Colorado Workers' Compensation Benefits

Benefits for Independent Contractors (truck and cab drivers)

As we stated in the beginning of this chapter, independent contractors who perform certain jobs do not qualify for workers' compensation benefits in Colorado. In most instances, they have to purchase workers' compensation insurance for themselves.

However, truck and cab drivers employed as independent contractors have to be covered by workers' compensation or an equivalent for the designation to be valid. Occupations like these require a lot of heavy lifting and driving – two areas where an on-the-job injury is more likely.

There are many reasons why a company would hire a trucker or cabbie as an independent contractor. One, they are exempt from paying state or federal taxes, social security and unemployment insurance. On top of this, they are exempt from many reporting requirements, minimum wage and overtime compensation rules.

Many truckers and cabbies in Colorado are led to believe they're not entitled to full workers' compensation benefits since they're hired as independent contractors. Employers try to cover these contractors through private occupational accident policies that are not closely monitored by the state like regular workers' compensation policies from an insurance company are.

So if you're a truck or cab driver operating as an independent contractor, remember, you are entitled to the same benefits outlined earlier.