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Is Truck Driving a Dangerous Job?

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

The trucking industry plays a crucial role in the US economy. Unfortunately, the industry is also one of the most dangerous. We know that truck accidents often result in serious injuries, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles. However, truck drivers can also suffer injuries in accidents. The size and weight of the truck make it dangerous for all road users. 

While the truck driver may be less at risk of suffering serious injuries in a crash, it’s still a dangerous job for them. From health challenges to hazardous driving conditions, truck drivers are exposed to several risk factors. Let’s understand the hazards of truck driving and what can be done to mitigate these risks.

Truck on road

Statistics on Truck Driving Accidents 

Accidents involving large trucks are surprisingly common. In 2021, 523,796 truck accidents occurred across the US, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These accidents led to 5,788 deaths, including truck drivers. The trend shows that the number of truck accidents in 2021 increased 26% from the previous year.

Statistics show that semi-trailer trucks are the most likely to be involved in fatal collisions. These are trucks that have trailer without a front axle. These commercial vehicles accounted for more than half of all fatal collisions, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Truck accidents that are not fatal may result in serious injuries. A study by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) showed that truck drivers had more non-fatal injuries than any other profession in the U.S

Truck Driving Risks

Because truck drivers spend several hours a day driving a large vehicle, they are exposed to numerous risks. One of the biggest risks they face is driver fatigue, which is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. When a driver is fatigued, it can compromise their ability to stay focused, react quickly to sudden changes on the road, and make sound decisions. 

Truck drivers often have to meet tight delivery deadlines, drive cross-country, and accommodate the changing needs of the business. This can put them under stress to meet the requirements of the job. Although the FMCSA has regulations to limit the number of hours a truck driver can drive, these rules are often broken. 

The long hours on the road also increase the exposure of truck drivers to adverse weather conditions. Truck drivers often have to drive through rain, snow, fog, and other serious weather conditions. They may also have to drive on slippery roads, making it more challenging to control their vehicle. 

Large commercial vehicles are more challenging to handle compared to smaller cars, and adverse weather conditions make it even more challenging. Slippery road conditions also increase the chances of catastrophic accidents such as rollover accidents. 

The cargo transported by the truck driver also poses certain dangers. Improperly secured cargo increases the risks of spills, accidents, and cargo loss. It can also impact the truck’s handling and braking. Longer stopping distance can dramatically increase the chances of suffering a collision. The type of cargo is another risk factor. Truck drivers often have to transport highly flammable or toxic materials, and accidents can be dangerous. 

Trucks in order

Health Issues for Truck Drivers 

Unfortunately, the trucking can impact both physical and mental health. With the long hours seated, the job of lead to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Not getting enough physical activity and repetitive movements can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, especially in the neck, back, and shoulder. In some cases, truck drivers may have to assist in cargo handling, which can also cause physical injuries. The long hours on the road and lack of a regular sleep pattern can lead to sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. 

Mental health concerns for truckers often emerge from the isolation they have to endure in long-haul driving. Being away from their loved ones and the long hours on the road alone can impact mental health. In some cases, truck drivers may engage in the use of drugs and alcohol to cope with the depression. 

Managing tight deadlines and navigating traffic can also increase their stress levels, which is linked to multiple physical and mental health issues. The pressure to perform can also lead to burnout in truck drivers, which can reduce their preparedness for the job and their focus on the road while driving. 

Truck drivers can minimize health concerns by understanding the risks and taking action to prevent harm. For example, they can take regular breaks and get appropriate tests to ensure they are not overworked. The FMCSA recommends taking at least a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving. Exercising, having good nutrition, and having regular health checkups can also improve and maintain their health. 

Role of Equipment and Maintenance In Truck Driving

While trucking companies often employ maintenance teams to keep their fleet in good working condition, it’s ultimately the truck driver’s responsibility to ensure their vehicle is well-maintained. Mechanical issues with the truck, such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering issues can drastically increase the risk of accidents. Even minor negligence in maintenance can be enough to cause an accident. 

