October 24, 2023 | Workers' compensation

Driving a truck for a living exposes you to many risks. These risks go beyond the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Truck drivers can suffer injuries as a result of repetitive motions while loading cargo for example. No matter what the cause of your injury, if it is related to your work, you may be eligible to recover workers compensation benefits.

There are several types of injuries that truck drivers can suffer. Below, we take a look at common categories of injuries that truck drivers are affected by.

Head and Brain Injuries

Truck drivers are at high risk of suffering head and brain injuries in particular. This is primarily because of the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. They can also suffer head injuries from other types of accidents such as slip and fall injuries or falling objects while loading items in warehouses. Some examples of head and brain injuries that truck drivers can suffer include:

•         Concussions – These are mild traumatic brain injuries that occur as a result of sudden violent shaking of the head or a sudden impact to the head. These injuries are often a result of collisions, sudden truck stops or the truck tipping over.
•         Contusions – These are brain injuries that result from damage to brain tissue when the brain strikes the interior of the skull due to a sudden jolt or impact
•         Penetrating injuries – These injuries are the most severe head and brain injuries. They occur when an object or debris from the accident penetrates the skull and causes injury to brain tissue.
•         Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)  – These injuries can range from mild to severe. They can be caused from a strong impact to the head. They can have long lasting impact on physical, cognitive and emotional functions.

Neck Injuries

Truck drivers are susceptible to various types of neck injuries. Neck injuries resulting from the job are eligible for workman’s compensation. Truck drivers can recover workers comp benefits for neck injuries resulting from long hours of sitting, exposure to road vibrations, vehicle accidents and more. Some of the neck injuries truck drivers might suffer from include:

•         Whiplash – These injuries occur when the head is jerked forcefully forward and backward. These types of neck injuries typically occur as a result of rear-end collisions. They can lead to strains or sprains in the neck’s soft tissues, pain, reduced range of motion and stiffness.
•         Herniated discs – These injuries can result from exposure to vibrations while driving for long periods at a time. They occur when the discs in between the vertebrae of the neck succumb to wear and tear. The inner portion of the disc pushes out and presses against nerves causing pain as well as other symptoms.
•         Cervical fractures – These can occur as a result of collisions or rollovers. Fractures in the cervical vertebrae can have serious consequences if they are not attended to in good time.
•         Cervical strains and sprains – prolonged hours of driving and maintaining a fixed posture can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck. This can result in discomfort, pain and limited movement in the neck.

Back Injuries

Truck drivers are at high risk of experiencing various types of back injuries. This is not only because they are at risk of being involved in vehicle accidents. It is also because of the nature of their job. Their job involves long hours of sitting, driving and even lifting heavy objects. Some common back injuries that truck drivers may suffer include:

•         Muscle strains and sprains – truck drivers can suffer muscle strains and sprains as a result of lifting heavy objects or sudden movements.
•         Lower back pain – truck drivers can experience lower back pain due to the strain placed on the lumber region as a result of prolonged sitting and the physical demands of their job.
•         Herniated discs – this can result from being exposed to constant vibrations and jolts while driving. It can also be the result of poor posture. This results in wear and tear on the spinal discs and causes the inner portion of the disc to push out and place pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain and other symptoms.
•         Spondylosis  – this is a degenerative condition that can affect the spinal discs and facet joints. It can be aggravated by repetitive motions and vibrations experienced during long hours of driving.

Consult with a Workers Compensation Attorney

If you have suffered an injury related to your work, you may be eligible to recover workman’s compensation benefits. An experienced attorney can review your case and help you understand your rights and the options available to you. They will work to help you maximize your compensation. They will ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.

Contact our law firm to schedule free consultation with an experienced workers comp attorney and get started with working on your case right away.

Trucking Injury Attorneys Nebraska