Trucker Workplace Injury Attorney in Miami, FL Addressing The Hazards On The Road in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Throughout Florida
Miami's bustling streets and highways are a hotspot for trucking, bringing a higher risk of traffic-related incidents. As a seasoned Miami truck driver accident lawyer, we know that truck drivers are also susceptible to a variety of non-traffic-related work injuries. No matter what type of accident caused your work injury, you need knowledgeable legal assistance. At Orlando R. Murillo, P.A., we have extensive experience handling both personal injury matters and workers' compensation cases, so we’re prepared to meet whatever challenges your claim could present.
Why Choose Orlando R. Murillo, P.A. for Your Truck Driver Work Injury Case?
Choosing the right trucker workplace injury attorney in Miami, FL, is crucial. Our firm stands ready to support truck drivers with highly skilled legal representation, ensuring they are able to receive the justice and the financial compensation they deserve.
Orlando R. Murillo personally handles each case with a tailored approach, ensuring each client feels prioritized and informed throughout their legal journey. This method has secured our firm a strong track record of substantial settlements and favorable court decisions, particularly in truck driver accidents.
You want someone on your side who understands the demands truckers face and the challenges they may need to overcome in their work injury claims. Our team has dedicated our services to assisting injured truck drivers and other workers who are hurt on the job.
Truck Driver Accidents and Injuries in Miami
Truck driver work injuries can arise from a variety of causes, often related to the nature of their duties and the environment in which they operate. Common causes of work-related injuries for truckers include the following.
Vehicle Accidents
Spending more time behind the wheel puts you at a greater risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident and potentially suffering serious injuries. Mechanical failures, if the truck you have to drive is poorly maintained, can contribute to malfunctions, in turn leading to collisions or other kinds of injuries.
If you’re under a great deal of pressure to transport your cargo quickly, driver fatigue may set in due to the long hours you’re working without adequate rest, making it more difficult to avoid hazards on the road. Any negligent or dangerous action on the part of a motorist you have to share the road with could lead to a traffic accident while on duty as a truck driver.
Truck drivers also sustain injuries in pedestrian accidents, including in-yard 'knockdowns' by other vehicles and pedestrian accidents during loading operations.
Loading and Unloading Injuries
While often associated with traffic-related incidents, other types of accidents and injuries can occur during the routine duties of the job. For example, lifting heavy items while loading or unloading could result in muscle strains, sprains, and other injuries, especially if improper handling techniques are involved. Even mishaps that occur during the process of securing freight can lead to shoulder and back Injuries.
Falls
Truck drivers also get hurt in falls. Falling from the trailer or loading dock during cargo handling is a risk, especially if safety measures are not properly followed. In addition to falls from heights, slipping and tripping when entering or exiting the cab or trailer can cause fall injuries. Slip and fall injuries for truck drivers often involve hazards due to poor weather conditions or uneven surfaces.
Struck-By/Struck-Against Injuries
Struck-by/struck-against injuries among truck drivers often occur in environments where there is frequent interaction with heavy cargo and machinery. These injuries can happen when a driver is hit by moving objects, such as falling cargo or moving parts of equipment, or when a driver collides with stationary objects like cargo, equipment, or parts of the truck. Common scenarios include being hit by a shifting pallet, striking against the edges of the cargo bay, or getting caught between the truck and loading equipment.
Equipment-Related Injuries
Equipment-related injuries for truck drivers typically involve incidents with machinery used in loading, unloading, and maintaining vehicles, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and hydraulic lifts. Malfunction, lack of maintenance, inadequate training, and misuse of equipment can all contribute to equipment-related injuries while working as a truck driver.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
Chemicals used in cargo or encountered in maintenance tasks can cause health issues. Truck drivers may be exposed to several potentially harmful substances in their work, including hazardous chemicals in their cargo, fuel, engine oil, and exhaust fumes. Skin contact with such chemicals can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, or burns. Inhalation of such substances, especially over a long period of time, can lead to respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Prolonged driving, among other repetitive tasks, can lead to repetitive stress injuries in truck drivers. The strain of performing repetitive motions needed for handling cargo while on the job may also cause repetitive stress injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a condition that affects the wrist and the hands, is one well-known example of repetitive motion injuries. These types of injuries can also lead to back, neck, or shoulder problems.
Legal Implications of a Truck Driver Accident
Addressing the risks truck drivers face involves strict adherence to safety protocols, proper training, and the use of appropriate safety equipment. Employers of truck drivers must ensure workplace safety to prevent such incidents. Other parties, too, may have a duty to preserve the safety of truck drivers. Negligence that results in unsafe working conditions can lead to significant legal consequences.
Legal protections and claims for work-related truck driver injuries typically fall under the workers’ compensation system, but understanding specific legal rights is crucial for adequate protection and compensation. In some instances, you may have grounds to sue a third party for compensation, as well. A knowledgeable trucker workplace injury attorney in Miami, FL, can help you move forward.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you're involved in a truck accident or any kind of work injury:
- Ensure safety: Prioritize your and others' safety by moving to a secure location.
- Seek medical attention quickly: Even if injuries are not apparent, immediate medical evaluation is essential.
- Document the incident: Gather as much information as possible—photos, witness contacts, and personal recollections.
- Consult a Miami truck driver accident lawyer: Early legal guidance can be pivotal.
By taking the right steps after a work accident, you can preserve your legal rights and better prepare your claim for a successful outcome.
Legal Rights and Compensation for Injured Truck Drivers
Under Florida law, truck drivers may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits that cover medical expenses and lost wages. Fault for the accident does not impact your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Additionally, if another party's negligence contributed to the accident, a third-party claim might provide further compensation. Examples of third parties you may be able to hold accountable for a trucking work injury include negligent drivers, manufacturers of defective equipment, and the owners of warehouses, loading docks, and other premises where unsafe working conditions exist (if that owner is separate from your employer). These complicated claims increase the importance of hiring a skilled Miami truck driver accident lawyer to assist you with your legal matters.
The Claims Process for Injured Truck Drivers
To get the compensation you’re entitled to, you need to go through the claims process. You can count on our trucker workplace injury attorney in Miami, FL, to guide you through:
- Workers' compensation claims: We handle claim filings, negotiations, and appeals.
- Third-party claims: We investigate to establish fault, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, litigate to secure your due compensation.
Comprehensive Legal Services for Trucker Injury Claims
At Orlando R. Murillo, P.A., we offer a full range of civil legal services for truck driver accidents, including:
- Case evaluations and legal advice
- Workers' compensation claims assistance
- Third-party claim handling
- Representation in negotiations and litigation
Our Commitment to Truck Driver Accident Victims in Miami
Orlando R. Murillo, P.A. is dedicated to defending the rights of truck drivers in Miami. It’s our mission to ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve following a work injury.
Schedule a Free Consultation
We urge you not to struggle through the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Having an experienced Miami truck driver accident lawyer on your side is advantageous in a legal claim. Contact us for a free consultation.