Truck drivers transport essential goods across Pennsylvania’s highways and throughout the nation every day. These dedicated professionals ensure our store shelves remain stocked and businesses receive the supplies they need to operate. Without truck drivers, our economy would grind to a halt.
Truckers work long hours in challenging conditions. When a Hershey truck driver suffers an injury on the job, they deserve to receive full workers’ compensation benefits under Pennsylvania law.
If you’re employed as a truck driver and have suffered a work-related injury, the attorneys at Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C. can help. Our skilled workers’ comp lawyers have helped truck drivers and other workers recover more than $221 million for their job-related injuries. We’ll fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. Call our law firm today or contact us online for a free consultation about workers’ comp for truckers.
Does Pennsylvania Have Workers’ Compensation for Truckers?
Pennsylvania law requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for all employees, including truck drivers. These benefits typically cover medical expenses and lost wages resulting from work-related injuries or illnesses.
Trucking workers’ comp insurance should protect drivers who suffer injuries while they’re:
- Driving their routes
- Loading or unloading cargo
- Performing maintenance
- At company facilities
Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, nearly every worker in the state should receive coverage, including seasonal and part-time workers. Workers’ comp benefits begin on your date of hire, with medical benefits payable from the first day of injury.
When Do Truck Drivers Qualify for Workers’ Comp in Hershey, PA
As a truck driver working in or around Hershey, you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if:
- You’re classified as an employee (not an independent contractor)
- Your injury or illness occurred while performing job duties
- You reported the injury to your employer promptly
- Your injury wasn’t self-inflicted or caused by illegal drug use or intoxication
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law requires that you notify your employer about your injury within 21 days, though you can still file a claim within 120 days of the injury. For maximum protection, report any work-related injury or illness immediately.
Truck drivers perform physically demanding work that puts them at risk for injuries. Whether you’re a local delivery driver, regional hauler, or long-haul trucker based in Hershey, you have the right to compensation if you suffer injuries while working.
How to File a Trucker Workers’ Comp Claim in Hershey, PA
Filing for workers’ compensation benefits as a truck driver involves several important steps:
- Report your injury to your supervisor or employer immediately – Document who you spoke with and when.
- Seek medical treatment right away – Follow all medical advice and keep records.
- Ensure your employer files a First Report of Injury – This should happen within 21 days.
- Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney – Professional guidance can make a significant difference to the outcome of your workers’ compensation case.
Your employer may direct you to see a doctor from their provider list for the first 90 days of treatment. After this period, you can choose your own healthcare provider, but you must notify your employer of your selection. If you’re sent for an Independent Medical Examination (IME), remember that this doctor works for the insurance company and is not looking out for your best interests. These examinations are designed to minimize your claim, not to provide genuine medical care.
If your claim is accepted, you should receive your first compensation check within 21 days of your work absence (if you miss more than seven calendar days). If your claim is denied or your benefits stop unexpectedly, contact an experienced Hershey workers’ compensation attorney immediately.
What to Do If You’re Misclassified as a Contractor
Many trucking companies incorrectly classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This misclassification often happens because companies want to avoid paying workers’ compensation premiums as they seek to reduce overall employment costs. They may aim to shift liability for accidents to the driver.
Pennsylvania law defines an employee as someone who works under the direction and control of their employer. If your company controls your work schedule, requires you to follow specific procedures, provides your equipment, or dictates how you perform your job, you might legally be an employee regardless of what your contract states.
Misclassification is illegal in Pennsylvania. If you’ve been injured and your employer claims you’re not eligible for benefits because you’re an “independent contractor,” you should:
- Document all evidence of your employee status
- Record communications with supervisors and dispatchers
- Save copies of the company policies you must follow
- Collect pay stubs and tax documents
- Contact a workers’ compensation attorney immediately
At Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C., we have extensive experience helping misclassified truck drivers secure the benefits they deserve. We understand the tactics companies use to avoid their responsibilities, and we know how to fight back effectively.
Common Truck Driver Injuries
Truck drivers face numerous occupational hazards that can result in serious injuries, including:
- Back and spine injuries (from lifting, loading, and long hours seated in a jouncing vehicle)
- Shoulder and rotator cuff damage (common during cargo handling)
- Neck injuries (often from accidents or poor ergonomics)
- Traumatic brain injuries (can result from collisions or falls)
- Broken bones (during loading/unloading or accidents)
- Repetitive stress injuries (from driving and operating equipment)
- Knee and ankle damage (when climbing in/out of trucks or slipping)
Many truck drivers receive light-duty assignments during recovery. However, a light-duty truck driver position must truly accommodate your medical restrictions. Insurance companies often pressure injured workers to accept inappropriate light-duty work that can worsen injuries. If this happens to you, contact our attorneys immediately.
Talk to a Hershey Truckers Workers’ Comp Attorney Now
The dedicated attorneys at Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C. focus exclusively on helping injured workers in Pennsylvania secure the benefits they deserve. The team at our Hershey office understands the challenges truck drivers face when injured on the job. We take pride in providing personalized attention to each client, explaining complex legal processes in plain language, and fighting aggressively for your rights.
Contact Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C. today for your free consultation with a knowledgeable Hershey workers’ compensation attorney. We’ll answer your questions and help you take the first steps toward physical and financial recovery.
