Truck drivers play a vital role in Pennsylvania’s economy, transporting goods across the state and throughout the country. However, long hours on the road, heavy freight, difficult weather conditions, and physically demanding job duties can expose truck drivers to serious workplace injuries.

At Stern & Cohen, we have extensive experience representing injured workers throughout Pennsylvania, including truck drivers, commercial drivers, CDL drivers, freight haulers, and transportation workers. If you were injured while driving a truck, loading cargo, or performing other work-related duties, our workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to help.

Common Truck Driver Injuries

Truck driving involves much more than operating a vehicle. Drivers often load and unload cargo, secure freight, inspect equipment, and perform physically demanding tasks that can result in serious injuries.

Common truck driver injuries include:

• Back injuries and herniated discs
• Neck injuries and whiplash
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Hand and wrist injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Crush injuries

Many truck drivers require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, surgery, or long periods away from work following a serious injury.

Common Causes of Truck Driver Injuries

Truck drivers face hazards both on and off the road. Common causes of truck driver injuries include:

• Commercial truck accidents
• Rear-end and intersection collisions
• Loading and unloading accidents
• Falling cargo and freight
• Slips and falls at delivery locations
• Lifting heavy materials or equipment
• Repetitive climbing into and out of trucks
• Loading dock accidents
• Coupling and uncoupling trailer injuries
• Overexertion and repetitive motion injuries

Truck drivers may be injured while making deliveries, transporting freight, inspecting equipment, fueling vehicles, or performing routine job duties.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Truck Drivers

If you were injured while working as a truck driver, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits may cover:

• Medical treatment
• Hospital bills
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Prescription medications
• Wage-loss benefits during recovery

Truck driver injury claims can sometimes be disputed by insurance companies, particularly when accidents occur away from the employer’s property or while traveling. Our attorneys have extensive experience helping injured truck drivers protect their rights and pursue benefits.

Truck Accidents and Third-Party Claims

Many truck driver injuries result from motor vehicle accidents caused by other drivers. In these situations, an injured truck driver may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate third-party claim against the at-fault driver.

While workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of fault, a third-party claim may allow recovery of additional compensation in certain circumstances. Our attorneys are experienced in handling both types of claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Driver Injuries

Can truck drivers receive workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Truck drivers injured while performing job duties may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including medical treatment and wage-loss benefits.

What if I was injured in a truck accident while working?

If the accident occurred while you were working, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. In some situations, you may also have a third-party claim against the driver who caused the accident.

Are loading and unloading injuries covered by workers’ compensation?

Yes. Many truck drivers suffer injuries while loading freight, unloading cargo, securing loads, or working at delivery locations. These injuries may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits under Pennsylvania law.

Contact a Pennsylvania Truck Driver Injury Lawyer

At Stern & Cohen, we understand the unique challenges truck drivers face after a workplace injury. We have helped injured transportation workers throughout Pennsylvania pursue workers’ compensation benefits after truck accidents, freight handling injuries, falls, and other job-related incidents.

If you were injured while working as a truck driver, contact Stern & Cohen today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you protect your rights and pursue the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.