Commercial truck drivers are responsible for operating some of the largest and most dangerous vehicles on the road, which is one reason why the FMCSA sets strict medical standards that every driver must meet before they’re allowed to get behind the wheel. These requirements apply to truck drivers operating in Illinois and throughout the country.
If you were injured in a truck accident in Illinois, the driver’s medical fitness is one of the things worth looking into. A driver who shouldn’t have been on the road for medical reasons may have put your life at risk, and the trucking company that allowed it could share the blame. Consulting an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer can help ensure you take the right steps to seek fair compensation.
What Are the Medical Requirements for Truck Drivers?
Every commercial truck driver must pass a physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry. The exam must be renewed every two years, though drivers with certain conditions may be required to get recertified more often.
During the exam, the medical examiner evaluates whether the driver is physically capable of safely operating a commercial vehicle.
Some of the key areas the exam covers include:
- Vision, which must meet a minimum standard of 20/40 in each eye with or without correction
- Hearing, which must be sufficient to perceive a forced whisper at five feet or more
- Blood pressure and cardiovascular health
- Blood sugar levels and diabetes management
- Respiratory function
- Musculoskeletal fitness, including strength and range of motion
- Neurological health, including any history of seizures
If the examiner determines that a driver meets all of the standards, they’ll issue a medical certificate that the driver must keep current. Without a valid certificate, the driver cannot legally operate a commercial motor vehicle.
What Conditions Can Disqualify a Truck Driver?
Certain medical conditions can disqualify a driver from holding a commercial driver’s license either temporarily or permanently. Some of the most common disqualifying conditions include:
- Uncontrolled epilepsy or a history of seizures within the past year
- Insulin-dependent diabetes without an approved exemption from the FMCSA
- Vision that falls below the minimum standard even with corrective lenses
- Hearing loss that doesn’t meet the minimum threshold
- Cardiovascular conditions like a recent heart attack
- Respiratory conditions that impair the driver’s ability to stay alert
- Use of certain medications that cause drowsiness and impair reaction time
Some of these conditions can be managed with treatment, in which case the driver may be recertified once their condition is under control. Others, particularly uncontrolled seizure disorders, result in an outright disqualification until the driver can demonstrate a sustained period without episodes.
How Do Medical Violations Affect a Truck Accident Claim in Illinois?
If a truck driver who caused your accident had a medical condition that should have kept them off the road, that fact can strengthen your personal injury case considerably. It shows that the driver was operating a commercial vehicle in violation of federal safety standards, which goes a long way toward establishing negligence.
The trucking company may be liable as well. Carriers are required to verify that every driver in their fleet holds a valid medical certificate. If they knowingly put a medically unfit driver on the road, they can also be held responsible for any accident that results.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
If you suspect the truck driver involved in your accident had a medical condition that affected their ability to drive safely, a Chicago motor vehicle accident attorney with Meyers & Flowers can help you obtain the driver’s medical records and certification history. From there, we can file a personal injury claim in Chicago and work to secure maximum compensation on your behalf.
Call us today for a free consultation at (630) 576-9696. We can answer any questions you may have at that time and advise you on your best course of action going forward.