The rights of injured long-haul UPS drivers

United Parcel Service (UPS) has a massive network of retail shops, processing facilities and delivery drivers. Drivers following local delivery routes aren’t the only commercial drivers employed by UPS and other package delivery companies. The company also relies on long-haul commercial drivers to move packages between distribution centers. These long-haul drivers face substantially different professional risks than UPS delivery drivers who make frequent stops and deliver packages physically to individual recipients.

Long-haul drivers can develop injuries caused by their work that prevent them from working for weeks or force them to change careers in some cases. What are the most common, pressing safety concerns for those working as long-haul drivers for UPS?

Long-haul driving isn’t easy

Those operating semi-trucks for long-distance transport are at risk of injuries caused by collisions. They are also vulnerable to repetitive strain injuries caused by sitting and gripping for hours at a time. While UPS long-haul drivers may not have the same degree of the risk for toxic exposure as those hauling liquid materials for manufacturing companies, people do not always accurately disclose the contents of the packages they ship, which means that toxic exposure is sometimes a concern.

Additionally, UPS drivers are vulnerable to injuries during drop-off or pick-up, especially if they must physically unload the trailers they haul. They can break bones or injure their brains if they slip and fall at loading docks. The risk of a crush injury is also a concern if they make accidental contact with heavy machinery.

What rights do injured long-haul drivers have?

Whether a UPS driver sustains an injury in a specific incident or develops a repetitive strain disorder due to constantly driving, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. They typically need to report their injury or diagnosis to their employer as soon as possible.

If their injuries require medical care, workers’ compensation can pay for their treatment. If they require time off to recover, partial wage replacement benefits may be available.

Injured UPS drivers and other long-haul transportation professionals may want to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Learning more about the benefits available and the process of pursuing them can help commercial drivers protect their financial stability after their jobs lead to injuries.