Trucking regulations require the use of electronic logging devices (ELDs), which can play a crucial role in addressing some of the truck accident dangers. For example, the ELDs can help enforce regulations that limit driving hours, helping make the profession less dangerous. The devices can also help monitor driving behavior and maintenance work performed on the truck. 

Legal Aspects of Trucking Accidents and Injuries 

Unlike standard car accidents, truck crashes come with greater complexity and legal complications. A key legal aspect in trucking accidents is establishing liability. People often mistakenly assume that only drivers can be at fault for an accident. However, multiple parties can be held liable in such cases. For instance, cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance providers, government entities responsible for keeping the road safe, and other parties can share liability.

A thorough investigation may be necessary to determine liability in truck accidents. If the truck driver suffered injuries due to someone else’s fault, they have the right to seek full and fair compensation. 

The trucking industry is heavily regulated, requiring truck drivers, trucking companies, and other stakeholders to comply with the law. Violations of these regulations can serve as strong evidence in a truck accident claim. For example, if a truck driver is injured due to their employer’s negligence in maintaining or repairing the truck, the employer could be liable for failing to meet safety obligations.

Victims of trucking accidents can seek various forms of compensation including damages for lost wages, loss of earning capacity, medical bills, property damage, and more. Damages suffered in truck accidents are often covered by the trucking company’s liability insurance. The minimum liability coverage depends on several factors, including the type of cargo transported. 

Truck Driver Safety Tips

Truck drivers can reduce the dangers of their jobs by following specific safety measures. While we’ve discussed ways to minimize the health risks associated with trucking, drivers can also take proactive steps to prevent accidents. 

Ensuring the vehicle is in good condition is a key step in ensuring safety. Pre-trip and post-trip inspections can help identify issues with the truck that require attention. A truck inspection before the trip can help identify issues that need immediate medical attention. The post-trip inspection is to ensure no new problems have arisen after a long drive. The truck driver should also ensure the cargo is secured before departing. 

While on the road, truck drivers can practice safe driving habits to reduce the risk of accidents. This includes maintaining a safe speed, ideally driving slightly below the speed limit when conditions require extra caution, and ensuring there’s enough stopping distance between their truck and the vehicle ahead. There should be at least a two-three second gap between you and the vehicle in the front. This provides enough reaction time in case of an abrupt stop. 

Large commercial vehicles often have blind spots large enough to obscure entire cars, motorcycles, or pedestrians, making it difficult for truck drivers to see them. Truck drivers must be aware of the vehicles in their blind spots. Ideally, truck drivers should take steps to keep road users from lingering in their blind spots. Having good visibility plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and enhancing road safety.

Trucks for the top

How Can an Attorney Help With Truck Accidents? 

With truck driving being such a dangerous job, the risk of accidents is high. Truck accident victims often have to face extensive medical bills, lost income, property damage, and the emotional toll of recovery. It can get overwhelming to recover from the injuries and handle the financial stress while also managing all the legal aspects of filing a claim or lawsuit.

A truck accident attorney can make the process easier by handling all the legal complexities for you. Whether you file a personal injury claim with an insurance company or due to a fault party in court, you are going to need evidence. The attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident and use their resources to gather evidence that can support your claim. 

Commonly used evidence in truck accidents includes maintenance records, driver logs, witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports. Some of this evidence can be challenging to access and obtain, but attorneys have the resources and legal expertise to gather and preserve this crucial information. 

Another key aspect of a truck accident case is determining liability, which can be more challenging compared to car accidents. There are potentially more liable parties in truck accidents, and you also have to consider the trucking industry regulations involved in the case.

A seasoned truck accident attorney can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies, who may employ various tactics to reduce their payout. However, an attorney can ensure you are fairly compensated for your suffering. If the settlement negotiations are not successful, the attorney can file a lawsuit, handling all the aspects of litigation. 

If you would like to learn more about how an attorney can help in truck accident cases, you are welcome to schedule a consultation with us at 844SeeMike Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC. Our attorneys can help truck accident victims understand their rights and get full and fair compensation for their losses.

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