Long rides as a truck driver can take a toll physically and mentally; that’s why there are laws that protect professional drivers from pushing their limits when on the road. But despite the efforts to ensure they receive quality rest in between miles of work ahead, the reality is that accidents can happen anytime, and drivers are vulnerable to several injuries behind the wheel.
With the advent of workplace injuries for truck drivers, the industry often experiences plenty of workers' compensation claims and benefits throughout the year. If you're wondering what type of injury falls under the workers' compensation for truck drivers, the article below should explore common driving injuries.
Truck Driving Injuries Eligible for Workers Compensation Benefits
1. Strains and Sprains
A strain or sprain occurs when a sudden force is applied to the body that pulls or tears a muscle or tendon. These injuries are commonly referred to as overuse injuries due to the continuous strain the body experiences while driving.
Driving injuries can range from something as simple as a contusion or bruise to something as severe as a hernia. These injuries usually occur when a driver is making a sudden movement in an attempt to save themselves from a crash. Various other factors can cause these injuries, including older age, poor physical health, and poor posture.
2. Carpal Tunnel, Tendinitis, Tennis Elbow
Carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and tendonitis can affect any part of the body but are commonly found in the hands, arms, and wrists. This is the result of a repetitive movement in the joints and muscles of the arms and hands. A common example is the repetitive motion of steering a vehicle that stretches the tissues of the wrists and arms. As a result, the tissues are damaged, and nerves are compressed, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling.
3. Slips and Falls
Being a truck driver is not a simple task. The job requires a lot of multitasking, which requires good coordination skills between the hands and the feet. Amidst the constant stream of demands, truck drivers often have to go downstairs and ramps to reach their destination. The mistake of a single misstep could cause a truck driver to lose balance and fall.
4. Vehicle Accidents
Truck drivers are susceptible to vehicle accidents daily, especially when they are driving in the big city. The number one cause of injury is vehicle accidents that often include a single collision with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist.
If you are injured in a vehicle accident while on the job, you can be eligible for workers' compensation. However, keep in mind that some states require you to report the accident within a certain time frame or suffer the consequence of forfeiting your right to claim workers' compensation benefits.
5. Worksite Injuries
Injured truck drivers are eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they are injured while at the workplace. For instance, if you are lifting a heavy load and accidentally drop it on your foot, you may be eligible to receive workman's compensation benefits.
The Bottom Line: Getting the Workers' Compensation You Deserve as a Truck Driver
Workers' compensation insurance is designed to help protect workers from serious injuries by providing medical care, ongoing medical treatment, and payment for work missed because of the injury. Truck drivers will be eligible for workman's compensation benefits in cases of injuries sustained while on the job.
After seeking medical attention, the next most important thing for any injured truck driver is to understand their rights and how the state of workers' compensation benefits for truck drivers works in your favor. There are many things at play, and only the best injury attorney will know how to navigate the system for you.
How Can We Help You?
Workplace legalities are incredibly complicated, so whether you're the employer or employee dealing with such situations, it's best to ask for a hand from a reputable workers' comp attorney in Oakland.
Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers offer legal services, such as workers' compensation for business professionals, airline workers, firefighters, health workers, police officers, union workers, and more. Give us a call today at 800-606-6999 and get a free consultation!