An Accident Happened. Now What?

Whenever an accident occurs, your company’s safety department will start an investigation right away. And it’s not just the big wrecks they look at. Small mishaps count, too. Backing into a fence post, scraping a dock, or even needing a tow because you got stuck in the mud can all trigger this process.

So it’s no surprise that from the moment you call dispatch, every detail you share is recorded. After that, you’ll be asked to complete a written incident report. Together, your statements and that report give the safety department what they need to make their decision.

When the review is over, the safety team asks one thing: Was it preventable or not? Their answer goes on your Drive-A-Check (DAC) report, a record carriers use to check your driving history. Your DAC report follows you for up to ten years, and even one “preventable” can make a good company pass on your job application.

Breaking Down the Lingo Your Safety Manager Uses

So, what does preventable or non-preventable mean? The most important thing to remember is that their definitions have nothing to do with who got a ticket or who was legally "at fault." It all comes down to one simple idea: Could the incident have been avoided?

Preventable Accident

A preventable accident is any incident the company believes you could have reasonably avoided, regardless of who was legally at fault. The safety department is asking, "Did our driver do everything a defensive, professional driver would do to prevent this?" If the answer is no, it gets marked as preventable.

Common examples include:

• Scraping a sign or another vehicle while making a turn
• Rear-ending a vehicle, even if they stopped suddenly
• Taking an exit ramp too fast and rolling over

Non-Preventable Accident

A non-preventable accident is the opposite. It's an incident where the company determines you did everything right, but the crash was truly unavoidable. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time, but you were operating professionally and defensively.

Common examples include:

• Being rear-ended while you are legally stopped at a red light
• Getting hit by another driver who ran a stop sign or crossed the center line
• A deer or other animal striking your vehicle with no time for you to react

How to Write a Professional Incident Statement

Any time there’s an incident, you’ll be asked for a written statement. The details you include matter. By showing your speed, following distance, and defensive actions, you can often turn a situation that might normally be seen as preventable into a non-preventable. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Step #1: Cool Down, Then Write

Your first instinct might be to complete the report quickly, but it’s best to avoid rushing through this process. Accidents are stressful, and writing while you’re upset can lead to emotional or careless wording. Take a little time to calm down, gather your thoughts, and then write.

Step #2: Stick to the Facts (The 5 W’s)

Write like a news reporter, not a storyteller. Just list the basic facts. Answer these questions:

• Who: Who was involved? (e.g., "Myself, driving Truck #1234, and the driver of a blue Ford F-150")
• What: What happened? Be specific about the actions. (e.g., "The Ford F-150 changed lanes into my trailer's side tandems," not "He hit me.")
• When: Date and approximate time. (e.g., "October 26th, around 2:15 PM")
• Where: Exact location. (e.g., "I-40 Eastbound, at mile marker 217, near Nashville, TN")
• Why: What were the conditions? (e.g., "The road was wet from recent rain, and traffic was slowing suddenly due to construction ahead.")

Step #3: Clearly Describe Your Actions

The safety department wants to know what steps you took to avoid the accident. Your job is to prove you were driving defensively.

Break it down into two parts:

• Before: What was your driving behavior? (e.g., "I was traveling at 55 mph in the right lane, maintaining a 6-second following distance from the vehicle ahead.")
• During: What action did you take to try to avoid it? (e.g., "I saw the vehicle begin to merge into my lane. I immediately checked my left mirror, moved slightly toward the shoulder to create space, and tapped my brakes to slow down.")

Step #4: Do a Final Check

Before you submit your statement, read it like your career depends on it, because it does.

Look for:

• No emotions: Remove words like "angry," "frustrated," or "stupid." Keep it factual and professional.
• No admissions of fault: Don't write "I should have" or "I could have" or "If only I had." These phrases suggest you did something wrong.
• No speculation: Don't guess about what the other driver was thinking or doing. "The other driver appeared to be texting" is speculation unless you actually saw their phone.
• Confirm all facts: Double-check times, locations, speeds, and any other details. If you're not sure about something, don't include it or note that it's an estimate.

Remember, your written statement becomes part of your permanent record. Take the time to get it right, because you only get one chance to tell your side of the story.

Take Charge of Your Career Path

In trucking, your past is always part of your application. A preventable accident on your DAC is a heavy load to carry for years. But as you've learned, you have more power than you think. The words you choose in those critical minutes after an incident are your first and best line of defense.

Want to know another great way to protect your career? Choosing the right company from the start. Find carriers with strong safety cultures today on TruckerJunction.com.