When Durham truckers are hurt out on the road, they often feel like they are on their own.
Your employer’s insurance company is taking care of their interests after the wreck…but an experienced attorney can significantly increase your odds of getting maximum benefits.
Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Help Injured Truck Drivers in Durham
Truck drivers face unique challenges and hazards on the job, including long hours, heavy lifting, and unpredictable road conditions. When an injury occurs—whether from a vehicle accident, repetitive strain, or loading cargo—it can leave drivers unable to work, creating financial stress and uncertainty.
If you have been hurt on the job as a truck driver, you may need medical treatment and time off. But the workers’ comp process is complicated, and one small mistake could result in a claim denial, delayed benefits, or a lowball compensation offer.
Our Durham workers’ compensation lawyers for truck drivers know your rights and can help you navigate the workers’ comp process and seek maximum benefits. For a free case evaluation and help with your case (no obligation), call us today at 1-866-900-7078.
What Types of Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Comp for Truck Drivers?
Common trucker injuries covered by workers’ comp include:
- Muscle strains and sprains: Lifting heavy objects and repetitive tasks can lead to injuries in the back, shoulders, and other muscle groups.
- Back injuries: Prolonged sitting and heavy lifting can result in serious back issues, including herniated discs, which may cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Slip and fall injuries: Working in and around slippery surfaces, especially during adverse weather conditions, increases the risk of falls, leading to broken bones or head injuries.
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs): Continuous use of specific muscle groups, such as during steering or gear shifting, can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These can occur due to accidents or falls, often resulting in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud engine noise can lead to hearing impairment over time.
- Eye strain: Drivers spend long hours focusing on the road under varying light conditions, which can lead to eye strain and vision problems.
- Crush injuries: In some cases, drivers are at risk of being crushed by falling cargo or during vehicle maintenance.
- Burns and lacerations: Accidents involving truck fires, gasoline, or sharp equipment can cause severe injuries requiring a long recovery period.
Am I Eligible for Workers’ Comp if I’m an Independent Contractor?
Generally, independent contractors are not covered under the state’s workers’ compensation system. However, specific rules apply to the trucking industry in Durham.
North Carolina workers’ compensation law mandates that trucking companies generally must provide workers’ compensation coverage for owner-operators (even independent contractors) who do not have their own policy.
This means that if you are an independent contractor truck driver and you do not have your own insurance policy, the contracting motor carrier is usually responsible for ensuring you are covered if you are injured. This obligation is in place to protect drivers who may otherwise fall through the cracks in terms of workplace injury coverage.
An exception to this rule is if you are operating under your own U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) license and own your vehicle. In this circumstance, you are typically considered a true independent contractor and may not be eligible for workers’ compensation from the contracting motor carrier.
If you have any questions about your eligibility for workers’ comp, our experienced Durham workers’ comp lawyers for construction workers can help you. Call us today at 1-866-900-7078.
Will Workers’ Comp Cover My Lost Wages if I Can’t Drive?
Yes, workers’ compensation typically covers lost wages for eligible truck drivers who are unable to work due to a job-related injury. The potential wage loss benefits provided will vary based on the severity of your injury and how it impacts your ability to perform your job.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers for truck drivers can help you fight for benefits including:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
- If you are completely unable to work for a temporary period, you can receive wage replacement benefits. In North Carolina, this is typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to a maximum limit set by state law.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
- If you can return to work but at a reduced capacity (e.g., performing light duties or fewer hours), you may receive benefits to cover the difference between pre-injury and post-injury wages.
- Permanent Disability
- If your injury leads to long-term or permanent impairment, additional benefits may be available based on the extent of the disability.
Why Hire Us as Your Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
Our workers’ compensation team has several attorneys who are North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation Law – a designation that fewer than 160 attorneys licensed to practice in NC can claim.5
For 2024, our firm was named to the “Best Law Firms” list from Best Lawyers in America for the 10th year in a row – with a Tier 1 ranking (the highest) for workers’ compensation.4
Coupled with this experience and knowledge is our commitment to putting the needs of our clients first. We even created a You-First Policy to give you peace of mind as you recover. Our workers’ compensation lawyers for truck drivers are on your side and here to help you through this difficult time.
And there’s no need to worry about the cost of a high-quality attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means no upfront costs, no retainer fees, no hourly fees…and you pay no attorney’s fee at all unless we get compensation for you.2 Guaranteed.
See what our clients have to say about working with us:
If you need help, a real person is available to talk with you about your workers’ compensation case right now. For your free case evaluation, call us at 1-866-900-7078, contact us online, or click to chat with us.
5Â Figures provided by NC State Bar as of Jan 2024.
AWARDS
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome can be achieved in the future.