Truck Drivers and Transport Workers Injury Lawyers

Trucking and transport, in short

Truck drivers, couriers, delivery drivers and transport workers are covered when they are injured on the road or while loading and unloading. We help you claim. United Legal is a Canberra firm based in Fyshwick. We work on a No Win, No Fee basis and your first conversation is free.

Truck Drivers and Transport Workers Injury: what you need to know

Long hours behind the wheel, heavy loads and tight deadlines mean transport workers suffer a lot of back, neck and shoulder injuries, as well as injuries from road accidents.

If you were injured in a crash while working, you may be able to claim workers compensation and also make a claim under the ACT motor accident scheme or a common law claim against an at-fault driver. We work out which claims give you the best result.

Common transport injuries

Back and neck injuries from long hours of driving
Loading and unloading injuries
Falls from trucks, trailers and loading docks
Road accidents while working
Crush injuries from loads and machinery
Fatigue-related injuries

Long hours, heavy loads and the road

Transport workers face a mix of risks: years of vibration and sitting that wear down the spine, sudden injuries while strapping loads or climbing down from cabs, and serious road crashes. Fatigue is a known hazard, and employers have duties to manage driving hours.

If another driver caused a crash while you were working, you may have both a workers compensation claim and a motor accident claim. The order you lodge them in, and how benefits are offset, can affect what you end up with, so get advice before signing forms.

What workers compensation can pay

Under the Workers Compensation Act 1951 (ACT) you do not have to prove anyone was at fault. You can usually claim weekly payments while you cannot work, medical and rehabilitation costs, and a lump sum for permanent impairment. If your employer or someone else was negligent, a common law claim for damages may be worth much more.

Read more about workers compensation claims.

Evidence that helps your claim

You do not need to have everything before you call us, but these records make a workers compensation claim stronger. Keep copies of anything you have:

Your claim form and the date you reported the injury
Certificates of capacity from your doctor
Payslips and tax returns showing your earnings
Incident reports, photos and witness names
Emails or messages about your injury or duties

How much could a trucking and transport claim be worth?

Every claim is different. The amount depends on what you earned before the injury, how long you cannot work, your medical needs, your level of permanent impairment, and whether a common law claim is available. We give you an honest estimate once we understand your situation, and we prepare every claim to get its full value rather than settling early.

Why people choose United Legal

Three lawyers on every case. Your claim is checked by more than one experienced lawyer, start to finish.
A local Canberra firm since 2004. We know the ACT schemes, insurers, doctors and courts.
No Win, No Fee. No upfront costs, and you get a written costs agreement before we start.
Serious injury experience. Our results include a $20m+ settlement and a $1.4m workers compensation claim.

Watch: trucking and transport

Back injury at work in the transport industry

What to do now

Report the injury to your employer as soon as you can, and make sure it is recorded.
See a doctor and ask for a workers compensation certificate of capacity.
Lodge your claim form with your employer, and keep copies of everything.
Get advice before you sign anything from the insurer or agree to a settlement.

Trucking and transport: FAQs

I was in a crash while driving for work. Which claim do I make?

Usually workers compensation, and you may also have a claim against the at-fault driver. The rules about which scheme pays, and how the claims interact, are complicated, so get advice before you lodge.

I am paid as a contractor through an ABN. Am I covered?

Possibly. Some drivers paid through an ABN are still treated as workers under the ACT scheme. It depends on how you work and who controls the work. We can check this for you.

My truck has a camera and GPS. Will that help or hurt my claim?

Telematics and dashcam footage are often helpful because they show what really happened. Ask your employer to keep the data, as it can be overwritten. We can request it formally.

I injured my back over years of driving. Is that a work injury?

It can be. Gradual injuries from your work duties are covered if work was a substantial contributing factor. Your doctor and a specialist report will be key evidence.

How much does a workers compensation lawyer cost?

We run these claims on a No Win, No Fee basis. Your first conversation is free, there are no upfront fees, and if your claim is not successful you do not pay our professional fees. You get a written costs agreement before we start.

Is there a time limit?

Report your injury straight away and claim as soon as you can. Late claims can be refused, and common law claims have strict time limits.

Find out where you stand.

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