Getting into an accident with a tanker truck can have horrific consequences. Tanker trucks differ from other large rigs in that the cab is pulling a cylindrical tank containing liquid or gaseous cargo. Tanker truck cargo can involve anything from liquid fuel to hazardous gases or toxic chemicals, potentially making an accident with such a tanker catastrophic for car drivers and their passengers.
Tanker trucks do not only have the potential to cause great physical damage in a collision, there could also be a multitude of detrimental effects associated with toxic and hazardous cargo in the event of spillages. The liquids a tanker truck carries can be highly flammable or toxic. Toxic chemicals and dangerous gases can cause lung damage and other injuries on inhalation and contact.
If you or a loved one suffered from severe injuries as the result of an accident with a tanker truck, speaking with a Bartlett tanker truck accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 today for a free no-obligation case evaluation.
Tanker Truck Accidents
Tanker truck accidents can happen for a number of different reasons. If the tanker was incorrectly loaded ̶ only half-full for example ̶ liquids can potentially move unpredictably when a tanker stops abruptly or makes a turn. This can make it harder for a driver to control the vehicle.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), causes for accidents with trucks frequently boil down to driver error. Some of the more common accident causes for tanker trucks are:
- Driver intoxication
- Driver fatigue
- Driver inattention and distraction
- Inadequate qualifications and training
- Speeding
- Vehicle Defects
Accidents are not always the fault of the driver and can also be due to a negligent company or a manufacturing fault with the vehicle. Sometimes, an accident can happen due to a combination of factors, such as driver inattention and incorrect loading of cargo.
If a company is too profit driven, they may encourage a driver to skip the legally mandated rest periods, potentially causing a driver to be on the road fatigued.
Special Regulations for Tanker Drivers
Drivers must be properly trained and qualified, as well as know about any special regulations regarding the hauling of hazardous cargo in a tanker truck. According to the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, drivers of tanker trucks need additional training and hazardous materials endorsements. This also requires them to pass a written exam and background check.
When an accident happens with a tanker truck, a truck company can be negligent if they are not ensuring all drivers have the appropriate qualifications and training to drive tanker trucks.
In short, establishing which parties are responsible and liable in an accident with a tanker truck can be a challenge even for experts. If such a case comes to court, having a Bartlett tanker truck accident lawyer by your side can be advantageous. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you find out whether you have a case against a negligent driver or truck company.
Acting Quickly Can Be Important
If you suffered from injuries in a Bartlett tanker truck accident and are thinking of holding those responsible to account for your damages, acting quickly can be pivotal. Waiting too long to take legal action can mean that witnesses move away or forget the exact details of an accident. Gathering evidence, such as traffic camera footage, can be impossible, as such footage may get deleted after a few weeks. You could also miss the deadline for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Bartlett.
For personal injury cases, according to Illinois Statute § 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you generally have two years from the time of the accident. In cases of wrongful death, according to Illinois Statute § 740 ILCS 180, you also generally have two years from the date of death to file any claims. Waiting too long to initiate a lawsuit for your damages can prohibit you from taking legal action.
Speaking to a Bartlett tanker truck accident lawyer will help you establish a course of action and find out how much time you may have for filing a claim.
For a free legal consultation with a Tanker Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Bartlett, call (800) 794-0444
Tanker Truck Accident Damages
While any accident with a truck can be catastrophic for car drivers and passengers, potentially causing devastating injuries and life-long consequences, tanker truck accidents can add a whole other dimension due to hazardous contents. As well as the “usual” injuries in motor vehicle accidents such as broken bones, head injuries, and back or spinal injuries, tanker accidents can additionally involve burns, lung damage, and a whole host of damaging and deadly effects from coming into contact with flammable and toxic materials.
Injuries from such accidents can be fatal or permanently damaging and debilitating. Victims may be prohibited from leading a normal life or returning to their careers.
While it is difficult to generalize about compensation from tanker truck accidents, there are various types of damages that you could receive with a personal property or wrongful death claim, such as:
- Hospitalization and rehabilitation costs
- Future medical bills
- Lost income and future lost income
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of a limb or a sense
- Permanent disability
- Mental and physical pain
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
Bartlett Tanker Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
A Bartlett Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you were seriously injured or have lost a loved one in an accident with a tanker truck, you may hesitate to take legal action right away. We understand that these accidents can be traumatic and life-altering, and that it can feel overwhelming to deal with all the consequences. You may also find it a daunting prospect to hold a truck company to account.
It is true that establishing negligence in these accidents can be challenging. The truck company will most likely fight any claims of negligence, and insurances will try to keep payouts low. However, you do not have to do this alone. We can fight for you and your right to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. There is no risk as we will not charge any attorney’s fees upfront and only get paid when we win your case. Call (800) 794-0444 now for your complimentary consultation with the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
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