New Driver Minor Accident

Hey my names Robert I’m a new trucker just graduated school and got my license July.24,2024 and got hired August.15,2024 with a family owned local company in Los Angeles,C.A. Everything was going great learning a lot and gaining experience I’m a little over 2 months in now and sadly was involved in an accident Oct.25,2024. The accident was minor no one was injured both cars were still drivable and it was not a rear end I was merging to the right in traffic on the freeway going between 5-10mph and there was a car in my blind spot front right passengers side merging to the left also going very slow aswell.I did not see it in time and I hold myself accountable because I am a truck driver and were held to higher standards. I swiped her rear door and quarter panel and nothing happened to truck asides from front right bumper pushed in a little and pieces of her car on lug nuts. We pulled over I asked if she was okay she was fine just shook up from incident. we exchanged information I called my boss immideatly and we waited to CHP to arrive to take statement then we went on our way. CHP told me not to worry about it and my boss told me not to stress or worry about it **** happens your a new driver and this is a learning experience. But I am worried as it goes on my record and I wanted to get another Opinion from someone experienced aswell.. Thank you

Hi Robert, First off, I commend you on holding yourself accountable for your accident; many drivers post their accident stories on here, blaming everything under the sun except the one thing responsible: themselves. Your boss is right; countless new drivers have minor incidents and every company that hires new drivers is well aware of this. This being your first accident, expect a slap on the wrist and in some instances a safety video or two you might have to watch. Sounds like in your case you’re not even going to get the videos. Yes, this will show up on your record, and will remain there for three years. That won’t be a problem for you unless you decide to leave this company to drive for another. For the remainder of your driving career, anytime you fill out an application you must list this accident on the application, even if it’s the only accident you’re involved in and 20 years have passed.

I do have a question for you, though. Do you have mirrors on your fenders? If you do, and you’ve got the regular mirror with fish eye mirror mounted outside both doors, you really have should seen the other driver… The only true blind spot is the space directly behind your trailer, where no mirror can capture what’s directly behind you. Maybe you need to adjust your mirrors. Next time you’re driving, fix your eyes on a car behind you, do this for both sides of your semi. Follow it from a point behind you until it passes you and you can see it in front of you without using your mirrors. The entire time it should be visible in either your fender mirror or your side mirrors.

Other than that, take care, don’t let this incident rattle you, I know you’ll do fine. Sounds like you’ve got a real nice boss who I’m sure appreciated your holding yourself accountable for the accident. Good job; drive safe.

It sounds like you handled the incident in a very professional manner. Things happen sometimes, things are more likely to happen when your new. Let this incident replay in your head and think of all the little things you maybe could do to prevent this in the future and walk away a more experienced driver. This will go on your record but I wouldn't worry too much about it. It's VERY important however that you don't make these types of things a habit or pattern. Stay safe, and stay smart, stuff happens.