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Tanker truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and environmental hazards. If you’ve suffered a severe injury in a wreck that wasn’t your fault, contact a Houston tanker truck accident attorney with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP. Our team is here to handle all the legal complexities of your case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Tanker trucks are specialized commercial vehicles designed to transport liquids and gasses, often including hazardous materials such as fuel, chemicals, and industrial waste. These trucks are typically large and heavy, featuring cylindrical tanks mounted on their chassis to carry their liquid cargo. Manufacturers build tanks to withstand the pressures and stresses of transporting fluids, and they often include baffles inside to reduce the movement of the liquid during transit.
The hazardous nature of tanker trucks arises from their cargo and design. Many of the materials these vehicles transport are flammable, toxic, or corrosive, posing significant risks in the event of an accident. In addition, the liquid cargo can shift within the tank, affecting the truck’s stability and increasing the likelihood of rollovers, especially during sharp turns or sudden stops.
Tanker trucks contain components such as valves and hoses that, if damaged or improperly maintained, can lead to leaks or spills. These accidents pose immediate dangers to the driver and nearby motorists and can result in long-term environmental damage. The combination of hazardous materials and the unique design of tanker trucks makes them particularly dangerous on the road.
Tanker truck accidents are among the most dangerous and potentially devastating vehicular accidents. The unique characteristics of these trucks and the hazardous nature of their cargo contribute to the severity of such incidents.
One of the primary dangers of tanker truck accidents is the potential for hazardous material spills. Many tanker trucks transport flammable, toxic, or corrosive substances. In a collision, these materials can leak or spill, leading to fires, explosions, or the release of toxic fumes. These hazardous conditions pose significant risks to the truck driver, other motorists, emergency responders, and nearby residents. The environmental impact of such spills can also be profound, contaminating soil, water sources, and ecosystems.
About 1,300 tanker truck rollovers occur annually, with more than 60% of them leading to fatalities. Due to the liquid cargo they carry, tanker trucks have a high center of gravity. This puts them at a higher risk of rollovers, especially when the driver makes a sudden move, such as a sharp turn. A rollover accident involving a tanker truck can result in widespread damage and casualties. The shifting liquid inside the tank can destabilize the truck, making it challenging for the driver to maintain control.
A tanker truck’s size and weight mean that any collision can be particularly severe. The impact force in such accidents can cause significant damage to smaller vehicles, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Their complexity, including their multiple compartments and specialized equipment, also makes them more difficult to manage in emergencies.
Given these risks, it’s crucial for tanker truck drivers to undergo specialized training and for trucking companies to adhere to stringent maintenance and safety protocols. When drivers don’t receive that training or companies are negligent in their maintenance, a Houston tanker truck accident attorney can hold them liable for any damages.
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Determining fault in a tanker truck accident is a complex process that requires thorough investigation and legal experience. A skilled Houston tanker truck accident attorney will take several crucial steps to establish liability and build a strong case for their client. Here are just a few.
Your lawyer will first gather and review all available evidence from the accident scene. This includes obtaining police reports, witness statements, and video footage from traffic cameras or dash cams. These pieces of evidence provide essential information about the accident’s circumstances, helping to identify potential causes and contributing factors.
Next, the attorney will analyze the tanker truck’s maintenance records and the driver’s qualifications. This analysis involves examining the truck’s inspection and repair history to determine if mechanical failures or lack of maintenance contributed to the accident. Your Houston tanker truck accident attorney will also review the driver’s training, certification, and employment records to assess whether they were qualified and compliant with federal and state regulations.
Your lawyer will also work with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists and engineers to recreate the accident scene and understand the dynamics involved. These experts can provide valuable insights into how the accident occurred and who may be at fault. Their analyses can help pinpoint specific failures, such as brake malfunctions, improper cargo loading, or driver errors.
The attorney may also investigate the trucking company’s practices and policies. They’ll evaluate whether the company adhered to safety protocols, properly trained its drivers, and maintained its fleet. Any evidence of negligence or regulatory violations by the company can strengthen the case against it.
Finally, your Houston tanker truck accident attorney will compile all the gathered evidence and expert analyses to build a compelling argument for liability. This comprehensive approach considers all potential sources of fault, increasing the likelihood of securing a favorable outcome.
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Again, tanker truck rollovers are particularly hazardous. They can occur due to various factors, including the following:
Driver mistakes can include speeding, taking turns too sharply, or misjudging road conditions. Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers are more likely to make critical mistakes that can lead to rollovers. Even minor errors in handling or judgment can have catastrophic consequences, given a tanker truck’s size and weight.
As stated earlier, the high center of gravity, particularly when carrying a full load of liquid, makes these trucks more susceptible to tipping. Sudden maneuvers, abrupt stops, or uneven road surfaces can destabilize the truck, leading to a rollover. The liquid cargo inside the tank can shift, further exacerbating the risk.
Regular maintenance is vital for ensuring the safety and reliability of tanker trucks. Neglecting routine inspections and repairs can result in mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering issues. These mechanical problems can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of a rollover.
How a tanker truck is loaded also plays a crucial role in its stability. If workers fail to evenly distribute or secure the liquid cargo correctly, it can move during transit, causing an imbalance. This shifting weight can destabilize the truck, particularly during turns or sudden stops, leading to a rollover.
Poor road conditions like potholes, sharp curves, and uneven surfaces can contribute to tanker truck rollovers. Drivers must navigate these conditions carefully, but sometimes, even the most cautious driver can’t prevent an accident if the road is in poor shape. Weather conditions, such as rain, ice, or snow, can also make roads slippery, increasing the risk of rollovers.
Driver fatigue is another significant factor. Long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion, reducing a driver’s reaction time and decision-making ability. Fatigued drivers are more prone to errors, and in the case of tanker trucks, these errors can result in deadly rollovers. The federal government designs hours of service rules to eliminate fatigued driving. Unfortunately, drivers and trucking companies violate these rules far too often.
Hiring a Houston tanker truck accident attorney immediately after an accident is essential for several reasons. The aftermath of a tanker truck accident is often chaotic and complex, and having a skilled lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Time is of the essence when collecting evidence. The accident scene can change rapidly, and critical evidence may be lost or degraded if not promptly secured. An experienced lawyer will act quickly to gather and preserve vital evidence, such as photographs of the scene, witness statements, and vehicle inspection reports. They can also obtain the truck’s surveillance footage and black box data, providing valuable insights into the moments leading up to the accident.
An attorney can protect your rights and interests in handling insurers covering the at-fault parties. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages. A seasoned lawyer will negotiate to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. They’ll also take your case to court if the insurer fails to make a fair offer.
The injuries and damages resulting from a tanker truck accident can be extensive and long-lasting. Medical bills can quickly accumulate, and you may be unable to work for an extended period. A Houston tanker truck accident attorney will work with medical and economic experts to accurately assess all your damages, including future medical needs and lost earning potential. This comprehensive evaluation ensures you seek adequate compensation for your current and future needs.
Don’t wait to seek legal assistance if you or a loved one has been involved in a tanker truck accident. A Houston truck accident attorney with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP is standing by to help you fight for the money you deserve. Use our online form or call for a free case review.
Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.
Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.
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Armstrong, Lee & Baker did an absolutely wonderful job with my case. The resolution of my case was above and beyond what I expected! Shruti, the associate who handled my case showed great professionalism and I could not be more satisfied with the outcome. Thank you all!...
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