Safe Hiring by Trucking Companies
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their drivers are properly trained and adhere to road safety standards because many things can go wrong if a reckless trucker is behind the wheel. By hiring safe truck drivers, they can help create a positive safety culture and reduce the risk of accidents. Safe truck driving reduces the risks associated with commercial trucking, such as cargo spills, property damage, and injuries and fatalities.
Standards and Penalties for Commercial Drivers Licenses
The Code of Federal Regulations Section 383.71 mandates the minimum standards for obtaining, maintaining and displaying a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This section outlines the qualifications that must be met to obtain a CDL, as well as any violations of these standards and their associated penalties. Section 383.73 details the physical qualifications required for drivers operating under a CDL. To obtain a CDL, applicants must pass a physical exam administered by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Other requirements include the following:
- Not having more than one CDL license
- Penalties and disqualification of drivers who have committed certain offenses
- Meeting licensing requirements
- Skills and knowledge test requirements
- Employment information of applicants
Federal Driver Qualifications for a CDL License
To qualify for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in the United States, prospective drivers must meet requirements by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under Section 391.11 to be hired by trucking companies. The FMCSA requires that an individual have a valid state-issued driver’s license, be of legal age to operate a commercial motor vehicle, have a reasonable command of English, be physically qualified to operate such a vehicle and pass all applicable written and skills tests.
Dangers of Inexperienced or Negligent Truck Drivers
Without proper training, drivers are more likely to make mistakes such as driving too fast or taking turns too sharply. If a driver is distracted or is under the influence of drugs, it can put other drivers at risk. Additionally, negligent drivers may not properly check their vehicles’ condition before a run and skip out on important maintenance tasks, leading to tire blowouts or breakdowns that can cause accidents.
Investigating a Trucking Accident
If injuries by negligent or unqualified truckers occur because of bad hires by trucking companies, a California truck accident lawyer will investigate to gather the evidence to support your claim. Areas of investigation can include:
- Formal training in handling a big rig
- Pre-hire driving records to check for accidents and citations
- Drug testing and medical exam records
- Truck maintenance records
- Company accident records
Because trucking accidents can be complicated, involving multiple insurance policies and at-fault parties, hiring a truck accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our truck accident lawyers are experienced and knowledgeable in the complexities involved in such cases, ranging from insurance laws to federal regulations. They can assess the severity of your injuries and develop a plan of action to maximize your recovery compensation.
California Truck Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, and I’m a California Truck Accident Lawyer. Over the years, our accident attorneys have successfully handled many truck accident injury cases. If you were injured by a negligent trucker, we offer a free consultation when you phone us at (916) 921-6400 or on our long-distance line at (800) 404-5400. An online contact form is also available.
Take a look at the links that follow to see how our injury lawyers have aided others in obtaining the compensation they deserve:
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Photo attribution: Image by Ronald Plett from Pixabay
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