Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers: Truck Driver Suffers Diabetic Episode, Nearly Crashes
December 30, 2015
A Nebraska deputy is being credited with saving a semi truck driver from certain disaster that could have injured or killed several people. The incident happened in the early afternoon of December 2, 2015 when police responded to reports of a large truck driving recklessly along the highway. The deputy became concerned when the driver failed to pull the truck over despite repeated requests. The truck was travelling at a slow rate of speed when the deputy realized that the truck driver was unconscious at the wheel. Police dash cam video captured images of the deputy as he heroically leaped onto the moving semi and took control of stopping the truck before it crashed off a busy viaduct bridge. Later, it was announced that the truck driver had been suffering from a diabetic reaction that caused him to lose consciousness behind the wheel of his big rig.
Truck Drivers with Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects how the body regulates sugar (glucose) in the blood, causing blood sugar levels to become too high. Over time or without proper management, diabetes can cause a number of disabling or even life-threatening complications. Long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney disease and vision problems.
Many people with diabetes must take insulin or other medications to lower their blood sugar level. Sometimes, a person’s blood sugar level can become too low – a condition known as hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness, shakiness, confusion, headache and poor concentration. If not recognized and treated immediately, hypoglycemia symptoms can quickly become severe, resulting in loss of consciousness, seizures or coma.
The long- and short-term effects of uncontrolled blood sugar can be extremely dangerous for people with diabetes. Any of these complications can have a negative effect on a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. For this reason, the FMCSA requires commercial truck drivers who use insulin to manage their diabetes to secure a special exemption. To qualify for the exemption, drivers must pass a thorough medical exam. They must also be evaluated by an endocrinologist and have their vision checked by an ophthalmologist. Once granted, the exemption is valid for a maximum of two years. During that time, the driver must be monitored quarterly and annually and report medical findings to the FMCSA.
Unfortunately, sometimes truck drivers and the trucking companies they work for fail to comply with federal regulations. The consequence of this type of negligence can be devastating to innocent truck accident victims and their families. A qualified Maryland trucking accident lawyer can help to ease the financial burden placed on truck crash victims by locating the person or persons responsible and then hold them accountable.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Fight for Victims of Negligence
Truck accident cases are extremely complicated. At LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, our trucking accident lawyers have the resources to find out what caused the wreck and the skills to build a compelling case that will help victims recover maximum compensation. To arrange a free consultation with one of our seasoned Maryland truck accident lawyers, submit an online contact form or call 800-547-4LAW (4529) today. A qualified member of our legal team is available to take your call 24 hours a day.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.
