Truck drivers killed on the job more than you might expect

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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1 out of every 6 American workers killed on the job is a truck driver.

If that statistic doesn’t shock you, perhaps these next few will;

  • In 2014, 761 tractor-trailer drivers were killed on the job.
  • 2014 was the fifth consecutive year that the number of truck driver fatalities increased.
  • 78% of the truck driver deaths in 2014 occurred on the road (traffic related incidents).

The United States Transportation Department’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) aims to reduce the frequency and severity of traffic accidents and crashes that involve large commercial trucks. With regulatory oversight, they hope to keep truck drivers safe by holding their commercial employers accountable. The FMCSA provides a safety education program for all occupants of our roads and highways, including drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians, called “Our Roads, Our Responsibility.” This program aims to educated everyone on the safest possible way to share our roadways with each other.

In addition to crashes, truck drivers, specifically heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, have the highest number of nonfatal injuries and illnesses across the entire occupational spectrum that require days off of work. Truck drivers are three times more likely than other American workers to have an injury or illness that requires time off of work.

What’s causing these injuries/illnesses? According the Department of Labor study, the majority of these injuries take place on the job and include slips/trips, falls, and overexertion.

In addition, American truck drivers also face the harships of musculoskeletal disorders at a higher rate than other American workers. Causes for these disorders stem from a truck drivers most basic duties; sitting and maintaining the same position over long periods of time, repeatedly climbing in and out of the truck, and strenuous loading and unloading of transported materials.

Messa & Associates Represents Truck Drivers in Work Related Accidents

Messa & Associates has successfully litigated numerous trucking accident cases for catasrophically injured clients, including a $35 Million recovery for a man who was ejected from the seat of the tractor trailer he was driving after the brakes failed when he applied them. The Plaintiff was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident but the vehicle jack-knifed and was forced off a highway and crashed into a guardrail. The seatbelt failed to restrain the man in his seat and he hit the top of his head, breaking his neck and was ejected through the driver side window. The injuries resulted in catastrophic injuries to the man including quadriplegia.

New Jersey & Philadephia Personal Injury Attorneys

The Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling personal injury cases involving serious injuries resulting from work injuries and motor vehicle accidents. Our extremely skilled team of personal injury attorneys and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you have been injured by a work injury, a motor vehicle accident, or have endured any other type of personal injury, contact the personal injury attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.

WE CAN HELP!

Call the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Messa & Associates today to discuss your case with a professional who has the knowledge to answer your questions or submit a free online inquiry.


WE CAN HELP!

Call the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Messa & Associates today to discuss your case with a professional who has the knowledge to answer your questions or submit a free online inquiry.

Call, toll-free, 1-877-MessaLaw (637-7252), or submit a free online inquiry form.

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