Driving a truck in California involves heavy physical labor and long work days, and these conditions can take a serious toll on a trucker’s body. As a result, people in this profession regularly experience work-related accidents and injuries.
Motor vehicle crashes
Motor vehicle crashes create more truck-related workplace accidents than any other part of the job. Accidents involving trucks result in severe injuries, due to the size and speed that the vehicles typically maintain. Common injuries that occur in truck accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Paralysis
Loading and lifting injuries
In addition to driving, truckers frequently take responsibility for loading or unloading their cargo. Incorrect lifting practice or over-exertion can create strains and sprains. The most common areas affected include:
- Back
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Arms
Long-haul driving injuries
In between bouts of heavy physical labor, truck drivers sit in the cab for hours at a time. In California, some truck drivers stay behind the wheel for up to twelve hours. The constant repetitive movements in a small space can result in the following conditions:
- Carpal tunnel
- Tennis elbow
- Tendinitis
- Back and neck injuries
Work site injuries
The loading docks, warehouses and terminals used by truckers can create hazardous work environments. Truckers experience injuries at these sites due to:
- Forklifts
- Cranes
- Slippery surfaces
- Uneven walking surfaces
- Poor lighting
Workers’ compensation
Most California commercial truck drivers who are employed by a company qualify for workers’ compensation. Benefits can include medical coverage and a percentage of lost wages.
Financial losses due to workplace accidents
Truck drivers need to possess good physical health in order to perform their job. If you sustain a workplace injury, you may face a severe loss in income. Filing for workers’ comp can be a complicated, so injured truck drivers should begin the process as soon as possible.
