About 80% of Americans rely on truck drivers to transport daily packages. Unfortunately, the increasing demand for the trucking industry also increases the risk of injuries and death among truck drivers. 15% of truck occupants died in large truck crashes in 2020, and this was a higher percentage compared to 2009.
Truck drivers are responsible for transporting and delivering goods safely and efficiently. From long hours and sleep deprivation to poor working conditions and road accidents, truck drivers face a host of occupational hazards that put their health and safety at risk every single day. Their job comes with possible risks and injuries that they can encounter while on the job.
Let’s discuss the various injuries that truck drivers can sustain while driving large trucks or vehicles, their causes, and ways to prevent them.
Typical Injuries Sustained by Truck Drivers
- Head and brain injuriesThese injuries can occur when a truck driver is involved in a collision, causing their head to strike the dashboard or steering wheel. This can lead to concussion, traumatic brain injury, or other serious neurological disorders. Even a minor head injury can have long-lasting effects, including cognitive difficulties and mood changes.
- Neck and back injuriesProlonged sitting and driving, especially in poorly designed truck seats, are some of the common neck and back injuries faced by truck drivers. They can result in chronic pain, stiffness, and even paralysis. This can make it challenging for truck drivers to continue working and earning a livelihood.
- Spinal cord injuriesMost of these injuries result from a severe blow to the back, neck, or head, causing the spinal cord to become compressed or severed. This can even lead to partial or complete paralysis, making it difficult for truck drivers to perform basic tasks or return to work.
- Internal injuriesThese types of injuries happen when the driver experiences internal bleeding or damage to organs, resulting in life-threatening injuries. Internal injuries can be difficult to diagnose and treat, making them even more dangerous.
- Broken bones and fracturesThese injuries happen in a truck accident or due to the constant vibrations and jolts that drivers experience while driving on rough terrain. Fractured bones can take a long time to heal and can make it difficult for truck drivers to work.
- Burns and abrasionsThese happen while handling hazardous materials or during an accident involving the truck’s fuel tank or cargo. Burns and abrasions can be painful and can cause long-lasting scarring.
- Psychological injuriesAnxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also result from the emotional toll of long hours on the road and the stress of driving in dangerous conditions. Truck drivers may also experience social isolation and feelings of loneliness, which can take a toll on their mental health.
Causes of Truck Driver Injuries
- Accidents involving other vehiclesAccidents like this can occur for a range of reasons, from distracted driving to poor road conditions. Regardless of the cause, they can result in serious injuries for truck drivers, including broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries.
- Rollovers and jackknifing incidentsThese incidents can occur when a truck driver loses control of the vehicle, leading to the truck overturning or the trailer swinging around and colliding with the cab of the truck. These incidents can result in serious injuries as vehicular accidents.
- Overexertion and strain leading to neck and back painThe nature of truck driving, long hours spent sitting and driving, can put significant strain on the body. Over time, this can lead to neck and back pain, as well as other chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Slips, trips, and fallsTruck drivers are also at risk of slips, trips, and falls while performing tasks like loading and unloading cargo. These incidents can result in broken bones and fractures, as well as other injuries like sprains and strains.
- Exposure to hazardous materialsTruck drivers may be exposed to hazardous materials like chemicals or gases as part of their work. Exposure to these materials can result in burns, lacerations, and other serious health problems, including respiratory issues and other long-term health problems.
Preventative Measures for Reducing Truck Driver Injuries
- Regular maintenance and inspection of trucks can help identify any potential safety hazards, such as faulty brakes or worn tires, that may put drivers at risk.
- Implementing safety protocols and procedures, such as ensuring that drivers adhere to federal regulations and industry best practices, can help reduce the number of accidents and injuries sustained by truck drivers.
- Using technology and automation like electronic logging devices and automatic braking systems can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries by alerting drivers to potential hazards and stopping the truck automatically if necessary.
- Improved working conditions and ergonomics by providing drivers with comfortable seats and reducing their exposure to vibrations and jolts while driving can also help reduce the risk of injuries sustained by truck drivers.
Taking Care of Truck Drivers
Truck drivers play a vital role in the global economy as they transport goods across vast distances. However, their job comes with a lot of risks and injuries while performing their duty responsibly. The trucking industry should prioritize driver safety and implement preventative measures to ensure that truck drivers can continue to do their jobs safely and efficiently while maintaining their physical and mental health.
Hire an Excellent Truck Driver Attorney in Washington
A collision involving a large truck can have devastating and long-lasting effects on your well-being and overall quality of life. If you or someone you know has been hurt in such an accident, seek the guidance of an experienced attorney with a background in truck accident cases. They will fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the rightful compensation for any harm and losses you have endured.
This is exactly what we do at Truck Driver Rights. Our skilled truck driver attorneys in Washington can provide legal representation, advocacy, and investigation for truck drivers who have been injured in accidents. By working with us, you can get favorable resolutions and just compensation for your injuries and damages.
Give us a call at 877-700-0009 for your free consultation or tell us details of your situation through our website. Your case matters to us.