Texas Semi Truck Accident Results in $9.5 Million Verdict

Two drivers that were involved in a near-fatal semi truck accident back in 2012 are experiencing mixed emotions after a jury verdict in their favor. On the one hand, a jury recently awarded the two drivers roughly $9.5 million after hearing their case against a semi truck driver who slammed into the back of their cars while parked at a stoplight. On the other hand, the semi-truck driver, who was speeding and intoxicated at the time of the accident, is still out there on the road because his commercial driver’s license was not revoked.

According to a report by KENS5.com, the lawsuit was filed by two unrelated parties, both of whom were hit by the semi-truck driver in Victoria, Texas, last year. One of the plaintiffs was with his family on their way to a soccer game when the semi-truck crashed into the back of their car; everyone in the family was injured.

This was not the first DWI-related offense that the semi-truck driver was involved in. The attorney for the plaintiffs asked the jury, “Who in the world would let somebody like that drive for you,” referring to A.W. Trucking, the company that had employed the truck driver.

“Driving Under the Influence” and “Driving While Intoxicated” in Texas

All Texas drivers are prohibited from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle when they are legally intoxicated. For most of us, the State of Texas has determined that the “legal limit” when it comes to blood alcohol level (BAC) is .08.

However, drivers who operate a vehicle for a living, such as truck drivers, taxi drivers, etc., are only allowed a BAC of up to .04 while they are working. This stricter standard is in place for several reasons. First, lawmakers want us to be able to trust that the “professional” drivers out there are not intoxicated; whether we are riding in the back of a taxi or next to a semi truck on the highway. Second, in many cases, these drivers are on the road for more hours than the average driver and sometimes operate large, extremely dangerous vehicles. It only makes sense that these drivers should have their wits about them.

Have You Been Injured in a Semi-Truck Accident?

Despite the fact that this is their job, sometimes semi-truck drivers blatantly ignore the laws or operate their vehicles in a negligent manner. If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a semi truck accident, you should enlist the assistance of an aggressive personal injury attorney immediately. The more time that your lawyer has to develop your case, the better the odds are that you will prevail at trial.

The dedicated and seasoned Fort Worth accident lawyers at the Law Offices of William K. Berenson have what it takes to take your case to trial. As a Board Certified Specialist in Personal Injury Trial Law for the past 20 years, Attorney Bill Berenson understands the nuances of personal injury law, especially when it comes to semi-truck accidents. Contact the Law Offices of William K. Berenson online, or call 817-855-0000 locally, or 1-888-801-8585 toll-free and schedule a free initial consultation today.

See More Blog Posts:

Fatalities And Injuries From Tractor Trailer and Truck Crashes Rising, October 9, 2013.

Hire The Best Attorney For Your 18 Wheeler Crash Case, August 27, 2013.

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