Santa Clara County Truck Driver Injury Attorneys

Lawyers for Truckers and Delivery Drivers With Work-Related Injuries in Gilroy, CA and Surrounding Areas

Employees who regularly drive for work, including commercial truck drivers and delivery drivers, face an increased risk of being involved in a vehicle accident and suffering the range of injuries that often ensue. Fortunately, drivers who work for an employer in California are often entitled to workers' compensation benefits for work-related accident injuries, regardless of where the accident occurs.

If you have been injured while driving for your job, the attorneys at Cramer & Martinez, LLP can help you with the process of obtaining workers' compensation benefits, including notifying your employer of your injuries, maintaining records of the accident, and obtaining the medical care you need. With more than 20 years of combined experience, we are well-versed in handling the complications that may arise in your case.

Workers' Comp For Vehicle Accident Injuries

As long as you were driving for work purposes at the time of your accident, you are likely entitled to workers' compensation for any injuries you suffer as a result. This is true for accidents in which you were the only vehicle involved, accidents for which you were at fault, and accidents caused by your employer or a third party. In order to receive workers' compensation, you will generally need to tell your employer about your injuries within 30 days of the accident so that you can submit a claim form. Claims administrators often have questions or concerns regarding claims involving car accidents due to the fact that they tend to happen outside of the workplace, so you should be prepared to defend your claim with evidence and petition for an appeal if your claim is denied.

Vehicle accident injuries range from relatively minor cuts, bruises, sprains, and fractures, to severe injuries to the brain, spinal cord, limbs, and internal organs. If your claim is accepted by your employer, the costs of any necessary medical care should be covered. In the case of more serious injuries that cause you to miss work during your recovery, you may be entitled to temporary disability benefits in the amount of two-thirds of your lost wages. For catastrophic injuries that permanently impact your physical and mental abilities, you may also be awarded permanent disability benefits if you are unable to return to work at your previous wages.

Truckers and delivery drivers are not the only employees who can receive workers' compensation for vehicle accident injuries. Other common examples include:

• Bus and shuttle drivers
• Cab and limousine drivers
• Police officers
• Firefighters
• EMTs and paramedics
• Any other employees who drive for a work-related task, such as running an errand or traveling to a work site.

Other Injuries to Trucking and Delivery Employees

In addition to vehicle accidents, there are several other common causes of work-related injuries among trucking and delivery employees, including:

• Physical strain due to lifting and loading heavy cargo, which can lead to injuries to the back, knees, shoulders, elbows, and other joints.
• Lower back pain due to long hours of sitting behind the wheel, especially with inadequate support.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive motions in the hands and wrists related to the task of driving.
• Slip, trip, and falls when entering, exiting, or loading the vehicle.

Workers' compensation is also available for these types of injuries, whether they are the result of a single incident or repetitive stress over long periods of time.

Third-Party Claims For Work-Related Car Accidents

In some cases, truck drivers and other employees injured in work-related car accidents may choose to pursue a personal injury claim against a negligent third party in addition to a workers' compensation claim. We can refer you to an attorney who can help you handle your third-party claim, and we will work closely with this attorney to help you maximize your compensation from all available sources. A personal injury lawsuit can help you recover the portion of your lost income that is not covered under workers' compensation, as well as non-economic damages for your pain and suffering.

Contact a Salinas Work-Related Vehicle Accident Attorney

When you need legal guidance and representation for a workers' compensation claim related to your trucking or delivery job, or for any situation involving a vehicle accident, we can help. Contact us at 408-848-1113 for a free consultation. We serve clients in Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Salinas, Hollister, Los Banos, Watsonville, San Jose, and throughout Santa Clara County, Monterey County, San Benito County, Merced County, Santa Cruz County, and the surrounding areas.