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When a commercial truck causes a serious crash in Oklahoma City, the investigation should not stop with the driver. In many cases, deeper issues within the trucking company may have contributed to the collision. One of the most significant — and often overlooked — legal claims involves negligent hiring.
If a trucking company places an unqualified, unsafe, or poorly trained driver behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, it may be directly responsible for the harm that follows. An experienced Oklahoma City Truck Accident Lawyer will often examine whether the company failed to properly screen or supervise the driver involved in the crash.
What Is Negligent Hiring?
Negligent hiring occurs when an employer fails to use reasonable care in selecting an employee for a position that poses a risk to others. In the trucking industry, companies have a legal duty to ensure their drivers are qualified and safe to operate large commercial vehicles.
This includes reviewing:
- Driving history records
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) status
- Prior accident history
- Drug and alcohol testing results
- Employment background
- Safety training certifications
Failing to properly evaluate a driver’s qualifications can expose the company to liability.
Warning Signs That May Indicate Negligent Hiring
Certain red flags may suggest that a trucking company should never have hired the driver involved in the crash.
1. Prior DUI or Reckless Driving Convictions
A history of impaired or dangerous driving should trigger serious concerns.
2. Repeated Safety Violations
Multiple citations for speeding, logbook falsification, or regulatory violations may indicate unsafe behavior.
3. Suspended or Revoked CDL
Allowing a driver with an invalid commercial license to operate a truck can demonstrate clear negligence.
4. Inadequate Training
Failure to properly train a new or inexperienced driver can increase the risk of preventable accidents.
If a company ignored these warning signs, it may share responsibility for the crash.
How Negligent Hiring Strengthens a Truck Accident Claim
Truck accident cases often involve high insurance policy limits. When negligent hiring is proven, it expands liability beyond simple driver error.
This can lead to claims based on:
- Direct corporate negligence
- Failure to supervise
- Failure to monitor safety compliance
- Negligent retention of an unsafe employee
These broader claims may increase pressure on insurers during settlement negotiations.
Evidence Used to Prove Negligent Hiring
Establishing negligent hiring typically requires obtaining company records such as:
- Driver qualification files
- Employment applications
- Background checks
- Training documentation
- Internal safety reviews
- Disciplinary records
These records can reveal whether the company conducted proper screening before placing the driver on the road.
The Financial Impact of Corporate Liability
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Permanent disability
- Extensive medical expenses
- Long-term income loss
When corporate negligence is involved, the claim may involve substantial compensation. Commercial carriers are required to maintain significant insurance coverage, but they often defend claims aggressively.
Clear evidence of negligent hiring can strengthen the injured party’s position.
Oklahoma’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence system. If an injured person is partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced proportionally. If they are more than 50% responsible, they cannot recover damages.
When corporate hiring failures are documented, it becomes more difficult for insurers to shift blame away from the trucking company.
Why Early Investigation Matters
Trucking companies often respond quickly after a crash. Internal legal teams and insurance representatives may begin preparing defenses immediately.
Acting promptly helps ensure that:
- Driver qualification files are preserved
- Employment records are secured
- Electronic data is not lost
- Evidence of regulatory violations is documented
Delays can make it harder to uncover hiring failures.
Final Thoughts
Negligent hiring is not just a technical legal theory — it can be a critical factor in serious truck accident cases. When a trucking company fails to properly screen or supervise a driver, it may contribute directly to a preventable crash.
In Oklahoma City truck accident claims, looking beyond the driver and examining company practices can uncover deeper accountability and potentially increase the financial recovery available to injured victims.