What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover for Truck Drivers?

In the United States, truck drivers are one of the most commonly injured professionals.

Since truck drivers are injured so often, there are safety initiatives focused on reducing injuries. initiatives focus on educational materials that teach truck drivers on how to do their job safely.

The claims for workers’ compensation for truck drivers are high compared to other professions.

So, what is actually covered for a truck driver under workers’ compensation? Keep reading to learn about the truck driver’s right to legal compensation in case of injury!

How Does Workers’ Compensation in the Trucking Industry Work?

Just like any other job, if you’re a truck driver for a company, you’re likely eligible for workers’ compensation.

Workers’ compensation is when the company you work for pays any medical bills required for an injury you got while on the job. Workers’ compensation is a government-required right that an employee of a trucking company has. 

Along with medical expenses, workers’ compensation must cover wages for missed work, disability payments, or rehabilitation if needed. These expenses can add up and it’s the job of your employer to cover them if the injury is job-related.

Injury While Driving the Truck

If a truck driver happens to be injured while driving, they will be eligible for workers’ compensation.

This is because workers’ compensation is supposed to cover injuries that occur on the job. Well, truck drivers are on the road basically all day working, so auto accidents are covered. 

Servicing the Truck

If a truck driver is working on fixing something with the truck, injury is a possibility.

For example, if a truck driver has to replace the tire on the vehicle, this can be a dangerous task. Especially if the driver has to pull off to the side of the road to work on the vehicle.

Workers’ compensation covers injury that happens as a result of a driver doing their job, whether in the car or not.

What to Remember About a Truck Driver’s Right

While workers’ compensation does cover injury obtained on the job, not all truck drivers are considered employees.

Instead of being considered an employee, many truck drivers are considered “owner-operators.” This means that you’re technically an individual contractor.

So, the company isn’t responsible for providing any benefits.

While the company you work for may not provide compensation for injury, there are other ways to have it covered. If you had a wreck in the truck and were injured as a result, you may be able to make a liability claim towards the other driver.

Are You Seeking Worker’s Compensation for a Job-Related Injury?

If you’ve been injured while working as a truck driver, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.

Remember, it’s a truck driver’s right to gain compensation for any injury that happened on the job. Don’t cover those medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs on your own if you were hurt while working.

If you found this post helpful, check out our other blog posts on your legal rights relating to automobiles!