Semi-trucks in the United States drove 175 billion miles in 2016, according to Popular Mechanics. This works out to about 45,000 miles per the average trucker while long-distance truckers often travel 100,000 miles or more per year. They are responsible for transporting approximately 68 percent of goods in the country, so their job is important to our nation’s economy.
However, driving a commercial truck for a living is no easy task. Truck drivers face long and tedious hours on the road and an industry that demands that they make deliveries as quickly as possible. They must drive large and heavy trucks that may weigh up to 80,000 pounds. To reduce the dangers that these drivers may pose, trucking companies are required to screen drivers carefully before hiring them. When trucking companies fail to uphold this legal duty, they may be held legally responsible for collisions their drivers cause.
If you suffered injuries in an accident of this nature, the Los Angeles poorly screened drivers lawyers at Pintas & Mullins law firm may be able to help. Contact us at (800) 794-0444 to talk to a member of our team about your legal rights and options.
Responsibilities of Trucking Companies
The size and weight of commercial vehicles can pose a significant hazard to others on the roadway when the driver is not qualified to drive it. To safely drive a vehicle of this nature, the driver must have the proper education and training. Trucking companies are legally responsible for ensuring that drivers are qualified to drive before hiring them.
According to 49 CFR § 391.11, truck drivers must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Hold a current and valid commercial driver’s license
- Read and speak English sufficiently
- Be physically qualified to operate the vehicle
- Successfully complete a road test
- Be capable of safely operating the vehicle
- Provide the potential employer with a list of previous violations, if any
Commercial trucking companies must ensure drivers they plan to hire have the necessary training and skills to safely operate these vehicles.
Additionally, commercial trucking companies are required to maintain a driver qualification file for each driver they hire, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This file must prove that the employer took the following steps when evaluating drivers:
- Had the candidate complete an application with the motor carrier
- Investigated and documented the driver’s performance history for the three years prior to the application
- Inquired with state agencies and reviewed the driver’s motor vehicle record
- Received a list of violations from the driver each year after hiring the driver
- Required the driver to provide a copy of his or her CDL or valid road test certificate
- Received a medical examiner’s certificate evidencing the driver is physically capable of operating the vehicle
- Required the necessary drug and alcohol testing
Commercial truck drivers are also subject to ongoing screening, which may include random and post-accident drug and alcohol testing. Motor carriers must obtain a driver’s motor vehicle record at least once on an annual basis.
Trucking companies that fail to comply with these guidelines may be legally responsible for accidents caused by their poorly screened drivers. If you were injured in an accident caused by an inexperienced driver or poorly screened driver, contact us for more information.
Reasons for Hiring Poorly Screened Drivers
While there are several reasons why trucking companies may hire poorly screened drivers, it generally comes down to profits. Trucking companies may take shortcuts where safety is concerned, to the potential detriment of others on the roadway. Some common reasons why trucking companies may hire poorly screened drivers include:
- They lack personnel to conduct background checks
- They lack resources to pay for background checks and record requests
- They rushed through the screening process
- They were understaffed and needed drivers immediately
These situations may lead to trucking companies hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers or those with poor driving records.
For a free legal consultation with a Poorly Screened Drivers Accidents Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Dangers of Poorly Screened Drivers
Poorly screened drivers may have driving infractions or a history of driving under the influence or substance abuse or lack the necessary qualifications to safely drive a commercial truck. These factors can make them much more likely to cause accidents. These accidents may cause more serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and complex factors. They may also cause the deaths of innocent people on the roadway.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident involving a truck, call our Los Angeles poorly screened drivers lawyer. We will fight to recover compensation for you.
Los Angeles Poorly Screened Drivers Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
How We Can Help with Claims Involving Poorly Screened Drivers
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we provide personalized attention to every case. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the factors that contributed to your accident. We will review the driver’s history for traffic violations, a history of poor driving, alcohol or substance abuse, or a lack of proper qualifications. This allows us to determine if the trucking company properly screened its drivers. We know how to dig to find this information and how to hold the trucking company responsible for not following the laws.
We will fight for awards, including:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
We will handle communication with the insurance company and demand just compensation for your suffering.
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Contact Us Today to Speak to a Member of Our Team About Your Claim
If you suffered injuries in a collision involving a truck, our poorly screened drivers lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can investigate whether improper screening contributed to it. We will fight for your fair recovery. Call us today at (800) 794-0444 to speak to a member of our team about your claim. You pay no attorney’s fees for our services unless we help you recover compensation.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form