Truck drivers complete vital services including transporting goods to retail stores such as food and other supplies. However, the drivers must comply with all laws when operating their trucks to minimize the risk of an 18-wheeler accident. Reviewing what worker’s compensation covers for truck drivers determine what type of coverage these essential workers receive when sustaining an injury.
Vehicle Accident Injuries
All 18-wheeler accidents must be investigated to determine how they happened. When a truck driver is injured due to no fault of their own, it is necessary to determine if the other driver caused the accident or if a faulty part on the vehicle caused it. After a driver is injured in an accident, the employer must complete a worker’s compensation claim for their injuries. Trucking companies send drivers all over the country to deliver goods. If the accident occurred during operating hours, the employer is liable for the truck driver’s injuries. If the truck driver is denied worker’s compensation coverage, they have the legal right to file a claim against their employer or the insurance provider. To get more answers about worker’s compensation claims, the workers can visit lawboss now.
Work-Related Injuries That Don’t Involve Driving
Work-related injuries are defined as any injuries that occur while the worker is inside the work area or performing their job duties. This includes any duties that are performed off-site, such as loading or unloading cargo from the 18-wheeler. If the driver slips and falls getting in or out of the truck, this could be considered a worker-related injury. Assessing the injuries determines if it is classified as a work-related injury based on what the driver was doing when the accident happened.
Assessing the Driver
Assessing the driver and conducting drug and alcohol screenings determines if the driver was following all laws when operating the 18-wheeler on the road. When any work-related accident happens, the employer must send the worker to an emergency room for a complete medical assessment of their injuries. A medical report is completed and sent to the worker’s compensation insurer. If the driver has any alcohol or controlled substances in their system, they aren’t eligible for compensation or benefits through worker’s compensation. If the driver was in an 18-wheeler accident and was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, they will be charged with a DUI.
Did the Driver Comply With FMCSA Regulations?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator regulations require the driver to participate in a resting period after every 11- to 14-hour shift. The resting period must last at least 8 hours, and the driver cannot operate the vehicle during the resting period. During the investigation for an 18-wheeler accident, the driver’s log is evaluated for compliance with federal laws.
What is Considered Personal Time?
Personal time is any time when the truck driver isn’t operating the 18-wheeler for business purposes or is otherwise off the clock. Any injuries that occur during the personal time are not covered under worker’s compensation insurance. Any claims involving accidents during the personal time will be denied by the insurer.
Truck drivers follow federal and state regulations when operating an 18-wheeler. Accidents can occur without warning and lead to serious and life-altering injuries. Reviewing how truck drivers are covered under worker’s compensation defines what benefits the drivers are entitled to receive after an accident.