Dear Chandler,
I drive a semi-truck for a living. Been doing it for about ten years now. For the first time ever, I got in an accident the other day. It was pretty rainy outside and I didn’t see a car backing up as I was pulling into a parking lot. The driver of the car was pretty angry about the whole thing. He said he was going to call my employer and report me for negligence. He said his daughter’s wedding was about to start and now he was going to be late and wet.
I feel like none of that is my fault. I had the right of way anyway. But, since I was the bigger vehicle on the road, he thinks I should have been more careful. I know there was nothing I could have done differently. Does this guy even have a leg to stand on?
Signed,
A Skeptical Semi Truck Driver
Dear Skeptical Semi Truck Driver,
You’re absolutely right, if someone is backing up in a parking lot and you are already in the lane of traffic, you have the right of way. But, regardless of that fact, Kentucky is a no-fault state. That means that regardless of who is at fault in the accident, both of you have to file with your respective insurance companies for the injuries and outcomes of the accident.
While it’s frustrating to deal with someone who accuses you of blame, you were right in insisting there was nothing more to be done. An accident is just that – an accident.
Now that it’s over, it’s important that you focus on getting back to work and back on the road. Talk to your supervisor about the circumstances of your accident and ensure your job is stable. If he has a problem with anything or if you need help explaining the situation, reach out. I can help you present your situation to him with the benefit of a legal analysis of what could happen if he were to wrongfully terminate you for the incident. Hopefully, he will be understanding and we won’t have to take the case that far. But on the condition that he isn’t so amenable, I’m here with you to the end. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
Best,
