Negligent Hiring of Truck Drivers

While truck drivers have a duty to engage in safe driving practices while out on the road, trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified truck drivers in the first place. Ultimately, trucking companies are largely liable for the behavior of their employees, just like any other business. Sadly, despite strict regulations concerning truck driver hiring processes, many trucking companies fail to adequately ensure that their drivers meet these standards.

If you were injured in a truck accident, it is possible that the trucking company is liable. At Anastopoulo Law Firm we conduct thorough investigations into truck accident claims in order to determine if negligent hiring played a role in our client’s injuries and suffering. Our South Carolina attorneys have over 25 years of experience and are prepared to assist you with every aspect of your claim.

Call our firm today at (800) 313-2546 or contact us online to request a free case evaluation.

What Is Considered Negligent Truck Driver Hiring?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), there are certain requirements that all truck drivers must meet before they are allowed to operate semi-trucks and big rigs for commercial companies.

The FMSCA’s requirements for truck drivers include:

• All truck drivers must be at least 21 years old
• Drivers must receive proper training or have the experience (or both) required to operate the vehicle they will drive
• All drivers must pass the legal physical requirements (including applicable physical exams) required of commercial drivers
• Truck drivers must carry a current and valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), issued by one state/jurisdiction
• No truck driver may be disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle due to a criminal conviction, including DUI convictions
• Potential drivers must be sufficiently fluent in English (reading/writing and speaking) so as to be able to understand road signs, signals, and converse with others
• Truck drivers are required to complete a practical road test or must carry an equivalent certificate (such as an operator’s license) provided by their employers

Additionally, truck drivers are required to carry certain documentation with them in their vehicles that shows any and all traffic violations they have received in the past year (12 months). Any motor carrier or trucking company that employs truck drivers must ensure that all of their drivers meet these requirements. If a company overlooks a driver’s DUI conviction or fails to ensure that they have successfully completed the required tests and certifications, that company can be held liable in the event of a truck accident.

Trust Your Case to Our South Carolina Legal Team

All truck accident claims can be very complex; cases involving negligent truck driver hiring can be especially complicated. However, our legal team has the experience and resources needed to look into a trucking company’s hiring practices and determine if negligent hiring led to your accident, injuries, and suffering. If so, we are prepared to fight tirelessly to hold the negligent trucking company accountable for your damages.

Reach out to a South Carolina lawyer at our firm today to learn more about how we can assist you with your claim. We offer free initial consultations and contingent fees, meaning there is no upfront cost for you and if we don’t successfully secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf, you do not pay.

Contact Anastopoulo Law Firm at (800) 313-2546 to get started with your complimentary case evaluation today.