A van accident during the early hours on Tuesday resulted in the injuries of several prisoners. The accident happened in Pike County near Louisiana, Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that 36-year-old Luis Dos Santos was operating a van transporting prisoners when the accident happened. The van was traveling along Highway 161 when Dos Santos fell asleep behind the wheel, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed. Ten of the prisoners suffered injuries ranging from minor to moderate and were treated at a nearby hospital. All of the injured prisoners were released from the hospital and back en route to their destination later that day.
Commercial truck drivers and other drivers that operate a vehicle for several hours a day are at risk of becoming fatigued. Fatigued driving is responsible for many auto accidents every year that result in serious injuries and death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 injuries are caused by accidents involving a fatigued driver. Fatigued driving and driving under the influence of alcohol are often compared because they can mimic the same behavior. Unfortunately, there is no way to measure a driver’s level of fatigue. However, all drivers should be responsible enough to pull off the roadway when they are fatigued to avoid a collision. If you believe a fatigued driver is responsible for the damages you suffered in an auto accident, it is imperative to consult an experienced auto accident attorney today.
At Meyerkord & Kurth, our experienced St. Louis auto accident lawyers have handled thousands of accident cases. We have investigated nearly every type of auto accident and can provide you with the representation effective in obtaining justice and compensation for your case. Contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation.