Who is Liable in an Accident Involving a Commercial Trucker with Previous Driving Violations?

In February, Wayne Damari Waldon was driving his 18-wheeler semi tractor trailer along I-75 when he went to switch lanes to get around a slow moving vehicle. In doing so, he clipped the rear of the vehicle he was trying to get around, overturning his rig and sending the automobile over the median and into the Alafia River below, killing the driver.

Early on the investigation, it was believed that fog could have been the cause of the wreck. However, after further research into the area at the time of night the accident occurred, fog was ruled out. It was later revealed that the driver, Waldon, has had 27 previous driving violations, including having his driver’s license suspended six times. 

In the state Florida, previous driving history does not disqualify one from getting a commercial driver’s license. Only a written test and driving test are required, and as long as your current license is valid, you are eligible to receive a CDL if you pass the test. Mr. Waldon was driving an ABC Fine Wine & Spirits truck, spilling alcohol across all southbound lanes of I-75 and shutting down traffic for hours. Officials feared of a fire possibility since the highway was soaked in alcohol. Waldon was transported to Tampa General Hospital with minor injuries.

Of Mr. Waldon’s 27 past infractions, only two had been committed while operating with his CDL. However, how thorough are ABC Fine Wine & Spirits background checks? Shouldn’t have a possible employee who has had his license suspended six times raise a red flag? Should his entire driving background be up for scrutiny or just his CDL history? At the time of the incident, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits declined to comment on Waldon’s record. Should they be held responsible for not thoroughly providing a sufficient background check on Waldon, or should the law be stricter on who can get CDL?

This was a tragic accident that left an unsuspecting family without a loved one and few answers as to why a man with 27 previous driving violations was behind the wheel of a dangerous vehicle if operated improperly or recklessly. If you are a loved one have been a victim of a collision with a reckless truck driver in the Clearwater, Bradenton, St. Petersburg, or the greater Tampa Bay area, please contact Clearwater truck accident law firm Dolman Law Group.

Dolman Law Group attorneys are well experienced in truck accident cases and will fight to hold those responsible for their negligence in operating a commercial truck. We strive to provide our clients with 24-hour access to our experienced truck accident attorneys. We offer a no recovery, no fee promise, not collecting payment until we get you the compensation you deserve. We never will represent an insurance company and know how they operate when trying to fight our client’s claims.

Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
727-451-6900

http://www.dolmanlaw.com/practice-area/truck-accident/