We all know that semi trucks can be very dangerous vehicles. After all, weighing as much as 80,000 tons makes them the behemoths of the road. Because of how deadly they can be, it is imperative that the people operating these vehicles have specialized training and avoid the use of mood altering substances while behind the wheel.
In fact, federal regulations dictate how much training truck drivers must have before driving, and there are specific licensing requirements that drivers must adhere to. Similarly, drivers are prohibited from taking certain drugs that would affect their alertness while driving. With that said, there are a number of people who are tasked with ensuring that drivers complete the requisite training before getting behind the wheel. The same applies for those who conduct drug tests.
But what happens when those responsible for maintaining safety are not reliable?
A recent overdriveonline.com report highlighted the case of a DOT approved drug and alcohol screener who had falsified records and failed to perform required medical tests on CDL applicants. Another man was sentenced to 36 months of supervised release for his role in a scheme where commercial truckers were certified even though they had not taken (or passed ) the required exams.
If a driver who was falsely certified caused or was involved in an accident, who would be the proper entity to be sued for damages? This question would be especially vexing if the driver who caused the accident was not supposed to be driving in the first place. An experienced personal injury attorney could analyze the situation and advise you of your rights and options.