drivers liabilities

[mikesdebi]

hi to all, first post
Potential new team Thinking of driving for owner/fleet operation. I was curious, they all seem to want to treat you not as an employee, but as a subcontractor. This being the case, what are your financial liabilities if theres an accident or someone gets hurt?? I know the y carry insurance on the truck but Can you personally be sued?? Isnt this the same as basically being in business for yourself, sole proprietorship? wouldnt everything you own be at risk if something unforseeable happened?
Also, what about if YOU get hurt?? no workers comp??

thanks in advance

 

[davekc]

In the event of a accident, the carrier does provide insurance. Depending on that coverage, it would be advisable to carry a additional liability policy. Most carriers insure for a million but in todays world, that is not much. Most companies provide worker comp or simular (AIG insurance). It would be between you and the truck owner as to whom would pay for your personal insurance.
I don't think many would offer additional personal liability but it is reasonably inexpensive.
On a side note. Don't fall into the scam of being incorporated. This will not protect you from any lawsuits ect. This is really a umbrella for larger corporations were they are owned by stockholders ect. Your exposure is basically the same whether you have it or not.
Davekc

 

[terryandrene]

The standard in the expediting field is owner/operators are leased to carriers as independant contractors. It is therefore rare for the owner to take on a driver as anything other than a subcontractor. You are probably better off with this status so that you can maintain a flexibility of operation while managing your own affairs.