Tanker trucks are large trucks designed to carry liquid. The type of liquid can range from something as simple as milk or as serious as toxic chemicals. If a person gets into a tanker truck accident, they might not know what to expect until it is too late. A vehicle accident in itself can be extremely dangerous and terrifying. So, when a driver gets into an accident with a truck holding potentially toxic materials, the stakes for injury are raised.
If you or a loved one got into an accident with a tanker truck and sustained injuries, you might be eligible to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. A White Plains tanker truck accident lawyer can fight for you to receive compensation for your damages. A lawyer may represent you during negotiations and communications with insurance companies and the other party’s legal team. Call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation.
Causes of Tanker Truck Accidents
Tanker trucks can be awkward to drive. Not everyone can drive a vehicle that large, which is why tanker truck drivers must be properly licensed to operate their vehicles. Drivers who do not undergo proper training might be more likely to cause an accident.
Some common causes of tanker truck accidents include:
Distracted Driving
Most people who drive any vehicle know that taking your eyes off the road for a second can result in a collision. When the vehicle is a tanker truck, the dangers are more extreme because of the vehicle’s size and the liquid it could be carrying.
Improper Loading
If a truck is not loaded correctly, the truck might leak or spill, which might cause an accident. This may also cause another vehicle to slide on the liquid, resulting in another accident.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Drivers must stay up to date with their vehicle maintenance, or they may put other road users at risk of injury or death. Common maintenance issues may involve bad brakes, faulty tires, and engine malfunctions. If a truck driver experiences a vehicle malfunction on the road, they might lose control of their vehicle and cause an accident.
Reckless Driving
Rollover accidents are common with tanker trucks. If a tanker truck driver is driving too fast, the liquid in the tank can slosh. The liquid’s momentum might pull the truck to one side when taking a corner and cause a rollover accident.
Dangers of a Tanker Truck
Tanker trucks are an essential part of New York’s transportation of goods. According to the Trucking Association of New York (TANY), 89 percent of the state’s communities rely solely on trucks to move their goods. Tanker trucks can be carrying a variety of liquids, such as gasoline, chemicals, or milk.
Tanker truck spills may present the following critical dangers:
Chemical Spills
When chemicals spill on the road, it creates a hazard on the road. Other vehicles may slide on the liquid or swerve off the road to avoid the spill. Also, the chemicals can release fumes. A chemical spill may occur if a load is not secured correctly or loaded.
Toxic Fumes
If a chemical is spilled, toxic fumes might be released into the air. These fumes might pose potential dangers to people at the scene of the accident. Depending on the spill’s type and size, the toxic fumes may spread to nearby homes and businesses.
Explosion
Explosions are a possibility in a tanker truck accident, especially if the liquid is flammable. Depending on the type of accident, fires can start, igniting the liquid and causing the explosion.
Injuries Caused by a Tanker Truck Accident
Injuries caused by a tanker truck accident can be severe or minor. Certain injuries may be exclusive to tanker trucks since they sometimes carry liquids that are toxic. People who get into a tanker truck accident may suffer injuries, such as:
- Burns, including chemical burns
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain trauma
- Amputation
- Internal damages from chemical fumes
- Cuts and lacerations
If you suffered any of these injuries or other damages due to a tanker truck accident, you can call our law firm to start working with a White Plains tanker truck accident lawyer on your case. A lawyer can help you fight for justice. Call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 to schedule for a free consultation. We can review your claim at no cost to you.
You Might Be Able to Recover Damages
Tanker truck accident damages can be severe. Costs for repairs and recovery can be expensive. Why should you have to pay for someone else’s negligence? Your lawyer may be able to help you fight for compensation for the following damages:
Medical Expenses
You may be able to get compensated for your medical expenses, including costs for an ambulance ride, emergency room care, doctor’s appointments, and any other treatment. This may also include physical therapy and rehabilitation costs, as well.
Vehicle Damages
If your vehicle was damaged in the tanker truck accident, you may be able to recover repair or replacement costs for your vehicle. Property damages might range from dents and scratches to total vehicle damage. If you need to rent a car while your vehicle gets repaired or replaced, you may be able to recover those costs as well.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is any physical or emotional pain you have gone through due to your accident. A tanker truck accident can be a stressful and often painful situation. The pain and suffering you experienced may be calculated into your total damages.
Loss of Income
If you suffered injuries that prevented you from going to work, you might be able to recover compensation to cover any wages you lost while needing to recover from your injuries. A damaged vehicle may also prevent you from having a safe way to get to work. Any loss of income you experienced due to your accident may entitle you to additional compensation.
Call Morelli Law Firm Today
According to the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) § 214, you generally have up to three years to file a lawsuit from the date of your accident. However, the sooner you start working with a White Plains tanker truck accident lawyer, then the sooner you can get started fighting for compensation.
Morelli Law Firm wants to help you pursue compensation on your behalf. We can contact the insurance companies, and any other lawyers involved so that you do not have to do so. Call (212) 751-9800 for a free case evaluation today.
