Poor Supervision

Skilled Mississippi Truck Accident Lawyers Hold Trucking Companies Accountable for Inadequate Supervisory Practices

Fighting for your best interests against negligent truck companies

Under most circumstances, trucking companies can be held responsible for the negligent acts of their drivers. This especially applies in situations where the company failed to exercise reasonable care in the hiring and/or supervision of their tractor-trailer operators. From background checks to ensuring compliance with safety regulations, these companies owe a duty of care to the public. When they fail to meet this duty, unqualified and negligent big-rig drivers are allowed on the streets and highways of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas, which can lead to accidents and puts other motorists at harm.

The law firm of Merkel & Cocke, P.A. stands up to trucking companies when their inadequate practices result in accident and injury. We diligently work to secure just compensation for truck accident victims, so that they are able to afford the medical care and financial challenges brought on by their injuries. Our experienced Mississippi truck accident attorneys have more than 200 years of collective experience fighting for the rights of the injured. Trust us do the same in your case.

Holding truck companies accountable for negligent hiring practices

Adequate supervision of tractor-trailer drivers begins with the hiring processes. Companies should take steps to ensure that the people they hire are qualified and properly trained. This requires more than simply accepting applications and extending an offer. A truck company’s hiring procedures should also include:

  • Qualification verification. Companies should make the effort to verify information provided by job candidates. A quick telephone call to a previous employee or review of an official driving record could alert the company to potential problems with the candidate. Unfortunately, the desire for profit often takes precedence over these safety measures, resulting in inexperienced or reckless drivers on our roads.
  • Substance abuse screenings. Trucking companies must include drug screenings as part of the hiring processes. Driving a truck under the influence is a growing problem across the country. Failing to conduct a drug screen is not only against government regulations, but it is also dangerous.
  • Medical exam records. Truck driving is a physically demanding job, and companies must ensure that their operators are medically fit to handle it. For example, a driver with sleep apnea may be more prone to fatigued truck driving. An examination of medical records during hiring may prevent a catastrophic accident in the future.

When big-rig accidents occur on Routes 49 or 80, or on interstates like 55 or 10, or any other local road, we conduct a thorough investigation of the truck company’s records. Even the lack of documentation speaks volumes about the inadequate hiring practices and supervision of the company. We know how to use this information to prove liability and get you the compensation you deserve.

Representation you can trust when trucking companies fail to supervise their drivers

Adequate driver supervision does not end when the hiring process ends. Trucking companies are also responsible for the ongoing supervision of their drivers, to ensure that safety standards are being properly met. Our team has seen numerous examples of negligent supervision within the trucking industry, including:

  • Allowing operators to drive in excess of service hours regulations
  • Failing to require proper record-keeping practices
  • Allowing individuals with serious health conditions to continue driving
  • Providing inadequate training for new drivers
  • Failing to conduct regular drug screenings of drivers
  • Ignoring positive drug screening results
  • Continuously employing drivers who demonstrate reckless driving habits

As in the hiring process, the desire for profit often leads to inadequate supervisory practices. Unfit drivers may be allowed to continue because they are paid less than experienced drivers. Service hours may be stretched in order to accommodate the delivery of more loads. At Merkel & Cocke, we find these business practices deplorable, and we earnestly work to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Let us guide you through the legal process after a Mississippi truck crash

The professional attorneys of Merkel & Cocke never back down from a fight against trucking companies whose negligent practices lead to an accident. With office locations in Jackson and Clarksdale, we are proud to represent clients throughout Mississippi, as well as parts of Tennessee and Arkansas. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us today at 662-627-9641 or complete our contact form.