Over the course of your career as a long-haul truck driver, you have undoubtedly had many experiences. You likely met new people, went to new places and possibly experienced a few dangerous endeavors. Being on the road more often than those in other professions, the likelihood of being in an accident are always present.
Of course, not all accidents happen while on the road, and you and many other Pennsylvania truck drivers face the risk of suffering injuries in various ways. Though many people may think that truckers do little more than sit behind the wheel of their truck and drive long hours, you know that not to be the case. In fact, trucking is more dangerous than many people know.
Common work-related injuries
Unfortunately, you and many other truck drivers have likely suffered various injuries throughout your career. Some of the more common injuries that plague those in your profession include sprains, strains and fractures. Typically, these issues affect the neck, back and arms. While some of these injuries could stem from long hours sitting in the same position while driving, they could also result from falls or being hit by an object or equipment.
In particular, falls was the most commonly reported cause of injury in a survey on long-haul truck driver health and injury. Additionally, truck drivers need time away from work due to injuries and illness more often that individuals in other career fields considered dangerous, such as construction, farming and extraction. Unfortunately, injuries to the arms, neck or back could quickly make it impossible for truck drivers to remain behind that wheel and continue their work-related duties.
What if you are injured?
Whether you suffer injuries on the job due to a vehicle collision, fall, being hit by an object or other accident, you undoubtedly want to ensure that you can take the time you need to fully recover. In many cases, long-haul truck drivers qualify for workers’ compensation that could help cover their medical bills, lost wages and other qualifying financial hardships resulting from on-the-job injuries.
If you wonder whether your job-related injury could qualify for workers’ comp, you may want to gain information on your employer’s workers’ comp coverage as well as the claim procedures. Informing your employer of the injury as soon as possible is often the best course of action, and if you face difficulties from there, gaining information your legal rights may be useful.