When you’re a truck driver, you spend long hours on the road and time away from your friends and loved ones. The last thing you want to do is get hurt, but sometimes, truck accidents do happen. Most people would jump to believing that the person in the smaller vehicle was the one who suffered most, but you can be severely hurt, too. Driving a large truck and getting in a wreck can lead to your vehicle rolling, catching on fire or jack-knifing, leaving you with serious injuries.
Like most employees, you should be able to access workers’ compensation for your injuries in Ohio. If your accident has left you unable to drive or return to work, then that compensation is something you need in order to survive. You may find that you’ve run into a dispute about coverage, though, and that’s when you may need to back up your story and head to court.
Take for instance the fact that some employers could claim drivers were independent contractors and therefore, not covered by workers’ compensation. If that’s actually the case, then you may need to think about pursuing options like a personal injury claim against the other driver. If not, then your employer shouldn’t be able to withhold the compensation that is rightfully yours.
Seeking these benefits can be tricky, so when you’re ready to apply for them, disability or other assistance, speaking with someone familiar with state laws and federal programs can help. Visit our comprehensive website to learn more about your options after a truck accident. There may be options that can help you.