To leave my company or stay?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Canadianhauler21, Jun 24, 2021.

  1. Canadianhauler21

    Canadianhauler21 Heavy Load Member

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    My company has been a good one to me for the last 7 months, my dad has been working here for 10 years. We had two major accidents in the last week. One rollover and now one fatal accident involving 7 cars. Our driver was found at fault, he dozed off and slammed into a line of slowed cars.

    Highway 400 southbound at Finch Avenue closed after fatal collision

    But now I worry, with two major accidents on file, will the company fold? Will we be dropped from the insurance? Should I leave the company while I can? What should I do?

    I don't want to be suddenly out of a job. I'm not sure how insurance works in these kinda situations.

    It's good to mention we had no serious accidents for 20+ years. But suddenly in one week we had two major ones.

    Should I bail while I can or stay? I know ill be picked on at the scales if I ever get pulled in. We are a 16 truck fleet.
     
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  3. SoulScream84

    SoulScream84 Road Train Member

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    I am sure it will draw some unwanted attention, but with a 20 year record and only 2 majors I think things will be ok.
     
  4. Frank Speak

    Frank Speak Road Train Member

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    What do you mean “while I can”? You can quit anytime you want.
     
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  5. JustCallMeDriver

    JustCallMeDriver Light Load Member

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    I think this driver is under the mistaken impression that fewer companies will want to hire someone whose company folded
     
  6. Canadianhauler21

    Canadianhauler21 Heavy Load Member

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    What I meant was if the company folds I won't be able to get verified experience from them if they close. You know how if you go to a new company they call your previous company to verify. I'm worry if they fold I won't get that verification.
     
    MACK E-6 and NavigatorWife Thank this.
  7. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    have someone write up a reference letter for you, have it notarized and hold onto it.

    have them state your name, address, years of experience, time with your company.

    you can have your lawyer do this, your clergy, or yet any other former employer.

    then if you leave, you have "some" proof of your time there.

    also save up your W-2's or whatever Canada has for employment yearly taxes.
     
  8. Frank Speak

    Frank Speak Road Train Member

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    I assume you keep your paystubs? That’s all you need. I work for a small 25 truck outfit and mine are emailed every week.
     
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  9. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Save your paycheck statements to prove you worked there.
     
    Speed_Drums and NavigatorWife Thank this.
  10. SteveScott

    SteveScott Road Train Member

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    There are a few factors here which will determine if your employer stays in business.

    1. The liability insurance will undoubtedly take a huge hit with the fatality accident meaning it's going to cost them a lot. Regardless of how long they have been insured with the company, they may decide to drop your company. If that happens, your employer will have to move quickly to secure new coverage because they can't move the trucks without insurance. But with a fatality accident, "if" they can find new coverage, it's going to cost them a small fortune, and their ability to buy new insurance will depend on what kind of financial condition the company is in. So if they lose insurance and can't find new coverage, they're out of business practically overnight.

    2. I have no doubt that the victim's phone has been ringing off the hook from lawyers wanting to represent them in a wrongful death lawsuit. Depending on how much a jury awards the victim's family, your company will have to pay that out of their assets unless they have some kind of an umbrella policy, but those generally don't cover more than 5 million or so. Jury awards can run in the tens of millions, and that will also put them out of business quickly.

    As somebody else mentioned, ask them for a written reference now, and put it away in a safe place. Keep your options open. Keep an eye out for another job. There should be plenty right now.
     
    NavigatorWife Thanks this.
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