Truck Accidents Involving Hazardous Materials

Tanker trucks are a specific type of large commercial truck designed to carry liquids and gasses across the United States. Some of the most common items that tanker trucks carry include gasoline, water, chemicals, liquid sugar, and more. These materials can be hazardous and pose a serious threat to others on the road, especially if there is an accident. At Earnhart Law, our experienced Delray Beach personal injury lawyers understand the seriousness of tanker truck accidents and will help you get the compensation you deserve after a crash. To learn more, call or contact our office today.

Unique Hazards of Tanker Trucks

Tanker trucks have many of the same problems that other types of large semi-trucks do, including large blind spots, drowsy and distracted drivers, and truck operators that may have little experience handling a vehicle of that size. However, there are some additional hazards that are specific to tanker trucks on the road in Florida. These dangers include the following:

• Sloshing and shifting cargo: The liquids in a tanker truck can slosh around in the cargo area if the truck is not completely full. The force of this sloshing can cause the truck to lose balance and tip over while on the road, leading to devastating accidents.
• Hazardous cargo spills: Many types of liquid and gaseous cargo being transported by tanker trucks can be harmful to people if touched or inhaled. Many types of cargo are flammable and can catch fire or cause explosions in a tanker truck accident. This can exacerbate the already serious injuries that a normal truck accident can cause, leading to catastrophic results for injury victims.
• Leaks: Leaking cargo can also be dangerous to other drivers on the road. Not only could leaks expose others to hazardous chemicals, but it can also lead to unsafe road conditions for other drivers, which ultimately can cause an accident.

Injuries Caused by Tanker Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are known to cause devastating injuries to victims who are in smaller vehicles, on bicycles, or are pedestrians caught up in the crash. However, tanker trucks can cause even more severe injuries if their cargo is hazardous to others. Some of the most common injuries reported in tanker truck accidents includes the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head and neck injuries
• Facial trauma
• Blindness
• Complex, multiple bone fractures
• Nerve damage
• Amputation injuries
• Lung and respiratory injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Burns and explosion injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Coma
• Death

If you or a loved one has suffered these or similar injuries in a tanker truck accident the time to act is now.

Talk to Our Office Today

A tanker truck accident can be devastating for victims and their loved ones, but you do not have to go through this difficult time alone. At Earnhart Law, our experienced personal injury lawyers are prepared to take on your case after a tanker truck accident. To learn more about your legal options, call our Delray Beach office or contact us today to schedule a free claim evaluation.