Commercial trucks and 18-wheelers are large and heavy vehicles. Those behind the wheel must have adequate training and the right qualifications to handle them safely. Unfortunately, some trucking companies cut corners and fail to hire drivers who possess the necessary experience and licenses to operate these trucks safely on the road.
Negligent hiring can lead to serious accidents, posing significant legal risks for all parties involved.
Thankfully, our truck accident lawyers are here to help.
Due Diligence in Hiring
When hiring drivers, trucking companies are required to perform their due diligence. This includes conducting thorough background checks and ensuring that potential hires possess the necessary qualifications and training. In addition to assessing licenses and employment history, trucking companies should look at:
The trucker’s history of past driving violations
Substance abuse-related arrests or violations on their record
Any other red flags that could compromise safety on the road
Trucking companies can ensure they perform their due diligence by implementing a comprehensive screening workflow. Utilizing a third-party service to conduct detailed background checks can also help identify potential risks early on in the hiring process.
Unqualified Truck Drivers
Hiring an unqualified driver for an 18-wheeler can be catastrophic. These vehicles require specialized knowledge and skills to operate safely; when drivers lack this expertise, they are far more likely to cause accidents that result in severe injuries or fatalities. Because commercial trucks are so large and heavy, they can cause significant damage to passenger vehicles.
Victims of these accidents often face a long road to recovery, dealing with severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens that can alter their lives and those of their families forever. In some cases, these accidents are fatal, and this loss of life could have been prevented if the trucking company hired qualified drivers.
Accountability for Negligent Hiring
When accidents occur due to negligent hiring practices, the trucking company deserves to be held accountable. These entities are liable for any accidents caused by their employees while they are performing their job duties, and they are also responsible if their practices, including negligent hiring, cause a collision. By filing a lawsuit or insurance claim against the company, victims can recover compensation for the damages that they have suffered, including:
Medical expenses that cover both immediate and long-term care required as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident
Lost wages and earning capacity to compensate for time off work and any future limitations on the victim’s ability to earn an income
Pain and suffering, acknowledging the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath
Property damage, including repairs or replacement of the vehicle involved in the collision, and any other personal property damaged
Funeral and burial expenses, final medical costs, and other damages associated with a wrongful death, if the accident was fatal
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Accidents caused by unqualified truck drivers are not just unfortunate incidents; they are often the result of corporate negligence. Our personal injury lawyers in Louisville specialize in addressing these cases, advocating for victims who have been injured due to companies’ failures to vet their drivers properly. If you’ve been harmed by the actions of an unqualified truck driver, contact us todayto discuss how we can help you seek justice.