an investigation that yielded some disturbing finds:
- Tolliver failed to maintain records of duty status
- Exceeded the on-duty driving hours on multiple occasions
- Each violation carries a $1,895 civil penalty
According to FMCSA, Tolliver may not operate a commercial truck until he completes a required return-to-work process. The process involves being overseen by a substance abuse professional.
Impaired Driving on Washington’s Roads
Drivers of large commercial trucks have a duty to drive sober along with the rest of the country’s motorists. However, the statistics for impaired driving are alarming. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission;
- Impaired drivers cause 50% of motor accidents
- Another 25,619 are arrested due to impaired driving
For truck drivers, if they have a blood alcohol content of 0.04, they are legally impaired. The percentage of truck accident fatalities involving an impaired truck driver is relatively low at 3.6%. If an impaired truck driver has injured you or someone you know, please call a dedicated truck driving accident attorney at Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys.
Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys Is Here for You, Washington
While impaired truck driving is rare in Washington, truckers are human. One wrong decision can change you and your family’s lives forever. When you or someone you love need a Pacific Northwest truck accident attorney, call Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys today. You can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 800-529-0842.
