Protection for yourself in the event of a collision

Anything over 10k in damages you're automatically fired.But simple minor things companies won't fire you unless you have too many accidents.Are you prepareing yourself incase you get into an accident.Like ppl on this thread are saying,don't hit things and you'll be fine.You know its very easy to live up to the name professional truck driver and doesn't really take any extra work or special training.

 

Yup. If you're accused of being at fault and/or negligent in an accident that results in significant property damage, bodily injury, Or worse..you're most likely going to get thrown under the bus by your company.

 

I ride.. Haven't gone down yet.. With the exception of dirt.. on a track.. ricky racing

 

Yup. I'd say that's a good way of putting it.I also ride a motorcycle. My $.02...driving a big rig is a lot more like riding a motorcycle than it is driving a four wheeled vehicle. To get a big rig and a motorcycle safely (and consistently) from point A to B...you have to operate under the assumption that every vehicle around you is out to get you. Even if YOU do everything right 100% of the time (not possible)...you can't always avoid every other guy and gals 3,000+ Pound bumper car.

Now when it comes to stationary objects...yeah...that's all you.

 

With thinkin like that .. Best whole up sir..

 

....... Nevermind .........

 

Keep in mind that in today's society anyone can sue anyone over anything. Ever see those billboards touting lawyers who want to represent people hurt in accidents?

Big trucks are easy targets. Your company's insurance is to cover them, not necessarily you. As a driver you could be a target of a civil suit where any or all of your personal assets are fair game, especially if someone is injured or killed in an accident where you control the vehicle.

A smart man told me some time ago to drive carefully because the driver is always liable.

 

The Best protection is to always drive legal all the time. Dont take chances on bum tires,brakes etc.or cheating logs ever. Reminds me of a story about an ole boy in Oklahoma that got hit head on by a drunk driver. Well,they had him pee in a cup,said he was good to go.Then the ladies family hired a Matlock lawyer,started digging around talking to shippers and receivers,found he had been on duty 16 hours.The arguement was "he shouldnt have been there in the first place and she wouldnt have hit him.3 years in prison"manslaughter" conviction for him even though the lady was drunk.So best protection is remain 100% legal and at least you have a chance.