Large commercial trucks and 18-wheelers are incredibly heavy and large vehicles. Those behind the wheel must have adequate training in the right qualifications to handle them safely. Unfortunately, some trucking companies cut corners and fail to hire drivers who have the experience and licensing required to navigate these trucks on the road. This negligent hiring can lead to serious accidents—posing legal risks for everyone involved. Thankfully, our Louisville truck accident lawyers are here to help.
Trucking Companies Are Required to Perform Their 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 Can Cause Serious and Life-Altering Accidents
Entrusting an 18-wheeler to an unqualified driver 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.
Holding a Trucking Company Accountable 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, which 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
Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation with Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers Today
Accidents caused by unqualified truck drivers are not just unfortunate incidents; they are often caused by corporate negligence. Our personal injury lawyers in Louisville specialize in addressing these cases, advocating for victims injured due to companies’ failures to properly vet their drivers. If you’ve been harmed by the actions of an unqualified truck driver, contact us today to discuss how we can help you seek justice.