Accident Without Citation Deemed “At Fault,” Black-Balling Me

Hey Everyone,

I’m 37 y/o and got tired of sitting behind a desk so I achieved a class A CDL through a driving school after going to part time classes for 5 months on the weekends. I passed all my tests the first time, have +5 points (as positive (good) as you can be in VA) on my driver’s license, and have no prior accidents or moving violations on my driving record. I don’t have a criminal record either, am in good health, and can provide excellent references, which haven’t been checked so far. After talking to several carriers about driving for them, I decided on one of the “beginner” carriers and was scheduled for orientation. They asked for an accident report, which surprised me because I didn’t think the motorcycle accident I had in September ‘21 would even show up given nobody was ticketed and there was no property damage to report other than my vehicle. I then got covid the week before orientation, so I called the carrier I had chosen and they required that I fill out another application. I said “no problem” and provided what they asked for. I was then contacted less than 24 hours before I was asked to show up and was told the “at fault” accident I had 10 1/2 months ago disqualified me. The carrier had a copy of the accident report for a month and I had already quit my job 2 weeks prior (1 week to move, 1 week of covid.) The accident report says I “failed to maintain control” and that I was “riding on the shoulder on a motorcycle, lost control, hit a guard rail, and laid the motorcycle down.” That’s all true, to a point. I dodged a bus that slammed on it’s brakes on an on ramp, hit some gravel on the shoulder, and the bike went down. First accident in 15 years of riding. I ended up taking a ride to the hospital with some scrapes and bruises but no broken bones. They pumped me full of fentanyl too, which sucks because it makes the whole thing kind of fuzzy. Again, no issued summons or citation of any sort. So far I’ve now been black-balled by 3 different carriers, two of which have a reputation for hiring anyone. It’s pushing 60 days since I graduated CDL school. Anyone have any advice? I’m going on 3 weeks of unemployment after having a career for 14 years and I’m getting worried.

That's a cool fish! Are they good eating?

What are the three companies that turned you down and what state are you in? That information will help us to help you further.

Laura

Have you tried Western Express yet?

What companies are involved here?

I know why you were DQ’d (several reasons) and why others won’t touch you, not sure if you want to hear the truth though.

It’s a Sheepshead, they’re excellent eating.

It’s been Werner, Roehl, and CR England.

That's a cool fish! Are they good eating?

What are the three companies that turned you down and what state are you in? That information will help us to help you further.

Laura

Werner, Roehl, and CR England.

Please do tell me why. I have no idea other than I’m being told I have an “at fault” accident that wasn’t ticketed. As I said, I was surprised it even turned up, but sent the report when I did. Why would you assume I don’t want to hear the truth? I’ve been nothing but professional in my career and in the application process. I operate on truth.

What companies are involved here?

I know why you were DQ’d (several reasons) and why others won’t touch you, not sure if you want to hear the truth though.

Most people who post things like you just did, do not want the truth.

Here goes…

First and foremost this is one more example of why it’s best to take the path of Paid CDL Training Programs. This accident would have been uncovered earlier in the process.

On your first application did you disclose this accident? If you didn’t, then in their eyes you weren’t honest with them. It’s about trust and truth.

Even if you did disclose it, to me it indicated you were not in control of your bike as you accelerated through the on-ramp. Maybe following too close. Its also very current, relatively new. If you can get another recruiter on the phone, take responsibility for the accident. Explain your mistake, what you learned and how you intend to prevent it in the future. Be humble and do not blame it on the bus! Do something like this in a semi and it’s likely a different outcome.

Trucking companies are risk averse… they deem hiring you as a risk.

My suggestion is to try Western Express and Dutch Maid…among others…

Use this link: Apply For Truck Driving Jobs

Good luck.

I did disclose it with all companies as soon as they asked, even in the application. I did not expect it to be an issue given there was no citation issued. As soon as an accident report was requested, it was sent. Within minutes. I don’t mention the bus in interviews. I simply say I hit patch of gravel and lost control after 15 years of safe riding and decided to not ride anymore because motorcycles are inherently risky and I want to be safe. The bus isn’t mentioned on the accident report.

I simply want to begin my driving career. I’ve been driving for 20 years without incident or ticket otherwise and have made changes to make sure I don’t get in another accident.

It’s worth noting, I think, that there’s a saying amongst riders about laying a bike down. I’m officially in the “those that have” instead of “those that will.” Learned my lesson.

Thanks for the recommendations and input.

Most people who post things like you just did, do not want the truth.

Here goes…

First and foremost this is one more example of why it’s best to take the path of Paid CDL Training Programs. This accident would have been uncovered earlier in the process.

On your first application did you disclose this accident? If you didn’t, then in their eyes you weren’t honest with them. It’s about trust and truth.

Even if you did disclose it, to me it indicated you were not in control of your bike as you accelerated through the on-ramp. Maybe following too close. Its also very current, relatively new. If you can get another recruiter on the phone, take responsibility for the accident. Explain your mistake, what you learned and how you intend to prevent it in the future. Be humble and do not blame it on the bus! Do something like this in a semi and it’s likely a different outcome.

Trucking companies are risk averse… they deem hiring you as a risk.

My suggestion is to try Western Express and Dutch Maid…among others…

Use this link: Apply For Truck Driving Jobs

Good luck.

So, the only blemish on your driving record in your life is a 15 year old accident on a motorcycle. If that is all, I would call CFI, Western Express and CRST. I would speak to a recruiter and tell them about the accident upfront and that three others turned you down. I don't see how the 15 year old accident you described is hurting you.

The accident occurred in 2021. Less than 1 year…

So, the only blemish on your driving record in your life is a 15 year old accident on a motorcycle. If that is all, I would call CFI, Western Express and CRST. I would speak to a recruiter and tell them about the accident upfront and that three others turned you down. I don't see how the 15 year old accident you described is hurting you.