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October 10, 2024 by Greg Baumgartner
Filling a truck driver job includes keeping the roads safe, among other responsibilities. As you begin the hiring process, you have to do a thorough background check. Without this step, it can be the difference between safe deliveries and highway accidents.
Truck drivers transport goods and protect lives on the road. The stakes are high because statistics show that large truck accidents kill thousands of people each year.
Hiring an unqualified driver can subject your company to legal liability, financial loss, and damage to your company’s reputation. For this reason, a comprehensive background check helps mitigate these risks, while also serving as evidence of your commitment to safety.
Besides hiring a truck driver, consider hiring a Houston truck accident lawyer to explain your responsibilities and what to do if any legal issues arise from the hiring process.
When you start the process of background checks, you should concentrate on the most important things that help you make your hiring decision.
First, look at the potential hire’s driving record. A clean record demonstrates responsibility behind the wheel. However, multiple traffic violations or accidents should raise a red flag.
If a driver has a history of reckless behavior behind the wheel, there is a good chance that pattern will continue, endangering not only themselves but also others.
Next, consider the importance of reviewing a candidate’s criminal history. Some offenses do not prohibit a person from being a truck driver. However, convictions for DUIs or other drug-related convictions can be very risky.
These legal issues can compromise a driver’s ability to perform their job safely and responsibly. Making an informed decision can be easier when you know the applicant’s background.
A background check also depends on employment history. It can tell you in what environment the driver has worked — whether in a large company or a small business. You may need to ensure that references are available from former employers.
They can tell you a lot about the driver’s work ethic and job conduct. If a candidate has been hopping from company to company, that could be a red flag for you before you hire them.
Additionally, a current medical exam is necessary to verify that a driver meets the physical requirements of the job. You have to consider the health conditions that prevent them from participating in active sports. After all, the well-being of every single person on the road relies on a driver’s physical and mental fitness.
In the trucking industry, there are no exceptions to regulatory requirements. A specific regulation set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) must be followed.
It includes a CDL requirement and mandatory drug and alcohol testing. If you familiarize yourself with these regulations, you will be compliant and free from legal penalties.
While you undergo the background check process, consider utilizing professional background check services. These services deliver accurate and thorough reports, saving you time and headaches. These checks cost pennies compared to the price of hiring an unsuitable driver.
Legal considerations must be considered. Learn all about the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the law that outlines how background checks are legally conducted. This part of the process depends on obtaining consent from candidates. If your business fails to comply with these regulations, you could face legal ramifications.
A thorough background check when hiring a truck driver is for the company’s sake and the lives of other road users. If you encounter challenges during this process, hiring a truck accident lawyer can be extremely helpful.
Contact our truck accident attorneys in Houston for a free consultation about injury accidents.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
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Since establishing Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has built a reputation as one of Houston’s leading personal injury attorneys, dedicated to representing severely injured victims and families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.
Greg holds two law degrees, a distinction earned by less than 1% of all attorneys, demonstrating his exceptional legal expertise. He is also a prestigious Trial Lawyers College graduate, further enhancing his skills in trial advocacy and litigation.
His relentless commitment to legal excellence and client advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers, the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and many others.
With decades of experience, Greg has consistently received top peer reviews. He holds a preeminent rating, a testament to his unwavering dedication to securing justice and maximum compensation for his clients.
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