It is the duty of trucking companies to hire safe, reliable truck drivers. If they fail to do so, they may be partially liable should accidents occur.
Many big rig drivers on the road are employed or contracted by small companies. However, the safety directors of these companies may not fully understand their responsibilities, and they may hire and retain unsuitable or unsafe drivers. The truth is that employers of truck drivers have a legal obligation to perform random testing and background checks and to take reasonable measures to ensure their drivers are properly trained, licensed, and, most importantly, safe.
Trucking companies have a duty to make sure a driver is "qualified" according to specific criteria, such as:
In many cases, the trucking company must also perform drug and alcohol testing before a driver is hired, after the driver has been in an accident involving an injury or fatality, or when the company suspects the driver has been using drugs or alcohol while on duty. Additionally, the company must randomly test 10% of its drivers for alcohol and 50% of its drivers for drugs each year. Beyond that, regulations require trucking companies to annually review each trucker's driving record, which includes checking for traffic law violations from the previous 12 months and any "disqualifying" offenses, such as a conviction of drunk driving.
The Pre-Employment Screening Program is designed to help motor carriers hire new employees who are qualified, skilled, and reliable. We look further into the effectiveness of this program.
Learn MoreWhen Arnold & Itkin LLP begins working on a truck accident case, we thoroughly investigate the records of the trucking company and the driver, using available databases and information sources. Our trucking accident attorneys find out if the driver has had chemical dependency problems or if the company shows a pattern of employing those who do. We collect records of tickets issued, moving violations, and Department of Transportation background checks. We take every necessary measure to thoroughly investigate all records at hand and all of the circumstances of the collision itself to determine its cause.
We have years of experience and a long track record of success in these and other negligent accident cases. We get to the bottom of the situation and build a strong and convincing case for presentation to a jury. There is no excuse for negligent hiring of truck drivers. Call today to let us fight for you!