Accidents involving commercial trucks are often more serious than those involving smaller vehicles. Cases of truck driver impairment can only make these types of incidents worse. One Missouri family is struggling with the loss of a loved one after one such accident involving a drunk driver.

A Missouri truck driver was recently sentenced to four years in prison after his involvement in an accident that lead to the death of a 49-year-old woman. According to authorities, drunk driving was the ultimate cause of the accident. Reports indicate that the driver pleaded guilty to the charges of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of assault.

The accident occurred in Platte Co. and was clearly the result of driving under the influence. The blood alcohol limit for commercial truck drivers is .04, and the truck driver in this accident had a level of .116 at the time, which is nearly three times the legal limit. This, in addition to speeding, caused him to cross the center line of the road and hit the victim’s vehicle, resulting in her death.

Though the man was sentenced to prison, the victim’s family may still wish to pursue a wrongful death claim in civil court. Should the claim be successful, they could then be compensated for any medical or funeral costs as well as any other expenses related to the accident. Other Missouri families who have lost a loved one due to truck driver impairment have the right to consult a personal injury attorney to file a wrongful death claim.

Source: fox2now.com, “Missouri truck driver pleads guilty in fatal car accident“, Feb. 20, 2017