If you drive trucks for a living, injuries can occur as the result of a motor vehicle accident or a range of other circumstances. In this article we explore some possible scenarios and what you might be entitled to during your recovery. For information about motor vehicle accidents (including those involving a truck), read our article about the main causes of car accidents and your rights.
Most common causes of truck driver injuries
While health and safety regulations for Queensland truck drivers exist, there are still a range of workplace challenges and risks. These can lead to a range of injuries including neck, back, and shoulder injuries. Some of the most common truck driver accidents include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Loading and unloading accidents
- Equipment failure
Accidents aren’t always to blame. Injuries may also happen due to strains from prolonged sitting or other repetitive tasks. Whether the cause is an accident or the workplace conditions, a truck driver may be entitled to compensation.
What can I claim if I’m a truck driver?
Truck accident injury compensation varies depending on the situation and the specific circumstances. For example, someone who has a long road to recovery ahead may receive a larger compensation payout to cover the relevant costs. Below we unpack compensation for motor vehicle accidents versus truck cab or worksite accidents.
Motor vehicle accidents
While technically it is still occurring during work, if you’re in a motor vehicle accident any damages claim will be a Compulstory Third Party (CTP) claim rather than a WorkCover claim. You will generally also be entitled to lodge a workers compensation claim with WorkCover Queensland for weekly wage compensation, medical and rehabilitation expenses, known as a journey claim under the workers compensation insurance scheme. That means the insurer of the at-fault driver will need to compensate the driver that is not at fault. This applies to all motor vehicle accidents whether it’s between trucks, cars, or motorcycles.
This type of injury compensation claim includes the costs resulting from the injuries sustained from the motor vehicle accident. The at-fault driver’s CTP insurer will cover all compensation costs, and once WorkCover has finished this will also include medical bills, lost earnings, and rehabilitation. It’s important to note that this type of insurance claim does not cover damage to property.
Truck cab or worksite accidents
Work-related injuries may range from physical to psychological. To make a compensation claim for an injury or illness, your employment must be a ‘significant contributing factor’. That means work has to be the main cause of an injury or aggravation of an existing injury. It could be because of:
- something that happened during the employment
- the nature of the work performed
- the conditions the work is performed under.
The most important first step is to seek medical attention to attend to your injury or illness in a timely way. Then it’s important to get legal advice to determine if you have a right to compensation and the best next steps. As there are time limits, the sooner the better when it comes to a claim.
What will be covered in my claim?
As with other types of workplace injury claims, truck accident injury compensation covers:
- medical expenses
- lost wages
- rehabilitation costs.
Whether it’s a WorkCover or CTP claim, the goal is to make sure you have the support you need and help you return to work when appropriate. If you have questions about whether you’re eligible for truck accident injury compensation, we’re here to help. Get in touch to talk about your situation and figure out the best next steps.