A collision with a large truck is one of the most dangerous accidents that can happen on the road. Most people assume that since truck drivers require a special license and go through a hiring process before they are allowed to operate a truck, they must be excellent drivers. This is not always the case. A study conducted by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that the leading cause of large truck accidents was due to driver error. This error can often be attributed to the driver’s misjudgment, for example—continuing to drive while drowsy. In some cases, though, trucking companies are actually negligent in their hiring process, and this can result in them hiring dangerous drivers.
Negligence in the Truck Driver Hiring Process
Although it can be difficult to prove negligence in the truck driver hiring process, trucking companies that knowingly hire an incompetent driver can be held responsible. Some of the different reasons a trucking company could be negligent when hiring a truck driver include:
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The driver didn’t pass a drug test and was still given permission to drive a large truck.
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The trucking company overlooks the records that show the driver has caused many accidents in the past.
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The driver failed a mandatory health test, indicating that they might be at risk of causing an accident on the road due to their health issues.
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The truck driver was found to be driving while drunk and was allowed to continue working for the trucking company.
Trucking companies are attempting to run a profitable business, and it can be difficult to find qualified drivers. For this reason, they will occasionally overlook these dangerous behaviors and hire truck drivers who should not be operating a large vehicle.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
An experienced truck accident attorney will help to prove negligence by the means that are available. This could include:
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Investigating the driver’s history
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Finding out what records the trucking company had on the driver before hiring them
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Identify at which point negligence occurred in the hiring process
The process of proving trucking company negligence can be a difficult road, and for this reason, you should work with an attorney who has handled this type of case in the past. Most trucking companies will try their hardest to avoid a negligence claim, and when you’re injured, you want to make sure you have a strong advocate working on your behalf to gain maximum compensation.
If You Were Injured by a Truck Driver, Contact a Hartford, Connecticut, Personal Injury Attorney Today
Being hit by a truck driver is an unimaginable experience for most people. If you have been injured in this type of accident, it is important to be aware of your legal rights and to aggressively seek just compensation. Medical bills, lost wages due to time missed from your job, and emotional pain and suffering are just some of the potentially devastating results of a truck accident. The personal injury lawyers at Leighton, Katz & Drapeau have served the residents of Hartford, Connecticut, for many years and we are proud of the work we have done to help advocate for our clients. Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation. You can reach us at (860) 875-7000 or contact us online.
