People who drive commercial trucks have a big responsibility because they operate big vehicles that can cause serious injuries or death when they make a mistake. But, while mistakes are sometimes inevitable, other drivers act recklessly on the highway. This dangerous driving habit results in many truck crashes every year. Although a negligent truck driver must be held accountable for their behaviors, victims can also turn to the trucking company for compensation. A trucking company that fails to screen its driver can be held responsible for negligent hiring. If you have been injured in a truck accident, you must contact a Portland accident lawyer as soon as possible to know your legal options and protect your rights.
What is Negligent Hiring
Every trucking company has a duty to act reasonably to keep other road users safe from harm by the drivers it hires and its commercial trucks. Such duty includes hiring qualified and safe truck drivers. Trucking companies must conduct background checks and examine an applicant’s driving records, health, and criminal histories. They should not hire a driver with many traffic violations for reckless driving, speeding, and other dangerous driving behaviors. Also, they must avoid drivers with a history of causing vehicle accidents for different reasons. Drivers with health issues such as heart attacks and seizures should not be allowed to drive commercial trucks. In addition, trucking companies must ensure they don’t hire drivers with past convictions for DUI or have mental health and substance abuse issues.
When a trucking company hires a driver with a concerning history and this driver causes accidents and injuries, the company can be held liable for negligent hiring. Additionally, negligent hiring applies when the company did not conduct sufficient checks into the history of a driver.
Proving Negligent Hiring
Whether a trucking company knew about a truck driver’s lack of qualifications or not doesn’t matter. It is their responsibility to make sure their drivers have the skills, education, and qualifications to drive their vehicles.
Although a lot of things may be unsure following a truck accident, the trucking company will do everything to limit their liability in it. Thankfully, an experienced truck accident attorney will go up against big, powerful trucking companies or their insurance providers. If you have sustained injuries in a truck crash, do not wait to seek help because time is essential. Your injuries might require long-term medical care and you don’t want to worry about how to pay your medical bills while you deal with your injury. Your attorney will ensure you get fair compensation from all liable parties.
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