Medical conditions of big rig and bus drivers have become a significant factor in many accidents resulting in personal injury and wrongful death. For this reason, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is now requiring certain bus and semi-trailer truck drivers to provide medical information to their state driver’s license agencies (SDLA).
Starting on January 30, 2012, all commercial drivers’ license (CDL) holders subject to FMCSA regulations (generally, those who drive in interstate commerce) must provide information to their SDLA regarding the type of commercial motor vehicle they drive, or expect to drive, with their CDL. Drivers operating in certain types of commerce will be required to submit a current medical examiner’s certificate to their SDLA to obtain a “certified” medical status as part of their driving record. In addition states are
requiring certain intrastate commercial vehicle drivers to provide similar medical information to obtain “certified” medical status.
CDL holders required to have a “certified” medical status who fail to provide and keep up-to-date their medical examiner’s certificate with their SDLA will become “not-certified” and they may lose their CDL. A claim for punitive damages against a driver and trucking company may arise if a driver without “certified” medical status causes an accident.
In general, all commercial motor carrier drivers (truck and bus drivers) driving in interstate commerce within the United States must obtain medical certification from a Medical Examiner. To obtain certification, the driver must be medically qualified to drive the vehicle safely and to perform the other duties (pre and post trip safety inspections, for example) that are required for safe travel.
Attorney Eric Hageman is available for a free consultation regarding an accident caused, at least in part, by a bus or semi truck driver’s medical condition. Call Eric at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or email him at eric@pritzkerlaw.com.
Medical conditions can lead to heart attack, stroke, falling asleep at the wheel, and other situations that can cause the driver to lose control of the bus or semi-trailer truck and have an accident. We have handled cases for people injured in this type of situation, and we applaud FMCSA for recognizing this growing problem. Let us know what you think.
