All trucks pose a danger to those who are next to them on the roadway. However, tanker trucks in particular tend to be hazardous because of the nature of their cargo. Tanker truck accidents can entail the leakage of fuel and oil, threatening the safety of both humans and the environment. While tanker trucks are important in transporting materials we need to live our lives, they can impact our lives if a collision happens. Fuel and oil trucks can cause tragic fires and explosions upon impact, leaving those involved with life-threatening and painful injuries. If you or a loved one has been in a tanker crash, our Roseville, MN tanker truck accident lawyer is ready to come to your aid. Our team at Johnston | Martineau PLLP can offer support today if you are in need of legal guidance. You may be owed a substantial amount in compensation for how you have suffered.
Causes Of Tanker Accidents
There are many contributing factors of why tanker truck accidents happen. It is not always the trucker who is at fault, but they are responsible for operating the vehicle safely. Common causes of tanker truck collisions are due to driver error and negligence, mechanical failures and maintenance problems, and regulatory compliance and oversight. Truckers have to drive for long periods of time, sometimes upwards of 70 hours each week. Fatigue is a common symptom. Distracted driving is another factor in trucker negligence. Other unsafe behaviors can be drinking and driving, speeding, and violating industry regulations. Truckers have to abide by certain rules when it comes to how many hours they can drive within a set time period before being required to take rest and sleep breaks. The driver, truck owner, and/or trucking company may have failed to inspect the rig for mechanical problems. Finally, a trucking company may be liable if they failed to ensure that their drivers were following federal and state guidelines. As you can see, there are many causes that can contribute to a tanker truck crash. Our dedicated tanker truck accident attorney can help you gather evidence and investigate to uncover all the responsible parties who share liability. You could be owed compensation for your physical injuries, property damage, and monetary loss.
How A Lawyer Can Help
As someone who was hurt in an accident, you deserve fair compensation. You may be going through treatment for severe injuries, losing earnings from being away from work, and trying to figure out how to get your vehicle repaired or replaced. Let us handle the legal side as you focus on yourself. We can handle paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and ultimately represent you and work towards a favorable outcome. Our MN tanker truck accident attorney is ready to come to your side and work for you at such a difficult time. At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, our clients are our top priority. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for immediate support.
How Tanker Truck Accidents Can Lead To Catastrophic Injuries
As our Roseville, MN tanker truck accident lawyer can tell you, tanker truck accidents are often among the most severe types of vehicle collisions due to the size of the trucks and the materials they transport. Tankers usually carry hazardous substances such as gasoline, chemicals, and industrial materials, which can escalate the risks and consequences of an accident. When these trucks are involved in a collision, the chances of severe injuries and property damage increase significantly. At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, we have experience helping clients affected by tanker truck accidents pursue their claims, and we know firsthand how life-altering these incidents can be. We have won millions for our clients, so call us now.
The Unique Dangers Of Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks have a unique structure that makes them more challenging to operate compared to other commercial vehicles. The tank itself is often large and filled with liquids that can shift during transport, leading to instability and a higher risk of rollovers or jackknifing. In emergencies, these vehicles are harder to control and stop, making it more difficult to prevent accidents. Additionally, if the truck’s contents leak or spill during an accident, they can create serious environmental and health hazards.
The volatility of many materials carried by tanker trucks makes these accidents even more dangerous. Hazardous chemicals and flammable liquids not only pose risks of fires and explosions but also expose those nearby to dangerous fumes or even chemical burns. This combination of vehicle size, load instability, and hazardous materials means that tanker truck accidents frequently result in severe, often life-threatening injuries.
Types Of Catastrophic Injuries In Tanker Truck Accidents
In tanker truck accidents, injuries are often more severe than those in typical vehicle collisions. The injuries that result can range from major fractures and internal organ damage to traumatic brain injuries and extensive burns. Our Roseville tanker truck accident lawyer knows that burn injuries, in particular, are common in tanker accidents due to the flammable materials these trucks often carry. Burns may require long-term medical care, including multiple surgeries and rehabilitation.
Chemical exposure is another unique risk. When hazardous materials leak from a tanker, people in the vicinity may suffer respiratory issues, skin injuries, or even neurological damage depending on the substance. The inhalation of toxic fumes can also lead to long-term respiratory problems, which can have lasting impacts on a victim’s health and quality of life.
Spinal injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also common in tanker truck accidents due to the force of impact. These types of injuries may require significant medical intervention and rehabilitation, and they can lead to long-term disabilities. In cases where injuries prevent a person from returning to work or significantly alter their daily life, the physical, emotional, and financial impacts can be overwhelming.
Liability In Tanker Truck Accidents
Determining who is responsible in a tanker truck accident can be complex, as there are multiple parties who may be liable. Liability may rest with the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the cargo, or even the manufacturer of the tanker if a defect contributed to the accident. For example, if the driver was not adequately trained to handle hazardous materials, or if the company failed to maintain the vehicle properly, both parties may share responsibility for the accident.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tanker truck accident, you don’t have to face the situation alone. At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, we are here to help you seek the compensation you need to recover and move forward. We’re available 24/7 to speak with you. Contact our tanker truck accident lawyer in Roseville today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options after a tanker truck accident.