Possibly Fired For Not Reporting Accident. Will I Be Able To Get Another Job?

I did something really stupid. I've only been with this company for 3 weeks, and they've suspended me with a huge possibility of getting fired. (They literally told me that I'm probably getting fired.) This all happened 2 weeks ago, and they found out about it on camera and suspended me on Monday.

What happened was I was taking this tank trailer to a drop lot to be cleaned. I was backing into a hole and hit the trailer next to me. I got out and checked and the light box was broken. So, my stupid self just continued to back it in and leave it there and not tell anybody. I should've told somebody and I know that there are no excuses. (I guess I was afraid of getting written up or fired altogether, but I know that doesn't excuse anything.)

Also, my DAC already has an accident on it after I fell asleep at the wheel at a previous company. There were no injuries, I was the only one involved, and the truck didn't rollover. I was ticketed for it though.

Will anybody hire me after this?

Should I look for another career? If so, do you have any ideas?

We couldn't at my company, but there are 100,000 companies out there and someone probably will still hire you. But just know that those accidents probably cost you a lot of earning potential because the types of places that might hire you after that probably aren't paying the most.

Good Luck - Find your Focus.

I'd rank your chance as below average, 1 ticket for falling asleep and now a unreported accident most companies will pass.

If you do get a third chance you best get your head in the game before you hit or kill someone.

The first accident was due to the fact that my job was on call so my sleep schedule was messed up.

The second accident was just trailer damage. Nobody was connected to the trailer I hit. So, I was the only person involved. I know that doesn't excuse what I did, but I'm just letting you know what happened.

I'd rank your chance as below average, 1 ticket for falling asleep and now a unreported accident most companies will pass.

If you do get a third chance you best get your head in the game before you hit or kill someone.

You will now be fighting an uphill battle. I’m not going to beat you up over it, you know you did wrong both times. Apply everywhere and be honest to new perspective employers and you may find someone willing to give you a shot.

You need to formulate a plan of action to enhance your decision making before speaking with them, because that is what they will be looking for.

Good luck

The first accident was due to the fact that my job was on call so my sleep schedule was messed up.

100% your fault and you are lucky you didn't hurt anyone. When our butts are in the driver's seat everything is on us. If you have an on call job it is your responsibility to stay rested or no drive when you're sleep deprived. This is a serious accident and you are lucky you had a second chance from that.

The second accident was just trailer damage. Nobody was connected to the trailer I hit. So, I was the only person involved.

That trailer cost the company at least hundreds of dollars of down time. Plus by not reporting it, you have no idea of the costs involved in fixing it. You were worried about being fired if you reported it, and now you will be fired for not reporting it. And you want someone else to let you drive their 80,000 pound death machine down the road?

In my opinion, you need to do some serious thinking about whether you really have what it takes to make it out there safely.

Trucking requires a high level of concentration all the time.

Which is why I asked if anybody knew of any new career paths I can take.

The first accident was due to the fact that my job was on call so my sleep schedule was messed up.

100% your fault and you are lucky you didn't hurt anyone. When our butts are in the driver's seat everything is on us. If you have an on call job it is your responsibility to stay rested or no drive when you're sleep deprived. This is a serious accident and you are lucky you had a second chance from that.

The second accident was just trailer damage. Nobody was connected to the trailer I hit. So, I was the only person involved.

That trailer cost the company at least hundreds of dollars of down time. Plus by not reporting it, you have no idea of the costs involved in fixing it. You were worried about being fired if you reported it, and now you will be fired for not reporting it. And you want someone else to let you drive their 80,000 pound death machine down the road.

In my opinion, you need to do some serious thinking about whether you really have what it takes to make it out there safely.

Trucking requires a high level of concentration all the time.

That is an impossible question for us to answer. Depends on what other skills you have and what is available in the area you live. if there are any warehouses in your area, possibly getting on with one of them.

Every time I come on here for advice you guys act like my parents. I know I messed up you don't have to come down on me and be condescending. I was just asking what you think I should do.

I was just asking what you think I should do.

Take responsibility for your actions.