Accident record on MVR
Posted by TaxAvoision@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 14 comments
Can anybody help me make sure this record accurately reflects what happened? A four wheeler drove into my trailer attempting to cut across four lanes while turning. Her front bumper was damaged but she was able to drive away and didn’t need medical attention. My trailer was fine except for the slightest dent to the bumper. The officer who took the report said there wasn’t enough information to determine fault.
Eventually, the other driver got a lawyer. My employer’s legal department has handled it and I haven’t heard anything besides a couple updates that litigation was moving forward.
Does anybody know what an accident severity of 5 means? I’m worried that she got an ambulance chaser type and is trying to claim a bunch of injuries and damages for a cash grab. I’ve started applying for a new job and I obviously don’t want this to hurt my chances.
PalePersonality6331@reddit
https://actar.org/pdf/mi_ovl1.pdf
jmzstl@reddit
If no one was towed away and no one sought medical attention at the scene, you’re fine. Some companies might want to see the accident report, which you can get from the police department that responded. Just be honest and tell them you were in a minor accident that was not your fault and not DOT reportable.
The other driver claiming injury after the fact in hopes of a payout is totally normal and doesn’t affect the status of the accident at all.
https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyplanner/MyFiles/SubSections.aspx?ch=21&sec=62&sub=126
Waisted-Desert@reddit
It's actually seeking medical attention away from the scene. At the scene is too routine for many jurisdictions. Ambulance shows up, checks everyone out, gives a band-aid or ice pack, then takes off. It's only when it's determined that an injury requires further medical attention that it becomes DOT Reportable.
Tricky_Big_8774@reddit
Sought medical attention at the scene means they were transported to a medical facility from the scene directly. It is worth noting that this is entirely up to the person involved. I was involved in a crash in my personal vehicle, and the other person involved insisted on being taken to the hospital even though the EMTs on scene cleared him. I now get to answer extra questions during the hiring process.
Waisted-Desert@reddit
49 CFR 390.5T
So like I said, AWAY from the scene of the accident not AT the scene of the accident. This is the legal definition per the FMCSA.
Antique_One7110@reddit
It’s the “immediately” part that I think is a hang up…the guidance says if a party seeks medical attention after you leave the scene it isn’t reportable.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/person-involved-incident-discovers-he-or-she-injured-after-leaving-scene-incident-and-0
Waisted-Desert@reddit
Right. If two days later a lawyer convinces them they have whiplash, it's not a reportable accident. Basically it needs to be an injury severe enough that it isn't easily treated at the scene and requires immediate attention.
I had to get stitches after an accident that wasn't that severe, cut my arm on a broken window after the initial accident. Suddenly it's a reportable accident, I had to take a piss test per 49 CFR 382.303, and everyone get pissed off because of the additional paperwork involved.
jmzstl@reddit
I didn’t phrase it perfectly, but in the case the OP described, it’s still not DOT reportable.
lss607isamess@reddit
5 means fatal injury or death within 30 days..so no it's not being reported correctly! You need to get your own lawyer and not be blind and not ask questions from your companies legal team.
TaxAvoision@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the replies. I’m still not sure what level 5 means but I’m less worried after paying for my PSP and seeing nothing there. Now I just have to wonder why the employer who ordered my MVR two days ago hasn’t called to schedule next steps. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
tgpsrad@reddit
Ridiculous. Ever heard of FIT acronym for accidents? Fatality, injury or driver that seeked medical attention afterwards, or a car towed away from the scene You now have a recordable accident on your record and are stained from getting most trucking jobs because of your "employers lawyers" remember EMPLOYERS Don't LOOK OUT FOR YOU. they look out for themselves. Next time you need to have your own lawyer and you need to ENSURE a DOT cop was at the accident. Not no sheriff who will ruin your career.
ChiTruckDGAF@reddit
Funny enough, they didn't cover FIT during training, they told me to report anything.
Raezzordaze@reddit
This accident, as described by OP, is not DOT recordable. It will appear on their MVR and, if their company uses it, DAC report as well. No citations is a good thing.
Not sure where some of yall get your info, but a lawyer ain't gonna be able to do much here. And I'm not really sure what you think requesting a DOT officer is gonna do besides land you a possible inspection as well.
12InchPickle@reddit
A quick google search yielded mixed results. Some pages said 5 is the most severe. Others said 1 is the most severe. But if no one died. Then I’d assume 5 is less severe.
Will need more info. But here’s a link that relevant.
https://highways.dot.gov/media/20141