Dear CareerBabe:

I was driving truck when I had an accident which the company lists as a preventable accident. They also at this time notified me of a previous incident they also now say is a preventable accident. Please note that when the first accident occurred, I was attempting to get home to seek medical attention from getting hurt on the job. I did have surgery and am now released to return to work.

Companies I talk to will not hire me since these accidents are listed as preventable (even though I have a CLEAN DMV record) by my previous employer. I haven't been able to find a definition of a preventable accident or anyone willing to tell me where to look.

Dear Distracted:

I am going to suggest that you open the phone book and find the listing for your State or County Bar Association.

Then ask for the Attorney who is on rotation that specializes in driving record questions.

Usually there is a discounted fee for attorneys who do this kind of work for the first hour and then you will need to pay that attorney's rate. Prepare for this appointment by bringing all the documentation you have, including the documentation about your first surgery and your prior driving record over a period of years.

Second, call your insurance company and ask if there is a person who can give you advice.

Third, using a search engine, enter "driving record". In Infoseek, I came up with OVER 4.5 million hits.

Best of luck,