Accidents that involve tanker trucks may cause catastrophic and devastating injuries to those involved. If you were injured in an accident, a Chicago tanker truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights. Call the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 today to learn more about the options that may be available to you.
Dangers of Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks can weigh up to 40 tons, and they often carry hazardous and flammable materials, such as gasoline, diesel, household petroleum-based products, or industrial chemicals.
Federal and state laws regulate the delivery of hazardous, flammable, corrosive, or otherwise toxic materials on the roadways. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, tanker trucks must meet specific guidelines and regulations, especially if they are carrying hazardous materials. When these guidelines and regulations are not met, fatal or catastrophic injuries may occur.
Types of Injuries
In addition to all the usual injuries associated with vehicle accidents, including broken bones, cuts, bruises, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and spinal injuries, tanker trucks carry materials that can be toxic. Victims of an accident involving a tanker truck can suffer serious burns, respiratory problems, and even illnesses due to radioactive materials.
For a free legal consultation with a Tanker Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 794-0444
Recognizing All Liable Parties
Tanker truck accidents are more complicated than many other kinds of car accidents, as liability may fall on more than one person or entity. Liability may rest with the truck’s driver, the trucking company, a corporation, the truck’s manufacturer, insurance providers, or other entities.
Truck Driver
If a tanker truck driver operates as an independent contractor, compensation for damages and injuries can fall to the driver’s insurance provider or the company for which they work as an independent contractor. Truck drivers have a duty to drive in a responsible and reasonable manner on the roadways, and if they breach that duty and directly cause injury to another person, the court can hold them liable.
The tanker truck driver may be liable for any of the following reasons:
- Negligent actions, such as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Driving while drowsy.
- Driving while distracted.
- Not following posted signs or rules of the roadway.
- Speeding or driving recklessly.
There are, however, other factors that may determine the driver’s liability. A Chicago tanker truck accident lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you determine who is responsible if you were injured in an accident involving a tanker truck.
Trucking Company
If the tanker truck driver works directly for a trucking company, then compensation for any injuries may fall on that company or on its insurance provider. Trucking companies can contribute to accidents by failing to maintain a reasonable schedule for its drivers or for performing inadequate maintenance on its fleet of vehicles.
Corporation
If a tanker truck driver works for a corporation, compensation for any injuries and liability will fall on the corporation or its insurance provider. If the tanker truck driver operated the truck within the established rules and regulations of the corporation, the corporation may bear responsibility for your injuries.
Manufacturer
There are circumstances under which defective parts or components on the tanker truck either led to the accident or increased its severity. In these cases, the manufacturer of the defective part or component may be liable for any injuries or damages the tanker truck accident caused.
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Pursuing Compensation for Your Chicago Tanker Truck Accident
If you suffered injuries in a Chicago tanker truck accident, you may have substantial medical bills and your injuries may prevent you from returning to work. You may wonder if you are entitled to receive compensation for your injuries, but every case is different and uniquely subjective to the details of that specific tanker truck accident.
The state of Illinois, however, has a strict statute of limitations, which is a deadline to file a claim in court when one seeks to receive compensation for a personal injury. A victim in Illinois generally has two years from the date of the tanker truck accident to file a claim.
The investigative process before filing a claim can be lengthy. Obtaining documents, police and medical reports, expert witnesses, and negotiating with insurance companies all take time. If you suffered any injuries related to a tanker truck accident, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to find out more about how a lawyer can help you build a personal injury case.
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Building a Personal Injury Case
Seek medical attention as soon as possible after a tanker truck accident and keep detailed records of medical bills along with a diary that outlines your pain and suffering. List all property damages, loss of wages, and any other bills that relate to the tanker truck accident. These records and documents can provide evidence of your losses from the accident.
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Contact a Chicago Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you were in an accident, determining who is liable for your injuries may be legally complex. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation to learn more about your rights.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form