In most cases, truck drivers are often the party that sustains less injury when an accident has occurred. However, according to a US government report, around 65 percent of truck drivers’ on-the-job deaths were due to crashes and road accidents. Additionally, many truck drivers become injured every year, with an estimated 1100 road accidents occurring daily.
If you consider the data presented by the World Health Organization, road accidents are expected to be amongst the five leading causes of death by the year 2030. There are many causes of truck accidents, and there are numerous types of injuries truck drivers suffer. Truck accidents can be a complicated affair, and as such, it’s essential to contact a car accident attorney to discuss your options if you have suffered injuries during an accident.
Three Common Truck Accident Causes
Before we can look at what injuries truck drivers commonly suffer, it’s important to look at three common truck accident causes.
Distracted Driving Incidents
Distracted driving accidents are not limited to a particular type of transportation. If a truck driver takes their attention off the road even for a fraction of a second, there is a chance for an accident to occur. Distracted driving is within the top ten reasons for motor vehicle accidents.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Most might not realize that driving a truck is a high-pressure job with incredibly long hours. Many companies require truck drivers to travel long distances in a short period, and this is often a stressful situation that leads to fewer breaks and very little rest.
As you can imagine, the more tired a truck driver is, the less focus they have on the road creating an ideal situation for an accident to occur. Despite the many rules and regulations surrounding how many hours a truck driver can drive without rest, many companies disregard these rules, and as a result, accidents occur.
Reckless Driving
Distracted driving and reckless driving aren’t the same things. Many truck drivers partake in risky driving due to pressured deadlines. This results in speeding and careless overtaking, and many accidents involving truck drivers have occurred and continue to occur due to this.
5 Common Truck Accident Injuries that Truck Drivers Suffer
Trucking accidents can result in severe injuries to truck drivers. Moreover, according to reports in a year, there are roughly 5000 deaths due to truck accidents. The unexpected aftermath of a trucking accident can be a life-changing event and, in some cases, can lead to debilitating injuries that will have a lasting effect on one’s life. This is why it’s crucial to obtain the proper legal aid to assist you should you or someone you love have been involved in a truck accident that has led to an injury.
Spinal Cord Injuries
One of the more devastating injuries a truck driver can face is a spinal cord injury. In many instances, a spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis of the lower body and torso. This injury could result in a truck driver becoming permanently disabled.
Neck and Back Injuries
Neck and back injuries are a common occurrence among truck drivers involved in an accident, and this is primarily because of whiplash. In the neck and back, numerous fragile bones often become injured. Many might not notice they have been hurt until they start experiencing symptoms after the crash.
Internal Injuries
Another common truck accident injury that many truck drivers suffer from is internal injuries. Despite an airbag being there for your protection, it can cause internal injuries due to the airbag force when it deploys. Additionally, rib and torso injuries can cause internal injuries by puncturing a lung or kidney.
Mild or Severe Burns
Due to how large a truck is, an accident often causes excessive damage upon impact with another vehicle or inanimate object. This means there is a higher chance of the fuel tank becoming ruptured, and as such, fires are a common occurrence in trucking accidents. Truck drivers often suffer mild to severe burns, leading to disfigurement or other lasting injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Possibly, the worst type of injury one can suffer in an accident is a traumatic brain injury, as it can have devastating effects on the injured party. In some cases, a traumatic brain injury can result in a coma or loss of life for the truck driver involved in a trucking accident.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, your first priority should be to seek the medical attention you need. You will likely start receiving medical bills that will put a financial strain on you and your family. Finding an attorney specializing in this arena would be your best option after a trucking accident, as they can help you acquire compensation.
