Trucking Company Driver Hiring Obligations

Semis, big rigs, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial trucks are hulking steel beasts that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when carrying a full load of cargo.

The size and weight of these massive trucks—and the fact they cause catastrophic accidents, injuries, and deaths—makes it imperative that the people who drive these vehicles have the qualifications, training, and supervision they need to do their jobs safely.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations and requirements for commercial truck drivers. During the hiring process, transportation companies should conduct the following screenings to ensure prospective truck operators have appropriate credentials and safe driving records:

• Pre-screening. This includes searching for an applicant’s employment history, verifying previous and current commercial licenses, and confirming a valid Social Security number.
• Core screening. Employers should verify the information in an applicant’s employment history, check his or her driving history, and search for alcohol or drug violations, along with other criminal offenses.
• Conditioning screening. FMCSA regulations require applicants to undergo and pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug test.
• Ongoing supervisory screening. Safety screenings shouldn’t cease after an applicant joins the company. Trucking company supervisors should ensure the continued safety of employees and the public by periodically administering drug and alcohol checks, physical examinations, and motor vehicle record reviews.

Trucking companies that fail in their duty to ensure the qualifications and safety of their drivers may share liability for the accidents, injuries, property damage, and wrongful deaths that result.

If you were seriously hurt in a Georgia truck accident, the knowledgeable attorneys with Van Sant Law can help you understand your rights and investigate your ability to collect compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.

We can also help you determine the appropriate parties to name in your truck accident lawsuit. Don’t wait! Contact us today to schedule a free initial appointment to discuss your case with a member of our legal team.