Although fuel trucks are designed to transport fuel safely, and the drivers who operate them are required to receive appropriate training and follow safety protocols, accidents still occur.
Collisions involving fuel trucks can result in catastrophic injuries because of the type of cargo they transport. If you were injured by a fuel truck accident, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm might be able to help you seek financial compensation. Call our office at (800) 794-0444 to discuss your case with a member of our team.
Why Fuel Truck Accidents Can Result in Severe Injuries
Any accident involving a large truck and a car can have serious consequences for drivers and passengers in the smaller vehicle. Common injuries include broken bones, head, neck, and spinal cord injuries, and even lost limbs.
A crash involving a fuel truck can have devastating effects on a large number of people. Since fuel is flammable, a collision or rollover may result in an explosion that can cause serious burns to drivers and passengers in other vehicles.
Victims may suffer life-threatening injuries and may need to spend long periods of time in a hospital. If an explosion occurs and the fire is not quickly contained, it can spread to nearby vehicles, homes, and businesses. Even people in the surrounding area who were nowhere near the explosion can experience respiratory problems due to toxic smoke.
If an explosion does not occur, the accident could damage the tank, and fuel can leak. Drivers and passengers in other vehicles and first responders can experience injuries if fuel comes into contact with their skin or if they inhale toxic fumes. If fuel spills onto a highway and drivers swerve to avoid it, they can collide with other vehicles, causing injuries.
The effects of a fuel truck accident can be long-lasting. Treatment for burns may stretch on for years, and even after receiving treatment, victims may have permanent scars or disfigurement. Toxic fumes and smoke can cause permanent respiratory damage.
How Fuel Truck Accidents Can Occur
Given the dangers, truck drivers need to practice the utmost care when transporting fuel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration puts rules in place to protect commercial drivers, other drivers, and the general public from accidents involving large trucks. The FMCSA has regulations regarding truck drivers’ qualifications, use of alcohol and controlled substances, and vehicle maintenance and repairs that are intended to keep people safe.
Unfortunately, sometimes companies and employees fail to follow those rules, putting others at risk. Drivers may get distracted or drive too fast, trucks may not be properly maintained, or safety procedures may not be followed. In some cases, multiple factors contribute to an accident.
Our firm operates on a contingency basis. That means you will not have to pay anything upfront. We will only receive a fee if we recover awards on your behalf. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to explain your circumstances to a member of our staff, and to learn about your legal options.
For a free legal consultation with a Fuel Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Tinley Park, call (800) 794-0444
Reasons to Hire a Tinley Park Fuel Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have injuries as a result of an accident involving a fuel truck, you may be dealing with a range of medical issues that require ongoing care, which may have impacted your life in numerous ways. You may be unable to work due to your injuries and may be struggling to pay your mortgage or rent, utilities, and other bills. You may be unable to care for your children and to participate in activities you used to enjoy.
A Tinley Park fuel truck accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you might be entitled to through a personal injury claim. Fuel truck accidents can be complicated. Multiple parties could be responsible for the crash. You might benefit from letting a lawyer help handle your case, while you focus on your recovery.
An attorney can investigate the relevant facts surrounding your case to identify any factors that may have played a role in the fuel truck accident. We may research the truck driver’s training and qualifications, as well as the individual’s driving record and any past disciplinary actions. We may gather evidence as to whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, or distracted at the time of the accident.
Our staff may also investigate the fuel company’s maintenance and repair records to find out if the truck was well maintained. If any problems were not repaired, the truck company could be held responsible. We may be able to find out whether the company provided appropriate training for employees and followed relevant safety procedures and regulations. We can also look for any other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Get Help From a Tinley Park Fuel Truck Accident Lawyer
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm might be able to help if you were injured as a result of a fuel truck accident. If you have suffered due to the actions or negligence of one or more parties, we can seek financial compensation for what you have endured. Our firm does not shy away from tough cases.
We can investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and work to reach a settlement on your behalf to help compensate for your injuries and the effects they have on your quality of life. If we are unable to reach a settlement that we believe is fair by working with the insurance company, we can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
You have a limited amount of time to act. In Illinois, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is two years. Since personal injury cases are often complex, a lengthy investigation may be required to build a strong case. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident and gathering evidence. Call our firm at (800) 794-0444 to get the process started.
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