Not at fault accident, do I still put it on application?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jdiesel3406, Oct 11, 2013.

  1. jdiesel3406

    jdiesel3406 Light Load Member

    275
    173
    Apr 28, 2013
    Philly area
    0
    I've been driving for this company for 3 months now (newbie driver). I recently got into an accident on 9/20 in Naples, FL. Lady came out of side street and drove her SUV underneath my trailer. Thank God I was empty, but the passenger had to be airlifted and the driver was a cancer patient. There were plenty of witnesses and even the cops were scratching their heads because they didn't know why this lady did what she did...(honestly seemed like she was trying to commit suicide). Anyways my question is, I was not cited, cops all said I was not at fault. I took my drug and blood test that night when I got back to town. My record is spotless, I have never been pulled over nor had an accident, ever. Do I need to put this on an application? The current application does not have an option to say whether I was at fault or not. What do I do??
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. baha

    baha Road Train Member

    4,137
    2,832
    Jul 25, 2013
    ga
    0
    keep on truckn for a few more months then run Your CSA DAC and see what you see on them. many co. don,t like job hoppers.
     
    jdiesel3406 Thanks this.
  4. jdiesel3406

    jdiesel3406 Light Load Member

    275
    173
    Apr 28, 2013
    Philly area
    0
    I hear you and trust me thats my intentions. Problem is, this place I'm at is a shoestring operation from GA trying to start business here in FL and they are doing everything by the skin of their teeth. I do not want to blemish or ruin my record hauling for a place like this. It is literally one man in an office, a rented loading dock at a business park and a leased truck and 2 beat up trailers. Oh and after doing my calculations of all my miles at the end of the week I am basically driving for less than .21 cents a mile...I'm paid "salary" but work anywhere from 42-50+ hours with no overtime. I am trying to get an attorney for the overtime issue. My job history is consistent but I NEED to get out of here. The day of the accident was my last straw. Got to the truck at 5 AM friday and didn't get home until 3 AM Saturday, not a red cent extra. Oh and on top of that they forced me to talk to the other insurance company because I'm obligated to so since I'm an employee there. Sorry I'm not going to do your safety departments job as well. No contingency plans, no communication, and a figure it out/deal with it attitude. This is why I am looking elsewhere.
     
    Mtn Gal Thanks this.
  5. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

    19,726
    18,731
    Apr 18, 2010
    Tennessee
    0
    If you can squeeze it in write "not at fault" off to the side. I'm sure you'll get a chance to explain yourself if they don't find out before hand.

    The reason I say this is you only have 3 months experience. If they see accident [x] yes, they might assume that's why you are looking for a job. You should of stayed 6 months or were you let go because of this wreck?

    It also depends what kind of job you are applying to. A mega-carrier will dig deep and probably see the no fault accident on your CDLIS record. Where as a local orange hauler won't even do a background check.

    The accident is nothing you should be ashamed of because it was not your fault. Don't let anyone let you think different. If it only has a check box check it.

    I would assume the 3 months will hurt you over anything else unless it is some company like Watkins Shepherd that requires no experience.
     
  6. jdiesel3406

    jdiesel3406 Light Load Member

    275
    173
    Apr 28, 2013
    Philly area
    0
    The company is one that takes "grads." While I had my permit I drove with a family friend (O/O) and would make deliveries to the Palm Beaches etc for approximately 2 months. I usually put that down as experience along with my 320 CDL Course. And yes I am still employed by the company that I had the accident with. I know I did everything right and there was nothing I can do, it is a little discouraging to have such a major accident in such a short amount of time driving. My company has not reprimanded me in anyway if that makes a difference.
     
    Mtn Gal and CondoCruiser Thank this.
  7. Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

    4,090
    1,696
    Feb 13, 2012
    Philadelphia Pa
    0
    You will need to put it on your application and since there was an injury it will go on your CSA score. Unfortunately CSA doesn't care about fault. Just call who ever your applying to to make sure they know its not at fault and send them a copy of the police report.
     
    jdiesel3406 and The Challenger Thank this.
  8. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

    19,726
    18,731
    Apr 18, 2010
    Tennessee
    0
    We posted at the same time Jdiesel. :) You fall under the FLSA/ Motor Carrier Act which states you are exempt from overtime. The only thing you can hold against them is if your hours versus wages falls under minimum wage.

    I would tough it out. They can't force you to break any safety regulations or you can stick OSHA on them. The grass won't get greener until you reach 6 months and better at 1 year. Never move backwards or side-wards, only forward in career moves. If you do change jobs then stick with it awhile.
     
  9. jdiesel3406

    jdiesel3406 Light Load Member

    275
    173
    Apr 28, 2013
    Philly area
    0
    @Richter - I figured that it would still go on my CSA that was my concern. I have all the information of the accident if needed. Thanks!
    @Condo Cruiser - I appreciate the info and advice. I am trying so hard to get to that magical 6-12 month point in time, I just do not feel confident at all working for these people anymore. Trucking runs in my family, dad was an independent for 20 years and all of our family friends are or were O/O's at some point, they all say the same "have to grind it out for experience." But they also agree that this place is a DOT audit away from having their MC# stripped. (The ONE guy in the office refused to keep records of our log books because he felt he didn't have to because they didn't do that in GA...yea....) I really want to put in my time on my own, I just feel like I have to walk on eggshells in this industry now a days with all of these regulations and restrictions. Just trying to keep my driving portfolio clean.
     
    baha and The Challenger Thank this.
  10. The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

    7,127
    3,367
    Dec 22, 2007
    East Central FL
    0
    Do you keep your log books??? In regards to the accident, put it on the application and state not at fault and offer to fax in police report with it.

    KH
     
    jdiesel3406 Thanks this.
  11. jdiesel3406

    jdiesel3406 Light Load Member

    275
    173
    Apr 28, 2013
    Philly area
    0
    Yea I have kept all my logs. He only hires students out of MFT so the guys that were here prior to me were not turning in their logs nor were they logging weekends and off time. I went ahead and completed the app and wrote in there "NOT AT FAULT" *Keeping my fingers crossed* I really appreciate all the feedback!!
     
    Mtn Gal Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.