The thought of anyone getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle in a serious state of intoxication is frightening, but when the vehicle in question is a big rig truck, the dangers are even more profound. And even with the risks being so extreme, there are truck drivers who will take to the roads of Pennsylvania while under the influence of alcohol and drugs and the results are sadly predictable.
Recently in Pike County, a Pennsylvania State Police sergeant was hit by a semi-truck that was being operated by an intoxicated driver. A police report indicates that the truck driver, a 47-year-old man, has been arrested and now faces a variety of charges.
According to a report, there were two state police cars parked on the shoulder of the right side of a highway. The truck driver lost control of his rig and struck one of the police cars, which in turn struck the police sergeant who was standing behind the other police car.
After the accident, another state police officer interacted with the truck driver, who the officer said smelled of alcohol and was slurring his words. A search of the truck revealed the presence of a substantial amount of cocaine and heroin as well as syringes and empty liquor bottles. The driver was charged with causing the accident while driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs as well as drug possession-related crimes.
Of course, a truck driver could be held liable for such an accident, but depending on the circumstances, so too could the driver’s employer. So if you are injured in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, you may want to explore all your possible options for pursuing compensation. A Pennsylvania truck accident attorney could investigate the incident and advise you on the best route to appropriate recompense.