More workplace deaths occur in trucking jobs than any other industry, according to OSHA. Serious injuries also occur due to the dangers of the job. After an injury at work, hiring a personal injury lawyer is essential.
Injuries impact truck drivers in major ways. For examples, impacts include:
- Lost wages
- Inability to work as a driver
- High medical bills
Leading Causes of Truck Driver Workplace Injuries
A personal injury attorney represents truck drivers impacted by a workplace injury. With legal aid, drivers get the compensation they deserve. While there are many causes of truck driver injuries, these are among the most common.
1) Semi Truck Accidents
Truck drivers spend many long hours behind the wheel. So, it makes sense that most semi truck injuries occur on the road. In fact, 75% of truck driver deaths in 2017 were behind the wheel. Compared to other jobs, truck drivers have the third highest rate of workplace injuries.
A typical semi truck weighs up to 30 times more than a car. As a result, it is less agile. Also, a semi truck needs more time to slow and stop. Bad weather conditions add to the risk. For example, rain, snow and ice create slick roads. They also make it harder to see clearly. Roughly 13% of semi truck injury accidents occur when the weather is bad.
Even in good weather, other factors contribute to large truck crashes. For example, 7% of truck accident crashes are caused by drunk drivers. While cars are much more likely to be seriously damaged when a drunk driver hits a semi truck, truckers are also at risk.
Other drivers on the road are risks as well. For example, their driving habits lead to crashes. Some of the habits are:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Sudden stopping
- Tailgating
- Not yielding
- Not obeying traffic signs
Heavy trucks are less able to avoid dangerous situations created by other drivers.
2) Loading and Unloading Cargo
While loading and unloading their trucks, truck drivers face many risks. Heavy lifting often results in back and neck injuries. Heavy machinery also exposes truck drivers to safety risks. Machines can pin workers in. They can also run over them. Cargo on forklifts can fall over and crush a nearby worker. Also, some injury accidents involve machines hitting other objects. Those objects can crush people nearby.
The trucks are also a risk when loading and unloading cargo. Even skilled and trained drivers can lose limbs and suffer other bad injuries. Such injuries are often caused by cargo doors and truck tailgates. Chains and even some truck parts are also risks.
Unsafe work conditions in warehouses and other job sites pose risks. For example, a damaged guardrail or stair railing could result in an injury. Wet surfaces, a lack of signs and more are other risks. At job sites, employers are required to provide a safe workspace. They also must provide proper safety gear. For example, gear required by OSHA might include:
- Safety helmets
- Vests
- Gloves
- Lifting gear
Damaged safety gear or a lack of gear can lead to many types of injuries. A personal injury attorney identifies the at-fault parties as a first step in the legal process
3) Toxic Chemicals and Cargo
Toxic chemicals and cargo are some of the top causes of semi truck injuries to drivers. The material could include:
- Gas
- Propane
- Jet fuel
- Chlorine
- Ammonia
- Explosives
- Pesticides
Typically, exposure to the hazardous material occurs when loading or unloading the truck. This is a bigger risk if the site is not properly equipped for safety. Safety features include a shower and eyewash station. Exposure can also happen if the truck is damaged. Toxic material can leak due to a truck crash or poor maintenance. Legal assistance is available to injured truckers through a personal injury attorney
4) Lifestyle Injuries
While truck drivers do their fair share of heavy lifting, they also sit still for long hours each day. This leads to a higher risk of heart problems and obesity. Obesity is closely associated with diabetes.
In addition, drivers have tight delivery schedules. Traffic and other delays affect driver’s schedules. They cause stress that leads to heart issues and sleep problems. Sleep problems and long hours result in fatigue. Being drowsy increases the risk of an accident on the job.
Truck drivers also perform repetitive motions. These include turning the steering wheel, shifting gears, braking and more. Such motions result in injuries that grow worse over time. In severe cases, they prevent working. Also, they might require rehab and other special care.
Common Workplace Injuries for Semi Truck Drivers
Truck accident crashes result in varied injuries. Some of these include:
- Back pain
- Neck injuries
- Broken limbs
- Head trauma
- Organ damage
In some cases, adrenaline masks pain from injuries at first. This includes injuries from truck crashes and other types of on-the-job injuries. Quick medical care after a crash is vital even if the driver feels fine.
The sedentary lifestyle of truck drivers causes some types of injuries. The physical labor of loading and unloading cargo contributes to other injuries. For example, neck pain, back pain and shoulder strains are common concerns. The repetitive motions involved in driving a large truck lead to tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Worksite or warehouse accidents include:
- Slip-and-fall incidents
- General falling incidents
- Crushing accidents
These events result in muscle sprains and fractured bones. Others are spine and head injuries, internal injuries and other serious issues.
What a Truck Accident Lawyer Does
Seeking counsel from a personal injury attorney is one of the best steps to take after being injured on the job. After all, the financial impact of an accident is devastating. It affects your recovery and your quality of life today. It even impacts your future well-being.
A truck accident lawyer assesses the facts of the case. By doing so, they determine which parties are at fault. Some of these parties include:
- The employer
- Other drivers on the road
- Third-party mechanics
- Auto parts makers
- The government
A personal injury lawyer pursues legal action in and out of court. They also ensure that workers comp and insurance companies settle fairly. Legal counsel lets you focus on your recovery after a semi truck accident. At the same time, it ensures the matter is settled fairly.
Speak with a Truck Accident Attorney Today
Have you recently been in a truck accident crash or another incident on the job? A personal injury lawyer can help. Schedule a consultation today.
List of references:
- https://www.osha.gov/trucking-industry/hazards
- https://www.bls.gov/iif/nonfatal-injuries-and-illnesses-tables/table-1-injury-and-illness-rates-by-industry-2023-national.htm
- https://www.nttrdirectory.com/blog/commercial-truck-accident-statistics-2024-a-growing-safety-concern-on-u-s-high
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts
