traffic violations - how do you handle them?

Mac · #1 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 10:54 PM

A number of weeks back, I was driving the rig and litterally had a fender bender. My box trailer fender clipped a parked car's front fender as I was pulling over to park infront of it. I looked into repairing it with company funds but decided to turn it over to insurance as I was assured I would not be droped over this incident.

Anyways, I was the one driving so there was no question as to who would pay it. Does anyone have it spelled out in their handbook how this is covered and would anyone be willing to share how you handle these situations?

What Im thinking is having the employee cover the trafic ticket and the compay covering the insurance deductable. Any thoughts? Thanks.

TrickyDick · #2 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 11:24 PM

I think that's right. If someone gets a ticket it is their ticket irrespective of who's vehicle they are driving and anything dealing with insurance or payment for damages is the company's problem. You can fire em but I don't think you could make them pay for it.

sleepy · #3 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 11:29 PM

That woul be fraud and just plain un honest. If you run your life through deception and lies it will come back and bite you tenfold. It was a simple mistake and yes the insurance rates will go up for you, but to make an employee take the wrap is just totally non empathetic to your employee. His personal rates will go up if he or she is married so will the spouces. You will look like a total jackass for even asking someone to take the wrap not to mention the loss of respect from your employee. Just be a man and deal with it.

sleepy · #4 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 11:32 PM

Tricky, Mac was behind the wheel.

cutntrim · #5 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 11:40 PM

Pay the ticket and pay the damages out of court if you can.

Pelican · #6 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 11:47 PM

The way I read this is Mac is referring to a hypothetical situation, not the accident he was involved in. From what he says I doubt there was a ticket issued.

My policy is moving violations are the responsibility of the operator, tickets written for equipment deficiencies are mine. I've had 2 backing accidents in 10 years that were enough damage to have the insurance cover them. If I cause damage under $1000, I usually pay out of pocket in order to keep my insurance rates down.

BuenPatron · #7 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 12:59 AM

I'm with the wise old Pelican. Anything under a grand (usually one screw-up a year) is outta my pocket. Once in a while I'll dock the employee if it's a really dumb mistake.
Once while plowing snow I backed into a building. Didn't even see it. Got full penetration, breaking this guy's desk, computer, picture of his wife & kids. That's why I have insurance.

Mac · #8 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 01:12 AM

Sorry for the confusion. The ticket from the fender bender I was involved in came from my pocket and the company would have paid the deductable should the trailer fender have gotten fixed.

That incident sparked the question of how to deal with employees who have incidents. I had not thought that far and wanted to see how others handle these mishaps.

sleepy · #9 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 02:20 AM

quite confusing I personaly dont posess the skill of E.S.P.

GLAN · #10 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 08:03 AM

We've been fortunate......

I can't remember the last time we had any moving violations or been stopped for equipment related issues.

My driver had his first little accident May 2005. The trailer decided to change lanes and side swiped the car next to it. That was his story....and the officer put that on the report.....and totaly disregarded our version, of which made more sense. Can't even get a cop to the honest and right thing now-a-days

Pelican · #11 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 08:51 AM

Glan, has the DOT been hassling you guys there much? Up here they are hitting landscapers hard, every i must be dotted and t crossed. They've gone to the length of measuring mudflaps.

GLAN · #12 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 07:02 PM

Haven't heard much about them in my area......Though DEC is lurking around

Stonehenge · #13 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pelican
Glan, has the DOT been hassling you guys there much? Up here they are hitting landscapers hard, every i must be dotted and t crossed. They've gone to the length of measuring mudflaps.

You almost have to wonder if it's worth giving them something easy to find that has a smallish fine associated with it, so they can take their pound of flesh quickly and send you on your way.

sleepy · #14 (**permalink**) 06-20-2006, 05:22 AM

Stone, That would be a gateway drug sinerio in cali. The dot will bust out the creeper on your rig and even check your air brakes.You better have triangles and a fire extinguisher behind the seat too!! Dont mess with the po-lice or is that the po-fleece?????

Pelican · #15 (**permalink**) 06-21-2006, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stonehenge
You almost have to wonder if it's worth giving them something easy to find that has a smallish fine associated with it, so they can take their pound of flesh quickly and send you on your way.

You know Jeff, I've been considering that, leave a non-essential light out to be written for. They give a full inspection and write up everything, but in court they play "Let's Make a Deal". They plea bargain down to one of the lesser tickets most times. I went in with 4 tickets facing a $3500 fine and came out with only 2 and a $400 fine.