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Independent contractors who help fleet owners and executives bolster their operations play an important financial role for many carriers. When one of those drivers is involved in a crash through no fault of their own, the right support can play a critical role in helping that driver recover financially.

When a contractor’s truck is out of service after an accident, loads are delayed and the driver endures financial stress. While these contractors technically operate as independent businesses, their ability to recover from property damage and lost income impacts their carrier partners’ reliability, customer satisfaction and, ultimately, revenue. For fleets, supporting contractors through the claims process isn’t just a courtesy — it’s a strategic business decision.

There are some actionable ways carriers can assist contracted drivers with recovering repair costs and lost income from downtime after a not-at-fault accident.

By providing administrative claims support, fleets can help their independent drivers file and pursue insurance claims with at-fault drivers’ insurance companies and coordinate with body shops. This ensures faster repair times, more financial stability for drivers and continued loyalty to the fleet. Some fleets also choose to assign staff to assist with claims and provide templates and training for communications with insurance companies.

Documenting Losses

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Consider providing drivers with detailed checklists and instructions for gathering important documents. Independent drivers who’ve never filed a claim might not be conversant with the information adjusters or attorneys need to prove losses, such as:

• Dashcam footage, photos of scene, police report (proving negligence of the other party).
• Repair estimates, invoices (explaining necessary repairs and out-of-service dates).
• Income proof (settlement statements, rate confirmations and other proof of earnings).
• Out-of-pocket expenses (tow bills, storage fees and rental invoices).
• Timeline (from the date of accident until back on the road, with reasons for delays and proof of mitigation).

Organized claims packages often reduce the days between date of loss and successful resolution of claim.

Educating Drivers

Independent contractors may need instruction on how property damage claims work and may not know that they have the right to pursue loss of use/lost profit from the at-fault party’s insurance provider while their equipment was down. Fleet managers can:

• Clarify the two steps of every claim: First, it’s imperative to prove liability of the at-fault party before their insurance company will accept responsibility. Second, it’s important to prove in detail how much is owed, with evidence. Pursue not only repairs, but lost income from downtime, diminished value of equipment, lost loads and out-of-pocket expenses.
• Set reasonable recovery expectations: At-fault insurance adjusters typically pay a limited number of days of downtime, supported by evidence. They don’t usually pay speculative losses or extended personal time off.
• Remind drivers of mitigation requirements: Although the accident wasn’t the driver’s fault, it’s their duty to attempt to get back to work.
• Refer to professionals as needed: Experts are available to assist in calculating losses and negotiating with the at-fault party’s adjuster.

Build Relationships With Experts

Many fleets partner with independent adjusters, law firms and claims recovery professionals that specialize in property damage and downtime. Establishing relationships provides contracted drivers with access to experts when a crash happens. Benefits include:

• Faster settlements: Professionals know the type of proof and documentation at-fault adjusters require, how to calculate the highest reasonable demands, how to counter low offers and how to keep the case moving.
• Litigation when necessary: While every case isn’t worth taking to court, it’s a tool for certain claims.
• Less driver worry: Drivers can focus on hauling once back on the road.
• Stronger fleet reputation: Word spreads quickly among truckers about which fleets take care of drivers.

Fleets that actively help contractors recover losses from accidents stand out. By helping them document losses and understand claims, fleets can keep their trucks moving, strengthen relationships and protect the fleet’s bottom line.

is an attorney who helps truckers and fleet owners with insurance and downtime claims.

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