Were you injured in a truck accident in Jacksonville, FL? If so, you might be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries from various sources. Our Jacksonville negligent hiring truck accident lawyers at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help evaluate your situation. Contact us today at (904) 396-1100.
The negligence of the truck driver might not be the sole cause of the accident. It’s possible the driver was not properly licensed to operate a commercial truck, a scenario known as negligent hiring. In such cases, you may have grounds to pursue a lawsuit against the trucking company that employed the driver.
To discuss your case with us, contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
How Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help Following a Negligent Hiring Truck Accident
Truck accidents are a common occurrence, especially in bustling cities like Jacksonville, Florida. Given the massive size of commercial trucks, suffering an injury from an accident with such vehicles can be deeply traumatic, potentially leaving you unable to work for weeks, months, or even longer as you recover.
At Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re skilled at handling motor vehicle accidents, including cars, motorcycles, and trucks. We understand the physical pain and emotional shock you are enduring, and it’s completely normal to feel this way.
You shouldn’t have to handle the legal aftermath of such a distressing event on your own. Let us take care of it for you. By choosing Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers, you gain the support of a firm with over 80 years of collective experience and prestigious recognitions, including:
- Martindale-Hubbell 2021 Platinum Client Champion Award
- AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell
- Recognition as Super Lawyers since 2009
- Florida Trends Legal Elite
- Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Florida by National Trial Lawyers
When you reach out to our Jacksonville truck accident attorneys, we will conduct an independent investigation into the accident and gather all necessary evidence to bolster your claim. We will:
- Thoroughly investigate your claim
- Collect evidence to support your case
- Hire expert witnesses to testify on your behalf
- Negotiate with the insurance companies
- Take your case to trial, if necessary
Contact us today — the sooner we start, the sooner you can begin to put your life back together.
What Is Negligent Hiring?
A trucking company is required to exercise due diligence when hiring qualified truck drivers, making sure to adhere to the legal theory of negligent hiring. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets forth regulations that trucking firms must follow during the hiring process. Each trucking company is mandated to maintain a file on driver qualifications to prove they are in keeping with FMCSA regulations.
The trucking firm must perform an extensive background check on any potential driver. This check must confirm basic qualifications, including the driver’s minimum age of 18, possession of a commercial driver’s license, and successful completion of mandatory driving and written tests. Additionally, the company is also required to do the following:
- Examine the trucker’s driving record and accident history
- Conduct a check on criminal history
- Verify the driver’s history concerning the use of illicit substances, prescription drugs, or alcohol
- Require a comprehensive physical examination and a doctor’s certification of fitness for driving the vehicle
- Reach out to the driver’s past three employers to inquire about their employment history, especially regarding any substance abuse issues or accidents
Investigating a truck driver’s background takes time and is costly, requiring trucking companies to make a concerted effort to reach out to previous employers. Despite these requirements, some companies might still hire an unqualified driver or one who lacks the necessary skills to safely operate a truck.
What Is Negligent Retention?
Negligent retention happens when a trucking company continues to employ a driver who was previously qualified but has since become unfit to drive.
This unfitness could stem from the driver’s history of accidents, substance abuse, or health issues. If such a driver is still employed and involved in an accident, the trucking company could be held responsible for any resulting damages.
Our Jacksonville personal injury attorneys are equipped to help you assess whether negligent retention played a role in your accident.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Negligent Hiring Lawsuit in Florida?
Time is of the essence. In Florida, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. After this period, you generally cannot claim damages through the courts.
Call Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers After a Negligent Hiring Truck Accident
Have you or a loved one been injured in a truck accident? By obtaining the truck driver’s file and other relevant documentation from the trucking company, you may be able to establish their liability for negligent hiring or retention. Our Jacksonville negligent hiring truck accident lawyers are ready to assist you.
Contact our Jacksonville law offices immediately to arrange a free consultation with one of the skilled attorneys at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers.