Report: Truckers’ Hidden Health Issues May Endanger Others

A Kansas truck accident lawyer notes a report that suggests it may be easy for truckers or any commercial driver to conceal medical conditions that might make them unfit to drive. When fault on the part of truck drivers or trucking companies results in injury or death, victims may be eligible to recover compensation with the help of a Kansas truck accident attorney.

For more information, contact Attorney Group for Kansas. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated truck accident lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.

The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.Get Help Now.

Report: Honest Medical Answers May End a Trucker’s Career

According to a cbsnews investigation, the system that is used to check that truckers and commercial drivers are medically qualified to operate their vehicles may allow many drivers to hide dangerous medical conditions. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the agency that regulates interstate commercial vehicles, requires commercial drivers to pass health screenings, but these screenings often depend on drivers providing accurate, honest information. As CBS News found, some drivers may endanger others by failing to disclose medical problems.

Regulators overhauled the system in 2014 and have disqualified roughly 70,000 truckers since then, out of some 8.5 million. But even the government admits at its core, the process requires a trucker to be honest about something that could cost him his job.

Most authorities don’t track the number of commercial vehicle crashes that happen because of driver medical conditions that should have been discovered or disclosed previously. In 2013 and 2014, at least 400 such accidents occurred. However, the overall number of crashes in which a driver’s medical problems play an unidentified role is likely even higher. The Department of Transportation (DOT) says safety is its top priority and fraudulently obtaining a medical certificate is illegal. The American Trucking Association has called aspects of the DOT program troubling and in need of further reform, the website reported.

How a Kansas Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to make sure that they operate and maintain their vehicles in a safe manner. If this duty is not fulfilled, a semi truck accident may occur, and the truck driver or trucking company can be held liable for injuries that may result.

Drivers or passengers who are injured in a semi truck accident may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:

  • Medical Expenses
  • Lost Wages
  • Pain and Suffering

The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.

The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.

For more information, contact Attorney Group for Kansas. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.

After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.

Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.

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