Truckers spend a tremendous amount of time on the road, which puts them at higher odds of being involved in an accident. In fact, truck drivers experience one of the highest rates of injury of any occupation and have one of the most dangerous professions in America. No matter if a truck driver caused the accident—or another vehicle did—truckers that are injured while on the job may have a workers’ comp claim.

Causes and Types of Truck Accidents

It’s irrelevant if you were driving a government truck, or a refrigerated truck, or an 18-wheeler, all Georgia employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. There are many reasons why truck drivers get into accidents, including:

• Height and weight issues. Large trucks can be difficult to maneuver because they are both heavy and tall. If a driver blows a tire, for example, an accident may ensue as the driver struggles to regain control and maintain momentum.

• Failure to maintain the truck. Poor maintenance of a vehicle that drives thousands upon thousands of miles each week might end up being a fatal error. Something as simple as a hairline fracture in your windshield could cause an otherwise avoidable accident. Drivers are responsible for doing checks on the vehicle at the start of each shift.

• Ice, Rain, & Snow. Bad weather is another reason for collision because the excessive weight in the vehicle makes it difficult for a driver to stop quickly

• Tire Blowout. A tire blowout can happen with any vehicle causing horrific consequences for nearby cars.

• The Driver. This is a big problem in Georgia. Some of the more commonly seen driver errors include fatigue, substance use, being distracted, following too close, not being familiar with the area,  and excessive speed.

Other accidents include slip and fall injuries, criminal acts, injuries from falling cargo, and lifting accidents.Truck drivers also develop carpal tunnel from gripping the steering wheel.

Common Truck Driver Injuries

Physical injuries sustained by truckers can be anything from broken bones, to a back injury, a concussion, or strain/sprain. Some of the physical injuries take weeks, months, or even years to heal. Here are the top seven most common physical injuries as reported by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

• Strains and sprains
• Bruises
• Cuts/lacerations
• Soreness/pain
• Fractures
• Multiple Traumatic Injuries

Georgia Workers’ Comp on Truckers

Georgia is a no-fault state and negligence is not a factor in workers’ comp cases. It is also not a maximum medical improvement state  (MMI) and benefits can’t be limited just because a doctor states you may not heal. Georgia provides lifetime medical treatment at no cost and covers lost wages, provides travel expenses, offers vocational rehab, and provides death benefits in the event of a worker fatality.  

If you are an injured truck driver who suffered an injury while on the job, a dedicated workers’ comp attorney can help you recover the benefits you earned and deserve. They can help maximize the benefits you get and provide expert advice for your own personal situation.