Tanker trucks are a common commercial transport vehicle in the United States, often carrying highly volatile substances such as gasoline, propane, and oil. Although their drivers are specially licensed to drive and operate these types of trucks, factors such as sleep deprivation, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of drugs can cause major accidents. These accidents can easily be fatal due to both the size of the truck and the cargo it may be carrying, which may be pressurized or highly flammable. Tanker trucks are usually owned or rented by businesses or government municipalities, which can be deemed liable in the event of an accident. As our economy grows, so will the number of commercial vehicles on the road. The number of registered large trucks has been increasing as well as the number of miles driven. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that tanker trucks cause up to 38% of work-related roadway fatalities in the US.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries from an accident involving a tanker truck, our Buffalo tanker truck accident lawyer may be able to help you collect compensation for your losses. Call the Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800.
Types of Injuries in Tanker Truck Accidents
Accidents involving tanker trucks can cause serious bodily harm. Examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
These injuries can be life-changing and can potentially leave you disabled for life, and in some cases, cause wrongful death. Our injury attorneys will work to ensure you receive fair compensation if you or a loved one are injured in a tanker truck accident. Our Buffalo tanker truck accident lawyers are here to advocate for your right to compensation. Call (212) 751-9800 today for a free case review.
Causes of Commercial Tanker Truck Accidents
Tanker trucks, like semi-trucks and other heavy transport vehicles, have complicated operating systems that, if not properly maintained, can cause fatal accidents that can result in traumatic injury, death, and property damage. Some common causes of commercial truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Poor maintenance
Per the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), driver fatigue is considered a leading cause of truck accidents, as truck drivers work long hours and may not adhere to a regular sleeping schedule. The driver may be held liable for causing the accident due to negligence or poor judgment, but you may be eligible for compensation from a third party. Possible third parties include the mechanics responsible for maintaining the vehicle, the company that owns the truck, or the manufacturer of the truck that is responsible for producing defective parts.
Buffalo Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Liable Third Parties in Tanker Truck Accidents
The mechanics that are responsible for maintaining and repairing a truck may be held liable for damages if an accident was due to their negligence to properly maintain or repair a truck. According to the New York Department of Transportation (DOT), a truck may not be driven unless the following parts and accessories are in working order:
- Brakes, including trailer and hand brake
- Steering
- Lights, signals, and reflectors
- Tires, including the rims
- Horn
- Windshield wipers
- Mirrors
- Coupling linkage and connections
- Emergency equipment
Truck drivers are mandated to note defects in their driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR), which must be signed by a mechanic and verified by the company that owns the truck. The driver and company are responsible for certifying that they have repaired the defect, or that the defect was not serious enough to warrant the need for repair. However, if a company fails to make the certification that the defect was repaired, the driver is prohibited from operating the vehicle.
Manufacturers may also be liable for causing an accident if they do not recall vehicle parts that do not meet federal standards or if the vehicle parts have a safety-related defect, as presented here by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Parts integral to the safety of a vehicle, such as lighting, brakes, and tires, must meet the minimum requirements for the vehicle to be operated. Other vehicle parts that are required to meet the federal standards include parts that are meant to prevent death or serious injury for drivers and passengers, such as safety belts, airbags, and shock-absorbing steering columns. These standards can be applied to vehicle and vehicle parts that are manufactured both in the United States or imported from other countries.
What Our Team Can Do for You
Managing a lawsuit for an accident that involves third parties can be a daunting task. Our Buffalo tanker truck accident lawyers at the Morelli Law Firm will handle the correspondence between the vehicle owners, mechanics, and insurance companies. In many cases, the company that owns a truck or other vehicle involved in an accident may offer a settlement out of court or use their insurance company to talk you down to accept a settlement. However, we can build a case on your behalf that may include other forms of compensation aside from monetary compensation. We can negotiate for:
- Medical expenses: Tanker trucks can cause serious injuries and can incur a mountain of medical bills that include emergency service fees, hospital stays, and physical therapy. These injuries can debilitate you for life and may cause permanent disability.
- Lost wages: If your injuries impede your ability to work, we can fight for the equivalent monetary wages that were lost due to the accident.
- Property damage: repair for damages to your registered vehicle or total replacement of the vehicle.
- Pain and suffering: any physical or mental trauma that causes you pain or discomfort.
If you or a loved one were injured in a serious crash involving a tanker truck, we can protect your rights and fight for fair compensation. Call the Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation.