With nearly 16 million trucks registered, California is a hub of highways moving cargo throughout the state. A high volume of trucks and truck drivers usually means higher injury rates, and there are many common truck driver injuries in California.
California’s Economy Relies on Trucking
The most recent reports state that California reported over 14,074 truck accidents in 2023, with more than 5,900 injuries resulting from these accidents. This is the second highest in the United States after Texas.
California’s high accident rates are likely due to the state’s extensive network of highways and freeways, as well as its busy ports that generate substantial truck traffic. The state relies on trucking and transportation. California handles over 40% of U.S. containerized imports and nearly 30% of exports, as the San Pedro Bay Port Complex is the busiest in the Western Hemisphere.
Common Causes of Truck Driver Injuries
Truck drivers often experience injuries while on the road, which can range significantly in severity.
Truck Accidents
Trucks can cause severe injuries due to their sheer size and weight as compared to other vehicles. Injuries could include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, lacerations and burns, amputations, and whiplash.
The most common reasons why truck accidents happen are:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Impaired driving
- Inadequate training or experience
- Vehicle maintenance issues
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Poor road conditions or bad weather
- Pressure from tucking companies
Being Struck by Objects
Truck drivers can be struck by objects while handling cargo, performing truck maintenance, and even while they are pulled over on the side of the highway. These incidents can cause bone fractures, soft tissue damage, TBIs, spinal cord injuries, organ damage, amputation, lacerations, or crushing injuries.
Overexertion
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that overexertion accounts for 34% of cases of non-fatal injuries among truck drivers nationally.
Long Hours and Fatigue
The demanding nature of the trucking industry often forces drivers to endure long hours, which leads to fatigue. Exhaustion can impair drivers’ reaction time and judgment, making them a danger to themselves and others on the road.
Long hours typically mean irregular sleep patterns and stress, which can contribute to health issues like cardiovascular problems and sleep apnea.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Truck driving is a sedentary job that requires truckers to spend prolonged hours sitting. This lifestyle increases the chance of back and neck pain and repetitive strain injuries. The lack of movement and availability of healthy food choices can contribute to weight gain and obesity, which could mean heart disease and diabetes in the future.
Poor Maintenance
Faulty brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning steering systems can result in catastrophic accidents and injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, TBIs, and even fatalities. Poor maintenance can happen due to the pressure to meet deadlines, cut costs for the trucking company, or simply neglect to perform required maintenance.
Environmental Hazards
California truck drivers experience a variety of environmental hazards, such as earthquakes, wildfires, mudslides, rain, snow, fog, and extreme heat. Drivers have to know how to handle urban areas and wild and dangerous terrain.
Truck drivers can suffer from heatstroke, hyperthermia, and respiratory problems, and run the risk of accidents due to the weather conditions.
What to Do After a Truck Driver Injury
If you have been injured as a truck driver, it is important to understand your rights. You should seek medical attention, whether your injury is severe or minor, as some injuries can have long-term consequences.
Then, you should contact an experienced truck accident attorney who can evaluate your case, ensure you understand your rights, and help you receive the compensation you deserve, whether it be pursuing workers’ compensation or a third-party claim.
FAQs
What Are the Most Common Injuries Truck Drivers Face?
The most common injuries that truck drivers face from truck accidents are TBIs, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and fractures, whiplash, burns, and internal injuries, such as bleeding or organ damage. Truck drivers can also experience injuries from their day-to-day work, including musculoskeletal disorders like back and neck pain, fatigue, and injuries from slip and falls while entering and exiting trucks or loading and unloading cargo.
Are Truck Drivers Covered by Workers’ Compensation in California?
Whether or not a truck driver will be covered by workers’ compensation in California depends on whether they are an employee or an independent contractor. If they are an employee, they will be entitled to workers’ comp benefits, while independent contractors are typically not eligible for benefits. However, they could bring a personal injury claim, depending on the circumstances.
Can I Sue My Employer for a Work-Related Injury?
In California, you generally can’t sue your employer for a work-related injury because a workers’ compensation system is in place to provide benefits to injured employees regardless of who is at fault. You may be able to bring a claim against a third party if it can be proved that their negligence caused your accident. It is recommended that you discuss your situation with a lawyer to better understand your rights and legal choices.
What if My Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you do have the right to appeal the decision. You should reach out to a legal professional who can review your denial letter, gather evidence to strengthen your case, file an appeal, and represent you in a potential hearing. It is crucial to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible, as there are strict deadlines for filing appeals.
Get the Help You Need After Your Trucking Injury – Contact Kampf, Schiavone & Associates
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident or are experiencing injuries due to your work as a truck driver, understanding your rights is important. At Kampf, Schiavone & Associates, we are prepared to support you in pursuing the compensation you need and deserve. Our experienced attorneys know how difficult life can be after a workplace injury, and we believe you deserve to be compensated. Contact us today to learn about your options.
