Injured While Driving A Truck In Georgia?

Truckers face a unique set of risks when they go to work each day. Not only are they driving massive vehicles across long distances and along busy highways, but they also are required to do heavy lifting as they unload and reload trailers. As a result, there’s always been a higher number of Central Georgia trucker injuries than in other careers and professions in the state.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that truckers suffer among the highest number of nonfatal injuries and work-related illnesses in the U.S. As a result, workers’ compensation is likely to be something they need at some point during their career, and it’s critical that they work with an expert legal professional in order to get their claims approved.

Facts to Know About Workplace Safety for Truck Drivers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently revealed data that proves that truckers are at a high risk of injuries while on the job. A few of their statistics include:

In 2014 (the last year these statistics have been fully compiled), there were just under 56,000 nonfatal injuries and work-related illnesses amongst tractor-trailer truck drivers in the United States. It can be assumed that many Central Georgia trucker injuries were included in this alarmingly high number.
Out of every 20 injuries requiring workers across the country to take time off of work, one of them is a truck driver who suffered an injury or illness while on the job.
Compared to the average American professional, truckers are three times more likely to suffer from an injury or a work-related illness, or request an extended leave of absence from work.
The most common injuries suffered by truck drivers include overexertion; injuries as a result of accidents on the road; or slipping and falling.

Central Georgia truckers injuries and fatalities

While the high number of workplace injuries for truckers is enough to give anyone pause, what is even more distressing is the fact that more than 16 percent of worker fatalities in the United States are tractor-trailer drivers – or the equivalent of 1 out of every 6 work-related fatalities in the country.

These fatalities are on the rise, as the risks of driving on congested highways with distracted drivers continue to multiply. Statistically, there were more than 760 traffic deaths of tractor-trailer drivers in 2014. The number of these fatalities has increased every year for at least 5 years, proving that truckers are putting a lot on the line every day when they head to work.

Experts note that these fatalities can be attributed to reckless driving by other drivers and even truckers, sleep deprivation while operating a vehicle, distracted driving, impaired driving, and even poor road conditions across the country.

Importance of securing legal help and guidance

In all likelihood, truckers in Georgia and throughout the country are aware of the professional risks associated with their jobs. However, these are the jobs they need in order to put food on the table for themselves and for their families. What’s most important is that these professionals – who are risking a lot to accomplish their assigned tasks each day – understand that they have legal professionals on their side who can help them secure the workers’ compensation they deserve.

These numbers are startling – not only for truckers but for anyone who values safety in the workplace. Many of the people who are required to file for workers’ compensation find that it can be a confusing and cumbersome process, which is particularly frustrating since they need income in order to survive while they recover from their work-related injury or illness.

A qualified Georgia workers’ compensation litigation firm can provide these professionals with the guidance and assistance that they need in order to get their claim approved. Lawyers are the only experts who know how to maneuver through this system with speed and efficiency, providing their clients with the results that they need in the shortest amount of time.