Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Many workers are expected to drive trucks as part of their work duties. For example, truck drivers may be handling tractor-trailers, big rigs, tankers, or other larger vehicles all day. Delivery drivers, too, may be driving vans, light trucks or other vehicles to and from client’s homes. Warehouse laborers, construction workers, and other employees may all be required to drive a truck all or part of the time as part of their job duties.
Unfortunately, truck driving can increase the risk of a workplace accident. These heavy vehicles are difficult to maneuver and require more training. If you’re taking on a job that will mean you are to drive a heavy truck or even a light truck part or all the time, it is essential to get additional training and receive ongoing training to stay as safe as possible.
Another thing to consider when taking on any work requiring truck driving is to examine your workplace agreement. Unfortunately, some workers are not covered by workers’ compensation. This means that if you are in a trucking accident in your Miami Gardens or South Florida workplace, you may have a difficult time securing benefits for medical care and lost wages while you recover. It is important to check that you’re not been misclassified as a contractor – someone not qualified to receive workers’ compensation – if you meet the qualifications of a full-time or part-time employee.
Workers’ compensation laws state that unless you are a contractor or one of the other categories of ineligible workers, if you’re injured in a workplace accident or while performing workplace duties, you may be eligible for benefits. For example, if your job doesn’t usually involve driving a truck but your employer asks you to do so on a specific day and you’re involved in a traffic accident in Miami Gardens or nearby, you may have a claim because your injuries occurred as a result of your job duties.
If you have been in a truck accident and believe it may be covered by workers’ compensation, it is important to report the injury to your manager, supervisor, or employer right away. Your employer should file a workers’ compensation claim. In addition, you’ll want to secure evidence of your injuries. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any other losses you have suffered. The insurer offering workers’ compensation coverage for your employer may question the accident or even the injuries themselves. It is important to get a qualified workers’ compensation attorney to offer advice and representation so you have the best chance possible of getting wage loss benefits, medical benefits, and other benefits.
If you have been injured in the workplace in a vehicle accident, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Our attorneys can help you seek out compensation and benefits you may qualify for.