Why we all should have a dash cam

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by vikingswen, Aug 18, 2013.

  1. vikingswen

    vikingswen Road Train Member

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    As everybody can see I did not get out of the truck and I called 911 immediately and reported the accident as road rage. I told them I would wait in my truck until an officer would show up at the scene.
    The CHP officer told me that he claimed he had changed lanes and was rear ended at a later point by me. He than claimed he was having truck issues and he was trying to get to the shoulder since the truck was dying. Interestingly after he hit me he was able to accelerate to cut in front of another truck and make it to the shoulder.
     
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  3. vikingswen

    vikingswen Road Train Member

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    I was on the brakes and my load will attest to that. I had a 6 to 7 inch gap between my last load lock and the half palette on the rear, but things don't slow quite as fast at over 76,000lbs. It will be interesting to see when we offload Monday morning and the lumpers will break down the 23 palettes. I talked to the broker right after the accident and he has informed the buyer. I had the CHP officer look in my trailer with me and pointed out the shifted load and toppled boxes that were easy to see. This is a high dollar produce load with a lot of exotic fruit in there. I have taken pictures already and will take more if I am allowed on the dock.
     
  4. vikingswen

    vikingswen Road Train Member

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    Yes they do. This was my second incident within 10 days. Last week I had a lady run a red light on 395 and I dodged her, but I got to restack 15 palettes of onions since they had partially slid of the palettes. I did not get a license plate on her if not I would have filed charges too.
     
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  5. VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    Be firm with the receiver and advise them you need to be there when the product comes off, and if they protest, explain why. Since you've already told the broker who turned around and told the consignee, it puts the ball in their court for claims. You being there to inspect the product as it comes off will mitigate the magnitude of those claims possibly. If they flat out refuse? Make a written statement on the bills *before* you give them to the receiver stating that they waive all damage claims against you, the carrier, and have them sign it. If you're comfortable with your insurer, call and talk to your agent and ask him / her for specific advise in the event you're not allowed to see the product come off.

    Good luck. I'm glad you're not hurt. Hopefully no damage to that pretty red volvo.
     
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  6. vikingswen

    vikingswen Road Train Member

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    I talked to Sam you know where and he said he will handle the receiver since it is one of his loads. The Volvo will need a chin tuck since it took all the plastic out up front. When I backed into a spot at the Love's in Tehachapi the lower air dam fell out and was laying in the lot. A guy in his 379 Pete was laughing at me picking up the piece. I will angle for a herd bumper instead of more plastics. Thanks for the advice on dealing with the receiver.
    Do you have a trailer sitting in Oregon that is for sale?
     
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  7. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    I wouldn't be a bit surprised if this act was an insurance scam.People knows there's money to be had in trucking.
     
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  8. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    Yep, couldn't agree more, Vito!!
    Although on camera it appears like a simple rear end bump accident, things CAN go very bad in the process. The low-life pickup driver disregarded that possibility completely, and risked putting your life in danger, as well as the lives of other 4 wheelers & trucks nearby. What if you had swerved to avoid hitting him, and took out a car with family/kids who was changing lanes at the time. Or it caused you to lose steer control, sending you in an undesired direction.
    Yep, I'd sue his butt for sure. It's clearly intentional.
     
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2013
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  9. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    In a situation like this it would be great if we could also install rear and side view cameras to capture the initiation of the action behind you and beside you. Anyone figure out a system like that that is workable?
     
  10. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    Check out some of Windsmith's posts. He had a camera system like that.
     
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  11. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    Curious as to how this plays out.

    I was a victim of an insurance scam, very similar to this incident.

    They busted the whole ring, in florida, and I was finally cleared.

    But it took almost 3 years......
     
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