Tragedy struck Texas last year when a semi-truck driver crashed into a bus carrying North Central Texas College’s women’s softball team, and killed four students onboard. Federal investigators have recently concluded that the truck driver was most likely high on synthetic drugs at the time of the incident. His unsafe use of synthetic cannabinoids caused him to lose control of the vehicle, completely miss a right-hand curve on northbound Interstate 35, and crash into the southbound bus.
Even though synthetic drugs are not covered under current DUI testing methods, authorities discovered a pipe with synthetic marijuana residue inside the truck, and confirmed the driver’s history of drug use. Unfortunately, this devastating accident is only one example of how driving under the influence of synthetic drugs can lead to fatal results.
Why Are Synthetic Drugs Dangerous for Truck Drivers?
Like illicit drugs and certain prescription medications, synthetic chemicals can affect a driver’s decision-making ability, depth perception, hand-eye coordination, and emotional stability, when smoked or inhaled. Synthetic drugs may be regarded as even more dangerous because they can be sold over-the-counter, and are not strictly regulated by federal or Texas state laws. In addition, synthetic drugs contain chemical compounds with varied, and sometimes unknown degrees of potency. For instance, specific formulas of synthetic marijuana can turn out to be 500 times stronger than THC (the active ingredient in organic marijuana). Dangerous side effects of synthetic drugs include:
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Violent behavior
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Inability to focus or sit still
- Nausea
- Short-term memory loss
According to the FMCSA’s study on Large Truck and Bus Crash Statistics, the two primary contributors to fatal truck accidents are drowsy driving and driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Due to long and frequently overnight working hours, commercial truck drivers may be tempted to use synthetic drugs to stay awake on the road. However, they may also be unaware of the risks involved, especially when synthetic formulas are constantly changing. Drug intoxication can cause a driver to lose control of the wheel, and end in a serious road collision.
Truck Accidents in Houston
Tragic truck accidents can happen to even the safest Houston drivers. When you or your loved one has suffered a motor vehicle crash due to a driver being under the influence of drugs, or another factor of negligence, you are probably dealing with traumatic consequences. Collisions with large commercial vehicles often result in broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis, severe burns or other disfiguration. If injured, you will most likely have to pay for hefty medical expenses, and may also be forced to take significant time off work.
How Our Team of Houston Trucking Accident Lawyers Can Help You
The good news is that you do not have to handle the aftermath on your own. The experienced team of Houston trucking accident lawyers at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. is here to help. We believe that victims of trucking accidents should not be held responsible for the damages they have suffered because of another’s negligence, and we will do whatever it takes to recover the compensation that you deserve. At The Krist Law Firm, P.C., our skilled personal injury attorneys will guide you through each step of the legal proceeding until all avenues are exhausted. Rest assured, we do not charge any fees unless you receive a financial recovery.
Call The Krist Law Firm, P.C. at (281) 283-8500 to set up a free, one-on-one, case consultation, and start your journey to recovery today.