Truck drivers face real safety threats whenever they go to work. From traffic accidents to slips, falls, and strains, a truck driver might find themselves in a number of situations that can cause them to suffer harm or serious bodily injury.
If a truck driver is injured during the course of performing their job duties, they are entitled to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Although the financial burden for the injury often falls to the employer, how a driver follows up with their injury claim will play an important part in determining the value of the benefits they are eligible for. Below, we tell you a few things to remember when you file your workers’ comp claim for your trucker driver injury.
Understand Your Company’s Procedures for Reporting Injuries
Truck drivers often operate with a substantial amount of independence from their employers and usually do not have direct contact with supervisors for long periods of time. This means that supervisors might not be aware that their employee was in an accident.
Reporting your injury is crucial when it comes to workers’ comp claims. The time between when your injury occurred and when it is reported can affect the value of the claim. Injured truck drivers should immediately seek medical attention and report their injury to the person or entity designated by the employer.
Alternative Work Availability
Some trucking companies will offer an injured driver an alternative position while they are healing. Look at your company’s return-to-work policy and make sure you give your doctor all necessary forms and materials, otherwise you might not be deemed medically fit to return to work at a limited capacity. Communicate with your employer about any work restrictions your doctor recommends so that your temporary duties are compatible with your injury symptoms.
At The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC, we focus on helping injured workers obtain the compensation that they deserve. Our law firm has over 10 years of legal experience and we are prepared to help you get a fair compensation offer.
Contact our San Antonio workers' comp attorney to request your free case consultation today.