I just got fired from a trucking company I been with for 5 years. The company told me that I had too many safety issues. Yet this last accident, I do not feel it's my fault. I had driven the truck to the customer where they unloaded it. No problems at all. Once trailer got empty, I moved again and made several turns-- gettting it back to the yard. All of a sudden, I felt a big crash and I got out of the truck-- the trailer had fallen off the tractor. I do not understand why I am the one being blamed for this accident. How can I have caused this trailer to come off just by pulling it. I want and need to fight this case cause I feel its very unjust-- but I can not pay for a lawyer. The maintenance shop told me they had to rebuild the fifth wheel-- where it gets connected. So why did I get let go and how do I dispute this subject--- any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I have a commercial driver's license and I was told that it is my responsibility to make sure the vehicle is in proper working order before driving it.

It appears the trailer was not properly attached. Wouldn't that be your responsibility?

First, it depends on what state the company operates from. If its an at-will state, then they can fire you for any reason at all. If you have several accidents on your record, evwen though they weren't your fault, that's justification, even though they don't need it.

I gather you weren't a member of a union so you can't appeal to them for help.

So basically, I wouldn't waste my time. As emland said a driver is responsible for checking that their vehicle is operating properly. Since the trailer was unloaded, you should have check the connections to make sure they weren't loosened by unloading.