Truck Driver Labor and Personal Injury Attorneys in Everett
Everett, WA likes to make things fly — even the country’s economic status.
From its roots in the lumber trade, the city’s economy successfully transitioned to align with modern demands. By 2006, its labor workforce comprised more than 80,000 workers; mostly employed in technology and aerospace.
Popular airplane manufacturer Boeing has a significant presence in the city. The company’s large manufacturing plant is the world’s largest plant by volume. It produces 747, 767, 777, and 787 airplanes. More than 30,000 employees focus on the Everett location’s aircraft production and fabrication.
The industry is consistently busy, accounting for 34 percent of the country’s industrial exports. Even truck drivers are always on-the-go, making sure parts reach the production department on time. Washington’s export of supply chain products (e.g., components, engines, and parts) accounts for a total of $80 billion of exports. For this reason, late deliveries are not an option with the city’s truckers.
While the thriving aerospace industry offers countless opportunities for truck drivers, it could also put them at risk for workplace injuries and unsuitable conditions.
The State of Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are no strangers to demanding schedules. Some work for companies that subject their employers to 24-hour drives just to ensure on-time deliveries. Extended hours and heavy workloads, however, result in driving fatigue and lead to trucking accidents.
Work-related fatalities for trucking jobs and truck-related occupations in 2015 numbered at 761. They accounted for more than a quarter of work-related deaths that year — more than any other occupation, according to the U.S. Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistic’s annual workplace fatality report.
What are the causes behind these unfortunate numbers?
The Reality of Truckers: Safety versus Productivity
E-commerce contributed to the increased demand for rapid deliveries, which led to the growing reliance on trucking for the transportation of goods. To remain competitive, aerospace companies, such as Boeing, work with trucking businesses that guarantee a rapid supply delivery. Supplier delay is not an option since it can compromise the manufacturing of new aircraft.
Truck drivers also don’t have total control over their work environment — highways and public roads — so the danger is always present.
Safety should always be a priority in any workplace. The current structure of driver’s compensation, however, forces drivers to choose between staying safe and being productive. This tug-of-war encourages some to keep driving when they should be taking a break.
Low pay, tough working conditions, and long hours contribute to the annual turnover that puts tired or inexperienced drivers on the road.
“Nobody wants to be safer than truck drivers,” said Steve Viscelli, author of “The Big Rig: Trucking and the American Dream.” Here at Truck Driver Rights, we believe in the same thing. We keep you safe by protecting your rights.
What Are Your Rights?
Your continuous effort puts all of the industries in order; it’s only right for your employer to respect your rights. Protect yours by knowing your side of the law.
Personal Injury Claims
Some long-haul truck drivers spend more than 14 hours on the road just to meet their schedules. This violates the Hours-of-Service regulation, which states that individuals can only drive a maximum of 11 hours per shift. Working beyond 11 hours results in driver fatigue, which leads to road accidents.
Employers can prevent accidents by prioritizing the health of their drivers and adhering to hour and wage statutes. Following these rules create a work environment that protects drivers from unsafe trucking conditions.
If you get into an accident due to your dispatcher or employer’s negligence, you can file for a personal injury claim.
Refusing to Drive
Some companies don’t adhere to the rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If you are in this situation, the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) says know that you have the right to refuse to drive unsafe equipment
Truck drivers can also refuse to drive during adverse weather conditions. Their refusal, however, must be within reason. They must base their decision on current weather reports and personal observation.
Under this act, trucking companies have no right to discharge, discipline, or discriminate truck drivers. The latter is also free to file a safety complaint and refuse to operate when they deem the situation or vehicle to be unsafe.
Just Compensation
Washington state law allows truckers to have a 10-minute rest break for every four hours of work. Moreover, companies cannot force drivers to work for more than four hours without a break. They should also pay their workers for the time they spent working on the job.
If you didn’t receive payment for your rest breaks, you are free to demand proper compensation from your employer. They are also obligated to pay for non-driving tasks, such as company meetings and pre- and post-trip inspections.
Aggressive Representation for Everett Truck Drivers
You are a key player in the industry’s supply chain. Your profession, however, should not keep you from receiving fair treatment and compensation from your employers.
Joshua Haffner, our truck driver attorney in Everett, offers comprehensive legal assistance. Together with the team, he will stand with you in all legal matters, including personal injury, workers’ benefits, class action litigation, and insurance. Our legal firm keeps employers responsive to the health and safety of its workforce, as well as their compliance with state and federal regulations.
Truck Driver Rights applies a client-focused approach to litigation and representation. We handle cases of different scales and sizes, from hour class action lawsuits to personal injury claims. Trust us to provide you with guidance and aggressive representation.
We set ourselves apart from other law firms with our “no-win, no-fee” basis. This means you’ll only pay us if we win the case. Rest assured, we will work hard to achieve favorable results.
Your Trusted Legal Partner
The aerospace industry in Everett, WA will continue to fly high, and so will the demand for truck drivers. For this reason, employers must strictly comply with labor laws. Not only does this attract more people to the profession, but it also strikes a balance between safety and productivity.
Truck Driver Rights makes sure they follow set regulations. If they do not, we will uphold your rights, study your case, and explore all of your options. Our lawyers work tirelessly to deliver favorable results.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation. We look forward to serving you.