Well I'm Screwed.

I waited to chime in until I believed I had a better idea what the situation really is. Ezcore I actually believe your being fairly factual on what transpired regarding your problem. If you read some of my other posts you probably understand I normally don't take this position without a bit of thought.

I believe the reason your no longer employed with CRST isn't the accident itself. I believe your LT was behind your dismissal. Why? I have a few scenio's that come to mind. One is self preservation and the other personalities. Whatever the case it doesn't help your situation.

Old school is right I believe trying to talk to CRST in a calm professional manner and explain your situation without conflict is your best option. Good luck sir, some situations are just not that easy to rectify.

Just got off the phone with someone at CRST.

They told me half way through my plight "Ahh come on sir, you sound as if tho you are making this your lead trainers fault". Soon as he said that I was like why did I even bother calling. Not once did I say it was my leads fault. I made the mistakes, however I am a damn student without proper guidance. Why was I let go so far so fast? Even if I got into another accident down the road the next week I should still have at least one more chance after that right?

Oh well... Guess i'ma post an add out on craigslist. Maybe some owner opp would be willing to train me and let me drive for him.

Yup. Your LT totally dropped the ball, and in order to cover his own butt, he tossed the "fresh meat" to the lions and then ran the other way.

You need to fight this. As Old School said, remain calm and professional, but you need to be firm as well.

You got screwed.

Thanks for everyones suggestions, and sharing disbelief in the madness I am experiencing, I mean that in a good way because I'm in disbelief myself.

Just got off the phone with someone at CRST

I would make sure and talk to "someone" with a Name and Title at the company IN PERSON. I don't think this situation can be handled over the phone with "someone". Take Old School's advice and see this through, calmly and thoroughly.

I don't know. I'm in the same boat as most of the other experienced drivers here - this just doesn't add up. A company is going to fire you immediately for bending a mirror, after insisting you sign a contract so you won't leave the company, but then they say you still owe them $7,000 and can't go work anywhere else and can't come back to work for them?

Doesn't add up.

CRST adamantly enforces those contracts. If someone quits they will be expected to pay back the full amount and CRST will not allow you to go work anywhere else. In other words, they will use their full legal powers to make sure the drivers they train stay and work for the company for the entire contract. But how could they have you sign a contract, fire you, not let you go work anywhere else, and say you still owe them $7,000? If they were to do that they'd have a long list of attorneys on the phone and the Government investigating their business practices.

Why don't you email me a private message with your full name and the name of someone at CRST you spoke with that's familiar with the situation. I'd be interested in giving them a call to find out how they expect you to learn without making mistakes and pay back a contract without a job or the legal right to land another one.

If they fired you immediately for one minor infraction and then insisted you're still under contract for the money it would be the first time I've heard of that happening. If your story was true and you went home and quit, as opposed to being fired, then everything you've told us adds up and makes perfect sense.

How do I send you a private message Brett?

Ezcore, click on Brett's name under his profile pic. Scroll down and you will see a place to click on to send him a private message.

Just got off the phone with someone at CRST.

They told me half way through my plight "Ahh come on sir, you sound as if tho you are making this your lead trainers fault". ... and all that other stuff you wrote.

Call again, maybe to the Safety office, make sure you speak with somebody different. Have a note paper, write their name down.

DON'T tell them a long sad story - in other words hardly mention your mentor except to say you were road training. The part that affects your driving career is all they need and want to hear. First trip ever (I gather). Lane change situation, oops! Crunch! If they ask about your mentor, tell what he was doing (giving you advice), and not much more.

Express your desire to get back, maybe with a different mentor.

Please keep us updated on how this turns out. Thanks