On January 23, 2008, a 46-year-old man was driving a tractor-trailer truck on US 421 when his vehicle crossed the centerline, striking a 2000 Toyota van and killing the 41-year-old woman driver. Investigators later filed charges against the man after finding he was driving under the influence (DUI) of methamphetamines and marijuana.

The man pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and to drug charges for his involvement in the fatal tractor-trailer truck accident. Attorneys said they will recommend 10 years for the manslaughter charge and five years each for possession of a controlled substance and for promoting contraband.

The man’s plea may assist the victim’s family in a wrongful death lawsuit it has filed against the company that hired the man, alleging carelessness, negligence and reckless disregard. The victim’s family is seeking compensation for funeral and burial expenses, for emotional pain and suffering, for loss of companionship, for loss of future earning capacity, and for providing for the victims teenage daughter.

Source: John Zambenini, “DUI trucker pleads guilty to killing woman,” State-Journal.com, August 20, 2008.