Previous accidents and becoming a truck driver

CDL or not. It DOES matter.

Look at the websights you're considering. They usually tell you what they want for driving record.

 

What was the at fault accident written up as??? it sometimes makes a difference.
There are places a guy can work, it could limit your options some, but I would not list the reasons as driving a different car, a bad breakup or going to a new city as any reason if ask for an explanation why you wrecked, if I was you.

 

If my thinking is right, they could possibly cause him problems buying his own insurance, but shouldn't show up to a prospective employer

 

Go ahead and apply. You have nothing to lose. Seen drivers with worse get hired. Just don't hide anything.

 

I think it is somewhat rare that an insurance company shares info on claims with others, not even sure how they could do it reliabily. I know, I have in the past switched companies, because I had a claim and my insurance company wanted to go up on my insurance, and got lower prices.

 

Yep, don't make excuses and don't mention any personal or medical problems. Trucking companies have a lot to deal with and don't want to hire a driver that may have baggage.
Try to attend that private school that let's you finance the tuition; Southwest Truck Driving School in Phoenix. This way you can probably be hired by a 2nd chance company.