Whether you realize it or not, you probably rely on fuel trucks to transport the energy we rely on from one location to another. But these large vehicles filled with flammable cargo can also be quite dangerous. If you or someone you love is recovering from an accident with a fuel truck, your life may be changed forever. But you could have legal options, and in some cases, a path to compensation.
To learn more about your options, contact the Bartlett fuel truck accident lawyer, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. A team member is available to discuss your case in detail and help you determine if legal action is right for you. Call (800) 223-5115 today.
The Dangers of Large Vehicles
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 37,000 people lost their lives due to motor vehicle accidents in 2017 alone, and over 5,000 of these fatalities involved large vehicles such as fuel trucks. The FMCSA also reports that Illinois was among the states with the highest number of casualties due to large vehicles. While fatal accidents are incredibly tragic, fuel truck accidents can also cause other losses.
There are several reasons large vehicles like fuel trucks, weighing more than 10,000 pounds, are dangerous. Fuel trucks are extremely large and heavy, which can create the potential for a high-impact accident. When a much smaller passenger vehicle contacts a fuel truck, the passenger vehicle will likely suffer a tremendous amount of damage.
Fuel trucks also require special training and expertise to be operated safely and legally. Additionally, they are equipped with special equipment and functions that can be dangerous when mistakes are made.
The cargo of fuel trucks tends to be flammable, another reason that accidents involving fuel trucks can impose a threat to your safety. If you or a loved one was involved in a fuel truck accident, it might not have been your fault. Several factors could have contributed to your loss and suffering.
Causes of Fuel Truck Accidents
Causes of fuel truck accidents vary greatly, but your accident could have been caused by a third party. Some factors that contribute to fuel truck accidents include:
- Negligence: Negligence is the failure to act in a safe and reasonable manner. If a fuel truck driver makes a preventable mistake due to preventable error, this could be deemed a form of negligence. Negligence could include failing to abide by traffic laws, failing to inspect a vehicle before operation, or failing to secure a cargo load.
- Speeding: Speeding is a factor in many accidents, but speeding in a large vehicle is particularly dangerous. Heavy, large vehicles such as fuel trucks are not designed to operate under high speeds. If your accident involved speeding, you could have grounds for legal action.
- Fatigue: Several regulations require fuel truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators to get an adequate amount of rest before a trip. Sometimes rules are broken, and the effects of a tired driver can be catastrophic.
- Distracted Driving: Any behavior that takes someone’s attention away from the road at any time is considered distracted driving. This could include cell phone use, changing a radio station, or just looking away from the road for any reason.
There are many reasons why fuel truck accidents can happen. If you think your fuel truck accident may have been caused by a third party, you may be eligible for compensation. To learn more, contact the Bartlett fuel truck accident lawyer, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free case evaluation. A team member can help you review your legal options.
For a free legal consultation with a Fuel Truck Lawyer serving Bartlett, call (800) 223-5115
Injuries, Suffering, and Loss
A fuel truck accident can impact your life physically, emotionally, and financially. Injuries from fuel truck accidents range from minor to severe and can include broken bones, muscle and joint damage, internal injuries, nerve damage, among other injuries.
Severe injuries can leave you disabled and affect your ability to work or go about your daily life. Tragically, some fuel truck accidents result in fatalities. Even if you feel like you are physically OK at the scene of an accident, you could develop a related injury down the road. It is a good idea to visit a physician for an examination after an accident.
In addition to physical injuries, some victims experience emotional side effects that could require professional help. Ongoing medical bills, along with property loss or vehicle damage, can leave you struggling financially. Depending on your circumstances, compensation could be available to help ease the pain and suffering of your accident.
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Potentially Recoverable Compensation
The financial recovery available for victims of fuel truck accidents depends on each specific case. Therefore, it could benefit you to discuss your situation with legal professionals if you are interested in exploring your options. Some victims can recover compensation for medical expenses, legal fees, pain and suffering, punitive damages, lost property, missed wages, and other accident-related losses.
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Getting Legal Help
Not all victims of fuel truck accidents take legal action, but some victims can recover compensation that can make life easier in the aftermath of such a traumatic event. A fuel truck accident can adversely affect your life in many ways, leaving you injured, stressed, and needing financial help.
Remember, you do have options. Pursuing compensation can even help you feel a sense of closure and justice if another party is to blame for your suffering.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available to help. A team member can walk you through the complex legal process and how a Bartlett fuel truck accident lawyer can help manage it. We can also answer your questions during a free, no-obligation consultation.
To learn more about the next steps available for you and your loved ones, call (800) 223-5115 today.
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