WHAT IS THE INJURY RATING?
TRUCK DRIVER INJURY AND IMPAIRMENT RATINGS
Injured truck drivers’ permanent disability benefits depend on their injury/impairment rating (given by a doctor), average weekly wage, and the part of the body that is injured. For example, if you have an injury to the right arm and a disability rating of 25%, the permanent disability payment can be calculated using that rating plus your average weekly wage.
The injury rating is supposed to indicate the severity of the injury and the extent to which the injury will limit your ability to earn a living in the future.
The injury rating should be assigned after the truck driver reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI), which is the point at which further treatment will not improve the trucker’s condition. In other words, MMI is the point at which the doctors have done all they can do to treat the injury and improve the trucker’s condition.
The trucking company will send you to its company doctor, who will examine you and give you an impairment rating. This rating is almost always too low. The trucking company and its doctor have every incentive to try to minimize the extent of your injury to limit the payout you are owed.
A truck driver should always consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to get a second opinion on the impairment rating. Many truck drivers tend to underestimate the long-term effects of their injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney will make sure that the truck driver receives the full and fair compensation they are entitled to.
At Hurt Trucker, our experienced attorneys have represented many truck drivers who were injured in commercial truck accidents. We know how to fully investigate these cases and make sure that our clients receive the maximum compensation for their injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, please contact us today for a free consultation. We will help you file a personal injury lawsuit and get the compensation you deserve.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON INJURIES FOR TRUCK DRIVERS?
A truck driving job can be very dangerous. In fact, truck driver fatalities have been on the rise in recent years. The trucking industry is notorious for its long hours and lack of rest breaks, which can lead to fatal occupational injuries.
The most common injuries for truck drivers include:
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Traumatic injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Sleep deprivation
- Fatigue
- Whiplash
If you have been injured in a trucking accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At Hurt Trucker, we have represented many truck drivers who were injured on the job. We know how to fully investigate these cases and make sure that our clients receive the maximum compensation for their injuries.
DO TRUCK DRIVERS HAVE KNEE PROBLEMS?
One of the most common injuries for truck drivers is knee problems. This is because truck drivers spend a lot of time sitting, which can lead to knee problems.
The most common knee problem for truck drivers is patellar tendonitis, which is a condition that causes pain in the front of the knee. Truck drivers who have patellar tendonitis often have to stop driving for a period of time to rest and heal.
DO TRUCK DRIVERS SUFFER FROM BACK PAIN?
Another common injury for truck drivers is back pain. This is because truck drivers often have to sit in one position for long periods of time, which can put a strain on the back. Truck drivers may also suffer from back pain because of the way that commercial trucks are designed.
The seats in commercial trucks are not always ergonomic, which can contribute to back pain. In addition, the vibrations from driving a truck can also contribute to back pain.
Are There Specific Guidelines for Rating Certain Types of Injuries?
Yes, there are specific guidelines established for rating various types of injuries, especially in industries with high injury risks, such as trucking. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a key agency overseeing motor carrier safety, often outlines criteria and standards relating to injuries from crashes involving large trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds.
These standards help gauge the severity of truck driver injuries and the implications on their fitness for duty. Additionally, the Occupational Safety Department provides a framework to evaluate injuries, ensuring that they are treated and documented appropriately.
Safety violations, ranging from vehicle inspections to hazmat inspections, can indirectly influence injury ratings, especially when these violations exacerbate injury outcomes. For example, driver fatigue, one of the most pressing issues identified by the FMCSA, often leads to more severe injuries in traffic accidents.
Can an Individual Have Multiple Injury Ratings for Different Injuries Sustained in a Single Incident?
Absolutely. In large-scale traffic accidents, especially those involving large trucks, it’s not uncommon for an individual to sustain multiple injuries. Each injury may have its own distinct rating based on its severity and long-term implications.
For instance, if a trucker from one of the most dangerous trucking companies in the United States is involved in a fatal accident due to driver inspection oversight, they might have a rating for a broken limb and another for a spinal injury. Trucking companies, especially those with high out-of-service rates like CRST vehicles inspected, might see more of these multi-injury scenarios given their safety record.
Moreover, with the FMCSA’s focus on monitoring motor carriers’ safety violations through fitness electronic records, the spotlight is on ensuring that each injury is accurately rated to reflect the true extent of the harm, regardless of how many injuries are sustained in a single incident.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A TRUCKING INJURY
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, you may be wondering what your options are. You may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees who are injured on the job. In most cases, you can only receive workers’ compensation if you were injured while working.
If you were injured in a trucking accident that was caused by someone else, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury lawsuit is a civil lawsuit that allows the victim to recover damages from the person who caused the accident.
In a personal injury lawsuit, the victim can recover damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
We can help. Hurt Trucker Attorneys has been representing injured truckers for nearly 50 years. We have a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals who will examine you and give you a fair injury rating. We will fight for your rights and make sure the workers’ compensation insurance adjusters treat you fairly.
If we represent you, we will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries, and we will not receive a fee until you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Hurt Trucker Attorneys by form, phone, or email for more information on how we can help you pursue a fair injury rating and compensation. No cost, no obligation.