One of the increasingly important industries that’s been gaining momentum in the last couple of years is definitely the trucking industry. The trucking industry requires a number of hard-working drivers ready to work long hours and face different weather conditions.
As most goods are transported via trucks, truck drivers have also become key players in the US economy as they help drive profit. However, although their role is important, it’s not a job that’s easy and smooth-sailing.
Truck driving is a demanding profession where drivers need to handle heavy cargo, and drive in diverse weather conditions. Unfortunately, these challenges make truck and semi-truck drivers particularly vulnerable to work-related injuries.
Understanding what steps to take if you’re injured on the job can significantly affect your recovery and protect your legal rights. Here’s a guide on what to do if you find yourself injured while working as a semi-truck driver.
Common injuries faced by truck drivers
Any type of job you opt for comes with certain risks and potential injuries. Even an office job where you’re not that exposed to outside factors can also result in injuries. That’s why many office employees also have different types of training that educate them on how to make sure they’re safe in the workplace.
Although many of you might think that work-related injuries are not that common, you’d be surprised to hear that 160 million cases of non-fatal work-related diseases occur on a yearly basis.
Workers who are exposed to long hours and are always on the go are more prone to injuries than the average employee. As such, truck drivers face a unique set of risks due to the nature of their work.
Some of the most common injuries are:
- Strains and sprains
- Back injuries caused by long hours of sitting
- Head and neck injuries
- Fractures and bruises
- Poor mental health
Who is responsible
Truck and semi-truck drivers often neglect their physical and mental health as they prioritize work, especially when dealing with tight deadlines. They also need to realize the importance of taking regular breaks and doing their regular medical check ups.
On the other hand, trucking companies should also take the wellbeing of their employees seriously. They should also educate their drivers on the importance of staying fit and healthy. Additionally, they should adjust the deadlines and the workload accordingly to avoid exhaustion.
What to do if injured
The reasons why work-related injuries happen all the time is due to the fact that many don’t take any action once injured and they simply continue doing their work as if nothing had happened. However, it’s important to address the issue as that’s the only way to stop it from repeating.
Semi-truck drivers definitely need to speak up in these situations and seek help, especially if the accident that occurred could have been prevented by the trucking company.
In the next paragraphs, we’ll share some useful tips.
Seek immediate medical attention
It goes without saying—if you’re injured in any way that’s causing you pain, you need to get medical assistance. Don’t make the mistake of postponing your visit to the doctor or taking medicine on your own.
At the first sign of discomfort or pain, schedule a visit with a medical professional to get the proper treatment you need. Hopefully, your insurance should cover all the costs. Going to the doctor’s is important as you also have proof of your injury and everything is documented. This can definitely come in handy in case you need to file a complaint later on.
Consult with a legal expert
Another important step is recognizing that you’re not an expert in all things legal. Each US state has its own set of rules and guidelines connected to truck driving. These guidelines refer to mandatory breaks, rest time and trucking company responsibilities.
For instance, the state of Indiana demands that semi-truck drivers take at least a 30 minute break after 8 hours of non-stop driving.
However, many semi-truck drivers are not that familiar with these regulations and, in case there’s an injury, they often give up on filing a complaint thinking the law isn’t on their side.
In fact, there are many laws protecting the rights of semi-truck drivers, you just need to be aware of them. The best way to get better acquainted with the regulations is to hire a semi truck accident attorney that can explain all the complexities and help you understand what you can expect.
Report the incident to your employer
Reporting the injury to your employer as soon as possible is crucial. There’s no reason to hide the fact that you’ve been injured. It’s important to let the employer, or the trucking company in this case, know that you’ve suffered an injury and are not fit for work.
Ensure you provide a detailed account of what happened, including any contributing factors like weather conditions or equipment failure. Your report will be essential if you decide to pursue a workers’ compensation claim.
Also, take some time off if necessary as it will help speed up recovery and get you back on your feet as soon as possible.
The bottom line
Work-related injuries can be life-changing and usually in a good way, especially for semi-truck drivers who rely on their physical and mental well-being to do their jobs. Knowing how to respond in the aftermath of an injury can make all the difference in your recovery. That’s why we hope our short yet informative guide has helped equip you with all the information you need to have in case of an injury.
Don’t avoid your visits to the doctor and make sure to get legal assistance when needed. Also, consult with your employer and reach out for emotional support when workload gets tough.
By acting quickly and taking regular breaks, you can make your job a bit less demanding. Prioritize your well-being as no job is worth you neglecting your well-being and overall fitness.
