There are millions of tractor trailers registered for use in the U.S. that travel along the roadways moving products and equipment. The vast majority of truck drivers are competent, careful, and highly skilled. For many truck drivers, trucking can be an intense profession that requires long days and weeks on the roads. This can lead to exhaustion. Trucking deadlines can be tight and the pressure to drive for longer periods than allowed may be intense. This is the typical cause of catastrophic accidents for truck drivers.
Regardless of who is responsible for causing an accident involving a tractor trailer, drivers are entitled to receive compensation. Most commercial truckers are covered by workers’ compensation. Even if they are at fault for the accident. Workers’ compensation typically provides coverage for medical care, disability benefits, partial wages, and vocational training if the trucker is prevented from returning to his or her former position after the accident.
In some cases, the accident may be caused by the negligent actions of a third party. In that case, the injured trucker can file a lawsuit against the responsible individual. The lawsuit can seek compensation for the damages and pain and suffering not covered under workers’ compensation. If a truck driver was killed, his or her family may also be able to pursue benefits under workers’ compensation, a civil lawsuit, or both.
Common Injuries In Trucking Accident
Common injuries in truck accidents include back or neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, amputated limbs, brain injuries, or even death. Workers’ compensation and/or a lawsuit can help provide compensation to injured truckers and/or their families for their injuries and damages.
In addition to injuries from crashes due to the negligence of other drivers, truck drivers face other situations that can lead to injuries. These include falls from the truck, manufacturers’ defects, failure to maintain the trucks, and injuries at loading/unloading facilities. Attorneys can help injured truck drivers handle claims in those situations as well. An injury to a truck driver caused by an accident at work can create lifelong problems. Attorneys can help aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf that can help to make you whole again after the accident.
If you have been injured as a truck driver in a trucking accident, or in another on-the-job accident, it is time to speak with an attorney. Call the Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Holston & Huntley at (404) 620-3337. We can help. We will provide you with a FREE consultation on your case. If we choose to work together, you pay us nothing unless we obtain compensation for you.
