The American Trucking Association estimates that there is currently a truck driver shortage of approximately 100,000 people. Without enough drivers available to perform the job, many trucking companies have turned to unqualified drivers to help handle the demands of the industry. Unqualified drivers can subject other motorists to significant consequences, including physical and mental injuries.
If you were injured by an unqualified driver, an experienced truck accident lawyer from Salango Law, PLLC, can help. Contact our legal team today for a free case review.
What Is Negligent Hiring?
Negligent hiring occurs when a trucking company fails to exercise reasonable care in the hiring process. As a result, an unqualified or dangerous driver is hired. Trucking companies can be held liable for negligent hiring, as well as the negligence of the driver they hired.
What Makes a Driver Unqualified?
Drivers may be unqualified for various reasons, including:
- They do not have the proper license or endorsements.
- They do not meet the physical requirements of the job.
- They have a history of accidents.
- They test positive for drugs or alcohol.
- They pose other unreasonable risks to the safety of others.
Examples of Negligent Hiring Practices
Trucking companies may make negligent hiring decisions by:
- Failing to screen: Trucking companies must thoroughly vet potential drivers by checking backgrounds, reviewing driving records, and verifying qualifications. Trucking companies that engage in negligent hiring may skip necessary safety and background checks. This could lead to them hiring drivers with a history of DUIs or unsafe driving.
- Ignoring red flags: Trucking companies may disregard red flags, such as high job turnover or a large number of traffic citations.
- Failing to verify qualifications: Trucking companies could hire drivers without the proper license or endorsement.
Compensation You Can Recover from a Truck Accident
When trucking companies fail to hire qualified drivers, they put other motorists at risk. Unqualified drivers may not know how to safely operate the truck, respond to emergencies, or follow safety regulations that are designed to protect others. This can result in accidents that cause serious injuries. Through a truck accident claim, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost income from wages you lost while recovering from the accident, including tips, commissions, and overtime pay
- Reduced earning capacity
- Long-term disabilities and impairments
- Costs to repair or replace your damaged or totaled vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
Our truck accident attorneys can fight for the full and fair compensation you are entitled to.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers to Learn More About Your Legal Rights and Options
If you were injured in a truck accident because the trucking company hired unqualified drivers, the legal team at Salango Law, PLLC can help. We can investigate your case, demand records regarding the background checks the trucking company completed (or failed to complete), and hold the negligent parties responsible for the damages you suffered. Call us at (304) 342-0512 or contact us online to book a free case review.