How Can Injured Transportation Workers Be Compensated?

If you asked people to list some of the most dangerous jobs, not many would likely mention transportation workers. But the people who transport our goods through our streets and highways are actually at a very high risk of work injury, simply because they spend so much time driving.

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and accidental deaths in the United States. It's important for these workers to know their rights in case a serious injury does happen.

Like virtually all other Pennsylvania workers, injured occupational drivers are entitled to financial compensation via Workers' Comp. This Act is in place to help injured workers more easily receive compensation without going through litigation and to protect employers from facing lawsuits for negligence.

However, there are still flaws in this system. Many claims are denied, and employees frequently face resistance from their employer and insurance representatives.

Do I Need A Lawyer After A Work Injury?

Experienced legal counsel is often necessary for serious work injuries which require medical attention and time away from work. Although Workers' Comp benefits are supposed to be about protecting workers, there are insurance companies involved in this process. These representatives and their lawyers are paid to find ways to limit compensation as much as possible. This is how the company makes its profits.

The other side will have legal counsel with experience in fighting these claims. To give yourself the best shot of earning the full compensation you deserve, consider speaking with an experienced work injury lawyer about the details of your case.

Types Of Transport Workers We Represent

At Monheit Law, we're proud to represent all types of workers who drive for a living. We know how the claims process works in various different industries. We have experience earning compensation for:

• Long-distance truck drivers
• Train employees
• Food delivery drivers
• Warehouse delivery drivers
• Postal workers
• Cab and rideshare drivers (Uber/Lyft) drivers
• Bus drivers

Don't worry if you don't see your specific job listed. If you spend significant hours driving while on the clock, we're prepared to fight for your right to compensation after an injury.

What Are The Options For Compensation?

Like the vast majority of other workers, transportation workers are entitled to file a claim for Workers' Comp when a work injury prevents them from going back on the road. However, injured workers in this industry often have the option to seek further compensation in a personal injury claim, or through Social Security Disability benefits.

Workers' Comp

Workers' Comp will provide compensation for medical expenses, about 2/3 of your lost wages, and death benefits for the families of fatal accident victims. When filing a claim, it's important to provide as much evidence as possible, including injury reports, medical records, and possibly witness testimony. This is a no-fault form of insurance, so even transportation workers who were negligent in causing an accident still qualify for these benefits.

Social Security Disability

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Your injury must meet specific disability guidelines, last for over a year, and prevent you from working. These cases require careful examination by both medical and legal professionals. Like Workers' Comp claims, you need a good bit of evidence and a work injury lawyer who knows how this system works.

Personal Injury

If a negligent driver was responsible for causing your work accident, you may have the option to hold them liable for damages in a personal injury claim. In order to do so, you must prove that a negligent act or omission resulted in the accident which caused your injuries.

For example, if you were hit by a drunk driver while delivering pizza, you could potentially sue that driver for additional injury-related expenses in addition to your Workers' Comp benefits.

Why Insurance May Not Be Enough

Auto insurance may pay for property damages and bodily injuries, but the damages of a car accident often extend beyond auto repairs and hospital bills. Insurance also has policy limits and will only cover expenses up until a certain point. Personal injury claims can help provide additional compensation for damages related to your accident.

In a successful claim, injured transportation workers may be awarded compensation for:

• The remaining 1/3 of your lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of financial support for family (in fatal accidents)

Related Information

• What all workers should know before applying for Workers' Comp
• Legal options after a car accident with a negligent driver
• Receiving compensation as an injured warehouse worker
• What options are available for injured truck drivers?