After 10 months of recovery from my rollover accident in June of last year, I am back to driving. Same company, same job. My company from the beginning stated that I wasn’t at fault because of the circumstances of the accident being an act of God completely isolated from the atmospheric indicators regarding weather in the area. Essentially, a rotational funnel formed that was independent of the cloud formations of the storm system that was an hour away from me. I had an identified place that I was going to park that was in a safe location for a coming storm, namely a large truck stop, and without requisite omniscience, I wouldn’t have been able to predict the type of rotational funnel that picked up my truck and slammed it on its side without advance notice beyond a few seconds. I lost 2/3 of my left middle and ring fingers. My left pinky and index fingers were crushed. I had multiple other fractures in my hand. I believe it’s a testament to my resilience that I have overcome the legal issues that I have to become an OTR driver, and now overcoming these injuries to return to driving.
It’s good to be back to work and to have the support of a solid company. They did right by me by having me on salary continuation for 6 months until their insurance advised them to have me go on temporary total disability. Earlier this week I was driving on the same exact road, traveling in the same exact direction as where the accident occurred. No issues at all. I am built different, simply stated.
Congratulations on your recovery and return to work. You have a strong character and the will to survive and move forward with your life. Your company should also be commended for standing by you and for continuing to support you through your very trying ordeal. I wish you all the best in the future. You are truly an amazing person.
Thank you for that recognition. The people in charge at my company are genuinely good people. They are willing to give people a chance when many other companies won’t.
Considering what you went through it could have been worse and thank God that you survived. You also work for one of the best to stand beside you and not abandon your future employment. I wish you continued success and hope for your future. You surely deserve it. Good luck.
Ryan, I just saw your post. Wow, what were the chances that would happen to anyone? Sorry for the physical loss, that must be tough, but you survived and that is the main thing. And yeah, truck driving is a dangerous job. Better luck going forward.
BTW, if you don’t mind sharing this, what is the company? Sounds like they did right by you.
It’s truthfully mot my preferred area because of the volatile weather factor, and because parking is not exactly plentiful compared to other states in the region.
100% use and flexibility with thumb is correct. Index finger has no functional use of the DIP joint (tip of the finger joint). Index finger middle joint is at about 65-70% functionality, but that is hampered by a slight displacement fracture to the finger shaft just below the PIP joint (middle joint of the finger). Pinky has had DIP and PIP joints surgically fused, so no functional use of that finger. Index and pinky fingers have full use of the MCP joints (where fingers join the hand).
Congrats on getting back in the saddle man! I remember you posting about your situation before on TT. What happened to your hand is unfortunate but I’m so glad it wasn’t worse. Safe travels and this time PLEASE try to keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down (sorry I had to lol, all jokes aside glad you’re well!)
