Negligent Hiring and Truck Accidents
Due to the tremendous size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, truck accidents are frequently devastating. These collisions can have numerous causes, including hiring mistakes made by trucking companies. Poor applicant screening practices and insufficient driver monitoring may put inexperienced and unqualified drivers on the road.
Hiring Requirements
In the interest of public safety, the federal government and the state of Texas impose regulations intended to hold trucking companies accountable for their hiring decisions. Lets look at some of the most important truck driver requirements:
Commercial driver licenses
Texas drivers must have a commercial driver license in order to operate a vehicle that:
- Transports hazardous materials that require warning signs.
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 26,000 pounds.
- Transports more than 15 individuals.
A history of safe driving
Trucking companies must evaluate a driver’s record when making a hiring decision. Candidates may be disqualified from employment if they:
- Have a history of abusing illegal substances.
- Have received tickets for speeding or other traffic violations within the last three years.
- Have a history of drunk driving.
A lack of physical impairments
There are certain medical conditions that may disqualify an individual from being hired as a commercial truck driver, including:
- Epilepsy.
- Sleep apnea.
- Vision problems.
- Hearing impairments.
Training and Supervision
Trucking companies must train their drivers, conduct periodic drug tests, and continually evaluate drivers for signs of drunk or tired driving. They are also required to closely monitor drivers to ensure that they are not violating federal hours of service requirements.
Unqualified Drivers
When trucking companies fail to properly evaluate and monitor their drivers, they put everyone sharing the road with them in jeopardy. These companies also make themselves liable for any accidents their employees may cause. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you need an experienced attorney to help you receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.