A tanker truck is a motor vehicle that carries liquid or gas loads across roads and highways. Unlike a regular semi-truck trailer, a tanker truck uses a long, cylindrical tank to transport materials. Because these trucks typically haul hazardous, flammable liquids, they are one of the most dangerous vehicles on the road.
When accidents with tanker trucks occur, the materials within the tank can erupt, causing explosions and fires. Those involved can come away with severe burns and smoke inhalation injuries. Recovery can be painful and expensive.
If you or a loved one has serious injuries as a result of an accident, or a loved one passed due to this incident, involving a tanker truck, we may be able to help. Call our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to discuss your case.
Potential Dangers of Tanker Trucks
Any kind of commercial truck accident can be devastating and cause severe injuries, but tanker trucks, in particular, are more dangerous for a number of reasons. There are many factors to consider when determining liability in a tanker truck accident. Additionally, both federal and state laws can make the process difficult to understand if you seek justice on your own.
Improper Loading
Loading cargo properly is crucial for any type of tractor-trailer. When improperly distributed, the weight of cargo or materials on the vehicle can cause the trucker driver to lose control, resulting in severe collisions given the size and weight of semi-trucks. Overloading is often an issue with a typical tractor-trailer, but with a tanker truck, the opposite can be an issue.
When tanker trucks are underloaded, the liquid inside the tank can slosh around whenever the truck is turning or going around a curve—especially on a highway at a high rate of speed. This can throw the truck off-balance, making it extremely difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. This could indicate improper procedures on the part of the company, and a lawyer may be able to assist in proving vicarious liability.
Runaway Tank
If a tanker truck is involved in an accident, there is a possibility that the tank disconnects from the trailer, rolling down lanes of traffic and crushing anything in its way. This usually points to some kind of negligence in that the attachments from the tank to the trailer were not latched properly or had an undetected defect. A Tinley Park tanker truck accident lawyer may be able to help prove the negligence of another party if there is evidence of faulty equipment or issues that the employer caused.
Fire or Toxic Exposure
Often tanker trucks carry liquid or gasses that are flammable or toxic, so accidents can result in fires, explosions, environmental damage, or toxic exposure to nearby people. Drivers must obtain a special commercial driver’s license to handle hazardous materials.
If you or a family member has suffered serious injuries after being involved in a tanker truck accident, we may be able to help. Call our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to discuss your case.
Examples of the Ways Tanker Truck Accidents Can Occur
Driver Error
Having an experienced, alert driver behind the wheel of a tanker truck is particularly important because of the often-dangerous nature of their cargo.
Drivers who operate their truck while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are at risk of an accident because of slower reaction times and decreased ability to practice good judgment.
Trucking is very deadline-driven, and often trucking companies put undue pressure on drivers to reach their destinations as quickly as possible. There are specific federal guidelines mandating the number of hours a commercial truck driver can be behind the wheel to help ensure drivers get enough rest. A drowsy driver can be as dangerous as a driver who has been drinking or using drugs.
Distracted driving can be just as much as a problem for truck drivers as it is for automobile drivers. Looking at screens for GPS or texts, or talking on the phone can cause truck drivers to miss an obstacle in the road or a warning sign.
Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions is always dangerous, and the risks multiply when a truck is carrying hazardous materials. If the accident happened due to employer pressures to meet deadlines or illegal driving, many parties may be liable.
Vehicle Conditions
If tanker trucks do not receive proper maintenance, this can lead to accidents. Skipping inspections or failing to conduct proper examinations of a vehicle can lead to dangerous conditions with the truck, such as brake failure or tire blowouts.
For a free legal consultation with a Tanker Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Tinley Park, call (800) 794-0444
Types of Injuries That Can Result from Tanker Truck Accidents
Truck accidents with passenger vehicles tend to result in more serious injuries given the size discrepancy between vehicles. Truck accidents also often involve more than one passenger vehicle. The seriousness of the injuries that result can have ramifications that last a lifetime. This is why working with a tanker accident attorney is so important if you are to improve your chances of getting the money you need to treat your injuries and take care of future expenses.
Those involved in a tanker truck accident commonly suffer from the following injuries:
- Back and neck injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and brain trauma
- Amputation of limbs
- Burns
- Death
Tinley Park Tanker Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
How a Tinley Park Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer for Help With Your Case
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or even death as a result of an accident involving a tanker truck, having a Tinley Park tanker truck accident lawyer on your side can help ensure you recover the awards necessary to cover the following:
- Lost income, both during recovery and in the future
- Medical treatment expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship in fatal accidents
Getting legal assistance when dealing with the aftermath of a tanker truck accident can be crucial in recovering the awards you need. You should not have to suffer the financial consequences of a tanker truck accident when someone else is responsible. Speak with someone from the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm about your case.
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