Was Your Truck Accident Caused by the Trucking Company’s Negligent Hiring Practices?

 Posted on May 16, 2023 in Truck Accidents

One of the most pressing questions everyone has after a commercial truck accident is, “Why?” Victims and their families want to understand why the truck accident occurred and who is to blame. The causes of commercial truck accidents are as varied and complex as the individuals harmed in those accidents. However, understanding the cause of the accident is one of the first steps in pursuing compensation for damages.

Many commercial truck accidents are caused by the truck driver. Distracted driving, fatigued driving, speeding, and inattention can all lead to catastrophic truck accidents. However, legal responsibility for a commercial truck accident often falls to the truck company. In this blog, we will discuss some of the ways that negligent hiring practices can lead to avoidable truck crash injuries.

Trucking Companies Need to Vet Applicants Carefully

Operating a large commercial truck is a massive responsibility. Only individuals who are properly trained and qualified should ever be behind the wheel of a semi-truck, flatbed, or other large commercial truck.

Trucking companies have a legal duty to use a reasonable degree of caution when hiring truck drivers. Applicants should be screened thoroughly. The truck company should ensure that the applicant does not have a history of substance abuse, reckless driving, accidents, or criminal activity. Drug testing should be used to ensure that the truck driver does not use illicit substances. The driver must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) require employers to ensure drivers meet these criteria. Companies that employ commercial truck drivers must keep a file for each employee that contains an up-to-date driving record, road test certification, medical information, and other essential information.

Legal Responsibility for Truck Crashes Caused by Negligent Hiring Practices

If a truck company fails to conduct a background check or drug test, review the applicant’s driving record, or take the steps necessary to ensure that the driver is qualified to operate a commercial truck and the driver causes an accident, the company may be liable. The truck company may be required to reimburse the accident victims for their losses. Recoverable damages in a commercial truck accident include medical expenses, lost income, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact our Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one were injured in a commercial truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. Our Dallas personal injury attorney can Investigate the accident and determine who is at fault. We will pursue compensation for your financial losses and non-financial harm. Call Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. at 214-221-5800 for a free initial consultation.

Source:

https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyplanner/MyFiles/Sections.aspx?ch=23&sec=66