A Bee Branch man has been charged with homicide after the log truck he was driving flipped over on U.S. 65 in Clinton, injuring 19 individuals and killing two construction workers, according to officials. The driver appeared in Van Buren County Circuit Court where he was charged with six counts of second-degree battery, 10 counts of first-degree battery, and two counts of negligent homicide.
Man Faces Charges in Arkansas Semi Truck Accident
The June 2, 2014 Arkansas semi truck accident occurred when one of the tires on the truck blew out, causing the cargo to shift and the truck to overturn, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The arrest affidavit states that the driver’s behavior immediately following the incident resembled someone under the influence of alcohol, and he was transported to a nearby facility for blood testing.
According to the state Crime Laboratory, the driver’s blood was positive for meth. The affidavit states that anyone commits negligent homicide if he or she is negligently causes the death of another, not constituting manslaughter or murder, due to the operation of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
While the driver is facing criminal charges, he may also be facing civil lawsuits as well. Similar to the case of Ethan Couch, the teenager who killed four people and hurt two others when he stole his father’s truck and drove while intoxicated, the outcome of a criminal case is not relevant to a civil lawsuit that could be brought against the defendant. The case of a Wisconsin man who was hit by a drunk driver is also an example of a criminal case with potential civil liability charges.
In a civil case, an individual is judged not on whether his or her actions were illegal, but instead on whether these actions are considered to be malicious, reckless, or negligent. If they are and someone is injured as a result of these actions, the defendant may be responsible for compensating the injured party for the damages or losses incurred such as pain and suffering, lost wages, or medical expenses.
Have You Been Involved in an Arkansas Semi Truck Accident?
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an Arkansas semi truck accident and you believe that negligence was to blame, please contact the Arkansas Injury Attorney Group today. We provide free case evaluations to help victims determine whether they have a case. If we find that you are eligible to recover damages for your injuries, we can put you in touch with an affiliated Arkansas semi truck accident attorney who can help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
