Truckers must have medical clearance before getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) insists on this clearance so drivers with medical conditions that might contribute to problems handling a big rig don't put themselves and others in danger.
High blood pressure is one of the medical conditions that could, in some cases, result in a large truck accident. A driver with high blood pressure may be asymptomatic until the situation is severe. At that point, a person with high blood pressure could have headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and other symptoms which make driving dangerous. In worst case scenarios, a trucker’s high blood pressure might result in a heart attack or stroke while he or she is behind the wheel.
High blood pressure may be treated with medication, but it might have significant side effects that interfere with safe driving. Medication side effects often interfere with a truck operator's coordination, attention, reaction time, and overall ability to drive safely.
For these reasons, commercial drivers must report high blood pressure on FMCSA's medical examination report forms. Their medical providers must also record blood pressure readings on the same form. However, a high blood pressure diagnosis or high blood pressure treatment will not necessarily prevent someone from getting medical approval and obtaining a commercial driver’s license. Some truckers with high blood pressure will end up on the road.
Why a Full Truck Accident Investigation is Necessary
You can’t be expected to know a trucker’s medical conditions when a crash occurs. However, if a full accident investigation is done, you can find out if his high blood pressure or another medical condition caused your truck crash.
Our experienced truck accident lawyers know what questions to ask in interrogatories and depositions, and what documents to request from the driver and the transportation company employer. We'll find out why your accident happened, and then fight hard to secure a fair financial recovery that includes compensation for past and future medical costs, lost income, physical pain, emotional suffering, and other damages.
Start a live chat with Steven M. Lee, PC today to begin protecting your rights.
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How a Trucker's High Blood Pressure Can Cause Your Truck Crash Injury
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