Truck Driver Wage and Personal Injury Attorneys in Olympia
As the capital of the state, Olympia plays a major economic role in Washington. The state government is the city’s largest employer, although various industries also contribute to employment.
Notable industries, including machinery, plastics, and industrial supplies, capture a large part of the workforce. Firms that produce wood products, paper and metal, and processed food also provide plenty of job opportunities. Agriculture, poultry, livestock, and timber are strong elements in the area as well.
Connecting all these thriving industries are the warehouse and distribution companies. The logistics sector ensures that the multiple arms of the economy continue to move, which helps maintain Olympia’s status as a center for regional growth.
However, the trucking industry, a large contributor to the supply chain, is facing a crisis. The reality for most truck drivers is unpleasant – and can sometimes be downright unjust. Issues such as unfair wages and unforgiving hours plague the industry, affecting the city’s logistics sector.
Wage and Hour Injustice
Fleet managers choose how to compensate their drivers. Most employers pay truckers according to the number of miles they have driven or the amount or percentage of load they have delivered. Although legal, these pay structures deprive the drivers of the compensation that is sufficient to the work they put in.
Such wage structures fail to account for the hours drivers spend in traffic, waiting in warehouses and docks, trainings, meal times, and rest periods. These tasks are still part of the truckers’ job, yet they don’t get paid for these. Plus, mealtimes and rest periods are mandated by law, so they’re supposed to be paid.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established the Hours of Service regulations to protect truck drivers from working extended hours without compensation.
Hours of Service
The Hours of Service rules dictate that truckers are not permitted to drive after reaching 60 to 70 hours on duty in seven to eight consecutive days. Truckers carrying goods can only drive for a maximum of 11 hours, following a 10-hour off duty.
A 16-hour shift is possible if the driver begins and ends in the same terminal. Driving time, however, is still limited to 11 hours. Truckers can only work a 16-hour shift once in a 168-hour week.
The 168-hour week restarts after a period of 34-hour off-duty.
Employers are required to provide separate pay for rest and meal breaks, overtime, and other forms of compensation if they still follow the per-mile or per-load pay structure.
Carriers or fleet managers who knowingly violate regulations may be charged with federal criminal penalties. The FMCSA can impose fines ranging from $1,000 to $11,000 per violation, depending on the severity.
Many truck drivers may be hesitant to come forward when experiencing unjust treatment from their employers. Our Olympia lawyers are here to represent you in wage and hour lawsuits. We will build you a solid case, whether it’s a class action or individual lawsuit, to help you obtain rightful compensation.
The unfair pay structures force drivers to prioritize their deliveries over their health. As such, many truckers are exposed to an increased risk of personal injuries and accidents.
Work-Related Personal Injury Lawsuit
Trucking remains one of the most hazardous industries, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This trend persists despite state and federal laws prohibiting fleet managers from sacrificing the health and safety of their drivers for any reason.
Truck drivers are frequently subject to strains and sprains, soreness and pain, bruises, cuts and lacerations, fractures, and multiple traumatic injuries. Out of all jobs, OSHA says heavy truck drivers and semi-trailers have the third highest rate of illnesses and non-fatal injuries.
The likelihood of getting injured increases when drivers are on the road.
Because of the per-mile or per-load wage system, some truckers may be forced to overspeed just to meet the quota or deadlines. This increases their chances of causing an accident.
Plus, overfatigue and sleep-deprivation are among the top causes of commercial truck accidents. These incidents may be considered as negligence on the employer’s part as truck drivers may have no choice but to prioritize their jobs over their health to cope with the tough work conditions.
For example, a fleet manager coerces a trucker to drive despite inclement weather because of a delivery deadline. This unsafe condition puts the driver, other motorists, and even pedestrians at risk.
Truckers have rights under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act:
- Cannot be compelled to violate speed limits
- Cannot be compelled to violate the Hours of Service rules
- Can refuse to drive under inclement weather
- Can refuse to operate a vehicle that is defective, unsafe, unchecked, or exceeds highway weight restrictions
- Can refuse to drive while suffering from an illness or fatigue
- Make an official complaint about such violations to the U.S. Department of Transportation
Apart from filing an official complaint, you also have the right to make a personal injury claim in case you get in an auto accident because of your employer’s negligence.
Olympia serves as the heart of Washington. With many thriving industries and manufacturing and production firms housed here, truck drivers continue to be a critical cog in the city’s economy.
If you and your coworkers have been subject to wage or safety violations, we are here to stand by you as you seek justice.
Aggressive Representation for Olympia Truck Drivers
We have over 20 years of experience helping truckers who have been deprived of their rights. Our Olympia lawyers will diligently pursue your case, ensuring the maximum results as quickly as possible.
We’ll work tirelessly until you receive the compensation you deserve.
Once you notice that your employer is denying you of your rights, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We handle cases involving compensation rights violation (e.g., missed rest and meal break, unpaid overtime, working off the clock) and work-related personal injuries. We’ll study your case and explore every possible angle to get a better settlement.
Get in touch with us today to start building your case. Call Truck Driver Rights at 877-700-0009 or complete our Free Consultation Form.