Defending Against Unqualified Truck Drivers
Trucking companies have a responsibility to keep the roads safe, which includes hiring qualified drivers. Unfortunately, the financial incentive to haul as much as possible combined with record-high driver shortages mean that many companies cut corners when hiring. Sometimes they look the other way if a driver is too young, too inexperienced or doesn’t have the right license. That can lead to disaster.
At Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, our attorneys will put in the work necessary to find out if a trucking company was negligent in their hiring. Just because logging, mining and fracking are a big business in West Virginia does not mean that you should pay the price. Our award-winning truck crash team will work relentlessly until the people responsible for your accident have given you the compensation you deserve.
What Qualifications Are Truck Drivers Supposed To Have?
Big rigs and 18-wheelers are some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road, so the requirements to operate them are strict. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers must:
- Be 21 years old
- Possess a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Read and speak English well enough to understand traffic signs, keep a log, make reports and converse with members of the public
- Provide their driving record and any existing criminal record to their employer
- Complete the driver’s road test and receive a completion certificate
- Abide by the physical qualifications required by the FMCSA
Not only must the driver possess all these qualifications, but the trucking company must independently verify them as well. Many companies do not, which means they may be responsible for any resulting truck crashes.
Don’t Leave Your Truck Injury Claim To Chance
While many trucking companies are negligent in their hiring practices, this can be difficult to determine without knowing what to look for. Our lawyers have detailed knowledge of what the qualifications are and what documentation should exist. When they don’t line up, we can use that to your advantage.
Contact us today to discuss your situation. You can reach our Charleston office by email or phone: 800-797-9730.