Understanding the Occupational Hazards of Truck Driving
The trucking industry has the highest mortality rate among workers, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Both short and long-haul truck drivers face occupational hazards on a daily basis, including fatal accidents, ergonomic hazards, prolonged driving, and falls. These work site accidents can result in serious injuries and sometimes death.
If you have sustained an injury while on duty, you have the right to fair compensation, either through workers’ compensation or personal injury claims. Hurt Trucker Attorneys can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Don’t hesitate to contact us now for personalized legal assistance.
Common Occupational Hazards Faced by Truck Drivers
Truck drivers encounter a spectrum of occupational hazards as they traverse the highways and byways. Some of the most common hazards include:
- Vehicular Accidents: Truck drivers spend a lot of time on the road and face an increased risk of traffic accidents, ranging from collisions with other vehicles to rollovers.
- Exposure to Hazardous Materials: The transportation of biologically hazardous cargo introduces a unique set of dangers, including the risk of touching or inhaling these substances, potential fires, and the threat of explosions.
- Heavy Equipment and Cargo: Handling heavy equipment and cargo comes with its own set of hazards, such as the danger of objects falling on drivers during loading or coming into contact with defective or dangerous items. Appropriate personal protective clothing may help guard against this.
- Slips and Falls: Whether conducting maintenance checks, loading cargo, or performing routine tasks, truck drivers are susceptible to slips and falls. Falling off trucks or platforms poses a severe risk in this industry.
- Overexertion: The job’s physical demands, including lifting heavy containers and cargo, can lead to overexertion. Understanding proper lifting techniques and taking necessary breaks are crucial in preventing injuries associated with this occupational hazard.
- Fatigue and Long Work Hours: The extended and often irregular work hours inherent in trucking often cause driver fatigue, a significant factor in a variety of accidents. Fatigue can impair cognitive abilities and reduce reaction times, increasing the risk of transportation accidents.
Impact of Occupational Hazards on Truck Drivers’ Health
Truck drivers face a spectrum of potential injuries and illnesses due to occupational hazards. Common injuries include:
- Ergonomic injuries resulting from heavy lifting and repetitive movements
- Accident injuries, including fractures, sprains, and concussions
- Exposure effects, such as respiratory issues and skin conditions due to hazardous materials
Tragically, the fatality rate among truck drivers due to occupational hazards remains a stark reality. Accidents on the road, exposure to hazardous materials, and other work-related incidents contribute to a concerning number of deaths within the profession, underscoring the critical need for enhanced safety measures and awareness.
Beyond the physical toll, the mental impact of occupational hazards on truck drivers is substantial, though often overlooked. Truck drivers are at risk of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- chronic sleep disturbances
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Seeking Compensation for Occupational Injuries
If you’re a truck driver who has sustained work-related injuries, how you seek compensation hinges on identifying the liable party for your injuries. This usually leads to two options: workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.
Workers’ Compensation
Truck drivers can access crucial support through workers’ compensation, a system designed to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages for job-related injuries, irrespective of fault.
Truck drivers can file a workers’ compensation claim when injuries or illnesses occur directly from their job duties, whether on the road, during hazardous cargo handling, or due to other occupational hazards.
To file a workers’ comp claim, you must:
- Notify your employer immediately about the injury to ensure the validity of your claim.
- Seek medical treatment, document expenses, and keep records of your treatment.
- Fill out the provided workers’ compensation form accurately, detailing the incident and injuries.
- Submit completed form and any required supporting documents to the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
An experienced attorney will guide you through the filing process and provide the needed guidance and advice.
Personal Injury
Unlike workers’ comp, personal injury claims arise when someone else’s negligence causes the accident or injury. Tractor trailer drivers can file a personal injury claim when their injuries result from another party’s negligence, such as accidents caused by another driver.
To file a personal injury claim:
- Determine if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, establishing the basis for a personal injury claim.
- Seek prompt medical treatment to document your injuries and keep your medical bills and records.
- Collect and preserve evidence of the accident, such as photos, witness statements, and relevant documents.
- Seek legal counsel to assess the viability of your personal injury claim and guide you through the process.
- Work with your attorney to negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit if a fair resolution cannot be reached.
How Can Hurt Trucker Attorneys Help
Hurt Trucker Attorneys bring extensive experience and unwavering dedication to truck drivers. We are committed to securing justice for those affected by occupational hazards. We can help you by:
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Investigation: Our team conducts a thorough investigation to gather all pertinent details related to your trucking-related injury.
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Determining Liability: We work diligently to identify and determine the party or parties responsible for your injury. This will help us determine the next steps in seeking compensation.
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Filing Claims: Depending on our investigation results, we guide you through the process of filing either a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim. We represent you throughout the process
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Legal Guidance: Count on us for continuous legal guidance and unwavering support at every stage of the legal process, ensuring you’re informed and represented effectively.
Recover Well with Hurt Trucker Attorneys
If you have sustained an occupational injury, we understand the pain and challenges you may be experiencing. We at Hurt Trucker Attorneys want to support you during these times. With decades of experience and an impressive success rate, our dedicated team has secured rightful compensation for countless injured truck drivers.
Let Hurt Trucker Attorneys be your advocate for a smoother path to recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
