First At Fault Accident

From FMCSA website :

§383.51 – Disqualifications of Drivers – General Questions

Guidance Q&A Question 4: What is meant by leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV?

Guidance: As used in part 383, the disqualifying offense of “leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV” is all-inclusive and covers the entire range of situations where the driver of the CMV is required by State law to stop after an accident and either give information to the other party, render aid, or attempt to locate and notify the operator or owner of other vehicles involved in the accident.

I believe you have a valid argument about not feeling it. However if you do end up being cited and found guilty its a minimum of 1 year Disqualification from driving. Not trying to scare you just trying to shoot straight with you. The fact he didn't issue you that citation at the time should work out to your favor. Were you issued any citations at the scene? If you receive any tickets HIRE A LAWYER.

Yes, I don't think it's fraud. I think I backed up, stopped in time.....but it caused her to run into me because she didn't expect me to be backing in that situation. The first cop actually told me she hit me. He left for some reason.....and the second cop said he wasn't sure...that's when I admitted to reversing....so we were just left unsure.

I'm just hoping I don't get charged after the fact with fleeing the scene. I think that would just about end things for me.... when all were talking is just some paint transfer/no injuries. I didn't feel it. She never blew the horn or anything. Would be a shame.

I hit submit too quick. I meant to say I am sorry this happened to you. We all learn some lessons out here the hard way. Hopefully this will stick with you and you'll always remember how serious the consequences are of backing up where you shouldn't.

We actually understand. There's been a lot of times where I was tempted to do something crazy in a truck, but the important thing is recognizing what's crazy and what is proper. Keep you head on straight and you will get it all figured out. Never back a truck up without knowing what is behind you or what could potentially come in behind you during the process.

Yes, I've already made up in my mind I'll hire a lawyer if neccsary. No, no citations today. I just really hope the prosecutor/court is aware that is very difficult to feel a sedan hit the center of the rear bumper going likely less than 8 miles per hour. So frustrating.

From FMCSA website :

§383.51 – Disqualifications of Drivers – General Questions

Guidance Q&A Question 4: What is meant by leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV?

Guidance: As used in part 383, the disqualifying offense of “leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV” is all-inclusive and covers the entire range of situations where the driver of the CMV is required by State law to stop after an accident and either give information to the other party, render aid, or attempt to locate and notify the operator or owner of other vehicles involved in the accident.

I believe you have a valid argument about not feeling it. However if you do end up being cited and found guilty its a minimum of 1 year Disqualification from driving. Not trying to scare you just trying to shoot straight with you. The fact he didn't issue you that citation at the time should work out to your favor. Were you issued any citations at the scene? If you receive any tickets HIRE A LAWYER.

Take a minute and breathe.

No lawyers needed. Prime will pay the damages. Prime is not going to fire you. Worst case... They will send you to the safety SIM class which you have been here a year anyway right? So it is about time to redo that anyway. And you will get paid $100 for the class.

They know you wont feel it hit. Other people have swiped parked cars and not known. You are not going to get fleeing the scene. I will pay you $500 if you do.

I said that here publicly cause im that sure.

If you have no other incidents and have been a productive driver and on time they are not going to let you go for a minor thing. You didn't kill anyone... No one got run off the road.... The truck didn't flip...nothing was on fire...

And you didn't lie.... Cause they can actually see what gear you are in. Now... If you said you never reversed and she said you did and they pulled your stats and saw you in reverse... That would be a different story. They wouldn't trust a liar.

You will be fine.

Really appreciate the reassurance....means a lot coming from yourself (I'm guessing you're still at Prime). No, no other incidents other than that Swift truck running into me while parked at a Flying J (still can't believe it) Good point about admitting the reverse. Another driver was disappointed that I admitted it, saying to never admit such a thing. I think I need to tell him how terrible advice that is.

Take a minute and breathe.

No lawyers needed. Prime will pay the damages. Prime is not going to fire you. Worst case... They will send you to the safety SIM class which you have been here a year anyway right? So it is about time to redo that anyway. And you will get paid $100 for the class.

They know you wont feel it hit. Other people have swiped parked cars and not known. You are not going to get fleeing the scene. I will pay you $500 if you do.

I said that here publicly cause im that sure.

If you have no other incidents and have been a productive driver and on time they are not going to let you go for a minor thing. You didn't kill anyone... No one got run off the road.... The truck didn't flip...nothing was on fire...

And you didn't lie.... Cause they can actually see what gear you are in. Now... If you said you never reversed and she said you did and they pulled your stats and saw you in reverse... That would be a different story. They wouldn't trust a liar.

You will be fine.

I'm confused. As I read your description she hit the side of your trailer. While backing up in traffic is NEVER a good idea (BAD driver, BAD! - had to say it) she hit a large, slow moving object that wasn't moving towards her. Have you had a chance to look over your trailer for damage to your tires, scratched paint, missing DOT tape or any other signs of impact? I get why you wouldn't necessarily feel it, I don't understand how you're, "at fault". Besides, "at fault" is the 4-wheeler standard. For professional drivers the standard is, "preventable".

I'm confused. As I read your description she hit the side of your trailer. While backing up in traffic is NEVER a good idea (BAD driver, BAD! - had to say it) she hit a large, slow moving object that wasn't moving towards her. Have you had a chance to look over your trailer for damage to your tires, scratched paint, missing DOT tape or any other signs of impact? I get why you wouldn't necessarily feel it, I don't understand how you're, "at fault". Besides, "at fault" is the 4-wheeler standard. For professional drivers the standard is, "preventable".

There is a difference between at fault and preventable. Example... A car merges onto the highway. I am in the right lane... With the right of way. The car maintains my speed and gets hit between me and the guard rail. Its a preventable for me. Not my fault..but a preventable.

Why? I could have changed lanes. I could have sped or slowed. Yes I have the right of way. No I didnt cause it. But im a professional driver held to a higher standard.