Injuries in a Truck Crash Due to Unsafe Hiring Practices

 Posted on September 26, 2023 in Truck Accidents

In 2021, 9.3 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal traffic crashes in Illinois were large trucks. Driving a big rig is not like cruising in a car – these behemoths weigh 80,000 pounds and require serious training. Trucking companies must ensure their fleet and drivers are up to snuff to help prevent truck accidents. If you have been injured in a truck crash, you need an Illinois attorney to help you hold those responsible for your injuries.

Why Is It Crucial to Vet Commercial Truck Drivers?  

In Illinois, negligent truck driver hiring practices are a cause for concern. When trucking companies cut corners in their hiring process and overlook a driver's history of accidents, or inadequate training, it is a reckless approach. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to such negligence, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney experienced in personal injury and trucking accidents. They can help you explore the legal avenues available to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties, seeking compensation for your injuries and holding these companies accountable for their actions.

What Can Be Considered Negligence?

When it comes to hiring truck drivers, it is a huge responsibility. They need to prove they have a clean driving record and are physically fit to handle those massive rigs. Neglecting to take these precautions comes with serious consequences.

 On paper, some trucker candidates may seem top-notch, boasting a CDL and a history of hauling cargo for various companies. But employers cannot stop there. Often, in the rush to fill driver seats, trucking companies make some dangerous hiring slip-ups, including:

• Hiring drivers with a sketchy driving history
• Bringing on drivers with a history of substance abuse
• Selecting drivers with a knack for accidents
• Employing drivers without a valid driver's or commercial license
• Skipping thorough background checks

Why Are DQ Files Such a Big Deal?

Rookie truckers put everyone at risk. Instead of rolling the dice on unqualified drivers, trucking outfits should raise the bar, not just for their own sake but for everyone's safety on the road. Driver Qualification or DQ files hold the scoop on a driver's job history, license problems, crashes, and traffic tickets. Plus, the Department of Transportation (DOT) keeps an eye on their health checkups.

When a crash happens, they are the secret sauce that reveals whether a company hired drivers who flunked drug tests, had past wrecks, or had medical issues that should have kept them off the road. If these files go missing, it is a red flag that the company may have skipped their homework when hiring.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Glenview, IL Truck Accident Injury Lawyer

If you have suffered an injury in a truck accident because a company hired the wrong driver, you should be compensated for the harm they caused you. At Gruzmark Law, Ltd., a capable Cook County truck accident injury attorney will go toe-to-toe with those big companies to safeguard your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve for the pain they have put you through. Give us a call at 847-729-7660 for a free consultation.