The most common type of trucking injury is work-related sprain. Claims for work-related sprains in couriers, waste collection, and general freight trucking are nearly four times higher than the average for other industries. The trucking industry is also associated with some of the highest workers’ compensation rates in the state of Washington. However, there are several initiatives being taken to reduce on-the-job injuries in this industry.
Injuries to the head and spine occur frequently during the trucking industry. The impact of the truck can cause the head to snap forward, causing whiplash. Symptoms of whiplash may not occur until hours or even days after the crash, so it is important to watch for them. Serious injuries, such as spinal cord damage, can cause long-term or temporary paralysis. In addition to whiplash, trucking workers may also sustain injuries to their neck and vertebrae.
The number of deaths associated with truck driving is the highest among all occupations, accounting for 12 percent of all worker deaths. Highway crashes are responsible for more than half of all truck driver fatalities. Additionally, the number of nonfatal injuries that occur to truckers is higher than for other industries. Nearly half of these injuries are sprains and strains. injueris truck drivers face heightened risks during winter in northern states, and the summer months are notorious for holiday travel, which can increase the risk of trucking accidents.
Many types of trucking accidents result in catastrophic injuries that permanently impair a victim’s quality of life. In some cases, spinal cord injuries leave the victim paralyzed and require extensive medical care throughout their lives. Traumatic injuries like these are life-changing, and deserve compensation. Truck accidents are not uncommon in Montana, and most truck drivers are entitled to workers’ compensation to cover the costs of medical bills and lost wages. Regardless of the type of trucking accident, the victims of accidents can recover compensation for their damages by filing a workers’ compensation lawsuit.
The trucking industry is also responsible for many types of work-related accidents. Most trucking injuries stem from the heavy lifting that truck drivers are required to do. Drivers can sustain back injuries by utilizing improper lifting techniques or overestimating their physical capabilities. Another type of trucking injury is slips and falls. A slip can cause a trucker to fall in the road, causing bed-bound or unable to operate the vehicle. There are also numerous risks from equipment failure, resulting in truckers being required to wear safety gear while on the job.
Because large commercial trucks carry fuel and combustible materials, accidents caused by large commercial trucks can result in catastrophic injuries. Even a ruptured fuel tank can cause a fire, which can result in serious burns and traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, passengers in truck accidents may suffer internal injuries that are difficult to diagnose and expensive to treat. Fortunately, trucking accident lawyers have developed an effective process to maximize the compensation that plaintiffs receive for their injuries.
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