One of the main causes of truck accidents is negligent driving by the person behind the wheel of the truck. There are many risk factors for truck drivers that make them more likely to cause an accident. Below, learn more about the challenges faced by truck drivers that increase their chances of causing a dangerous crash.
If you were injured in a truck accident, the experienced New Haven truck accident lawyers at D’Amico & Pettinicchi can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the factors that contributed to your accident. We can then use this information to help us negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
Health Problems
Driving a truck is a sedentary job, which means drivers are sitting for long periods of time, which can lead to numerous health problems. Once drivers reach their destination, they are often tired after traveling for several hours and may not exercise or eat healthy meals. Many truck drivers eat processed food or high calorie restaurant meals on their working days.
Other factors that can contribute to health issues for truck drivers include:
- Loading and unloading heavy cargo (truck drivers have a high rate of musculoskeletal injuries)
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Exposure to diesel fumes that can cause lung problems and respiratory issues
- Extreme fatigue
- Smoking, which increases the chance of lung problems and cancer
- Increased likelihood of dependence on stimulants to stay awake
- Increased likelihood of depression due to being isolated on the job
The nature of truck driving makes many drivers susceptible to serious health problems, such as:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Cardiovascular disease
- Elevated blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Stress
- Sleep apnea
Lack of Sleep
Many truck drivers suffer from irregular sleep patterns due to being on the road for many hours. Their schedule changes, based on the needs of the trucking company, so they may have to sleep at irregular times. Additionally, they may have to sleep in their truck, which can be very uncomfortable and make it difficult to sleep.
There are several federal regulations that govern when a truck driver must stop after working for so many hours. These rules were implemented to protect other motorists from fatigued truck drivers causing serious accidents. If these rules are violated, the truck driver and trucking company may face serious consequences.
Some trucking companies simply choose to ignore these regulations. Trucking companies are often paid by the load, so they are incentivized to get loads delivered as quickly as possible. These companies may insist on truck drivers finishing the job before they rest. This can cause truck drivers to work while tired, which increases their likelihood of causing an accident.
Trouble Accessing Health Care
Many truck drivers are self-employed and may not have health insurance. Those who are employees or who have insurance may find it difficult to schedule medical appointments because they are on the road so much. Truck drivers often work long hours during the day, so it may be difficult to see a doctor. This may prevent truck drivers from getting routine medical care or discovering a serious health problem, which can increase their likelihood of being involved in an accident.
Contact a Dedicated Truck Crash Lawyer
Truck accident claims are often complicated because they involve multiple liable parties. The legal team at D’Amico & Pettinicchi is experienced at advancing the claims of victims injured in truck accidents. We can investigate the cause of your accident and identify all parties responsible for it. We can also handle all communications with the insurance company while you focus on your recovery.
We charge no upfront fees and work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no risk to contacting us to learn more about your legal rights and options.