The Sacramento trucking industry keeps goods flowing, but navigating long hours, heavy cargo, and demanding schedules often takes a toll on drivers. While everyday life on the job can wear on a driver’s body in countless ways, it’s important to remember that these occupational strains aren’t the only culprit for injuries.
Too much of the time, injuries are also caused by truck accidents. In fact, 1 in 3 truck drivers have experienced a serious crash while working. Are you a truck driver in Sacramento or thinking about becoming one? If so, you need to know these common injuries for truck drivers and how to avoid them.
Or perhaps you’re reading this because you’ve been injured and are looking for information. If so, the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C. can help. We understand the challenges that truck drivers face, and we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free one-on-one consultation.
Common Injuries for Truck Drivers
Truck accidents can be devastating events. They often cause physical, emotional, and financial hardship for drivers. The size, weight, and force involved in these collisions often lead to a wider range of injuries compared to car accidents. It’s crucial that truck drivers be aware of these risks and take steps to protect themselves.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most frequent injuries truck drivers face after accidents.
Back and Neck Injuries
The constant strain of lifting heavy objects and long periods of sitting can put immense stress on the back and neck. Truck accidents can make these conditions worse. Or they can cause entirely new injuries like muscle strains, tears, and herniated discs. The violent forces of a crash can also cause whiplash. Whiplash is a painful condition resulting from the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck.
Head Injuries
The risk of head injuries in truck accidents is significant. This is especially true in rollovers and head-on collisions. These accidents can cause anything from mild concussions to life-altering traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The impact can cause the head to strike the interior of the cab, or objects can become projectiles and inflict blunt force trauma. Head injuries can lead to a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and even coma.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The catastrophic nature of truck accidents can result in severe spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be caused by the crushing force of the cab or by objects penetrating the spinal column. Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis. This affects mobility, bladder, and bowel control.
Broken Bones
The impact of a truck accident can cause fractures in any bone, but limbs and ribs are especially vulnerable due to their exposure during a collision. The severity of these fractures can range from simple breaks to complex fractures, requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation. Additionally, broken bones can cause long-term pain and limitations on mobility.
Internal Injuries
The internal organs are susceptible to damage in truck accidents, even in minor accidents. Injuries to internal organs can be difficult to diagnose immediately. They may include internal bleeding, organ damage, and ruptured blood vessels. If left untreated, internal injuries can be life-threatening.
Psychological Trauma
The emotional toll of a truck accident can be immense. Drivers may get PTSD, anxiety, or depression. These psychological conditions can significantly impact a driver’s ability to work and live a normal life.
What Is the Number One Injury for Truck Drivers?
Surprisingly, the most common injury for truck drivers isn’t from accidents but from the job itself.
You may not realize it, but there is physicality involved in truck driving. This often results in overextension. Lifting heavy boxes, securing cargo straps, and climbing in and out of the truck can all lead to muscle strains, tears, and back pain.
These repetitive movements and putting your body in awkward positions can strain the muscles and tendons over time. This strain can make them sore and inflamed. While not as dramatic as accident injuries, this pain can make it tough to drive comfortably and safely and can even affect your everyday life outside of work. Pre-existing injuries can be significantly worsened by a truck accident.
The sudden impact and forces involved can exacerbate existing pain and potentially lead to more serious complications—for example, by making a minor strain a debilitating injury or a manageable backache a chronic condition. The everyday strain of the job can make truck drivers even more vulnerable to serious injuries following a truck accident.
Potential Causes of Negligence in Truck Accidents
While a collision is the immediate cause of a truck accident, a variety of parties may be negligent in ways that contribute to the wreck. Here are some examples:
- Another driver. Drunk driving, distracted driving, or aggressive maneuvers by other motorists can cause accidents.
- Manufacturer. Defective truck parts, like brakes or tires, can lead to accidents if not properly designed or maintained.
- Truck maintenance company. Negligent maintenance that allows for brake failure or other mechanical issues can be grounds for a lawsuit.
- Truck loading company. Improper cargo loading that creates weight distribution problems or overhang dangers can be a factor in accidents.
As an injured driver, it’s important to recognize these causes so you can identify who may be liable for your damages. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
Your Road to Compensation After Being Injured
Sacramento, with its busy highways and city streets, can be a dangerous place for truckers. In fact, data shows Sacramento is home to one of the deadliest roadways in the state, partially due to semi-trucks. Accidents happen for many reasons, like drunk drivers, distracted drivers, or bad weather. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney like Ali Yousefi can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., our goal is to make a direct, positive impact on clients who are experiencing a challenging season of life. We don’t just handle cases; we fight for real results. We’ve recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars for clients and helped them get back on their feet. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing and getting back on the road.
Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about your rights.