Are Business Owners Liable for Poorly Trained Truck Drivers?

Chicago trucking company owners might think they are in the transportation business, but in reality — they are in the risk-mitigating business. Those who operate trucking companies should know how necessary it is for employees to be properly trained. To have a competent fleet, adequate employee retention, and to decrease chances of a trucking accident, owners need to have rigorous on-boarding and regular training sessions each year. Mandatory safety meetings are another important part of the training experience.

If a trucking company fails to properly train employees, the company could be held liable if the truck driver causes a crash.

Comprehensive training for Chicago truck drivers

Truck company owners should pick a training program that offers signed certificates of completion—this will not only help ensure that the program is adequate, it also helps in case of possible litigation. Additionally, owners can create a memo that each employee must sign, acknowledging receipt of the training and promising to incorporate it into their work or driving routine. (Similar processes are not uncommon in the construction industry.)

Consider training your employees on:

• Most accessible and inaccessible roads in the Chicago area
• Getting and maintaining their commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Appropriate places for rigs in the Chicago area (which roads to avoid at what times)
• Knowing federal and state penalties for disobeying traffic laws
• Gauging weather conditions and their comfort level with driving in inclement weather
• What to do if a truck breaks down or experiences loss of power on the road

Understand federal and state trucking regulations are imperative. Drivers should understand:

• How much weight they can carry
• When they need to take breaks and for how long (Hours of Service rules)
• Everything they need to know about transporting hazardous materials
• How to properly load and unload trucks
• Penalties for driving while intoxicated
• Inspection and maintenance requirements

Trucking companies who are in a rush to put inexperience drivers on the road are not only putting their employees at risk, they are creating a hazard for every other driver on the road.

If you have been injured in a trucking crash, or if you are a truck driver in a crash and believe you were improperly trained, you have an advocate to fight for you. Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers wants to help you make your case. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers help clients throughout the state. Call us at 312-600-9585 today, or simply complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.