We see tankers on our highways every day, but never think about what happens when they are involved in a traffic accident. In most cases, these large trucks ferry hazardous cargo such as gasoline, which poses a greater risk if a tractor-trailer accident were to occur. However, not all tank trucks carry hazardous materials. You will come across those carrying milk or water. Either way, the sheer weight of a liquid cargo truck can create serious injuries in an accident.
Accidents involving tank trucks are often catastrophic due to their size and weight, especially when full. The smallest tanker truck can hold at least 3000 gallons of gasoline or any liquid, while the largest holds up to 12,000 gallons. Even when the tank is empty, there is still a great risk posed to its occupants and other road users. If you have been injured in a wreck, call today to learn how a Missouri City tanker truck accident lawyer could help.
If you were involved in a liquid cargo truck wreck, and you strongly believe that someone else was liable for the crash, you can be compensated for your damages. You will need to prepare your evidence and file a claim against the party responsible. You can file your claim alone, but having a local attorney could help protect your legal rights effectively during a tanker truck accident case.
There are many reasons why tanker accidents could happen in Missouri City. In many cases, the wreck will be as a result of negligence and irresponsibility of the truck driver. They are mandated by law not only to ensure their safety while on the road but also to protect the safety of other road users.
Having a lawyer can help determine the driver’s liability in the crash. The truck operator may be negligent by virtue of:
Unlike other auto wrecks, collisions involving tankers often cause the large trucks to roll over or become overturned. Factors that mainly contribute to rollovers include:
Unlike other cars, tankers are specialized in the way in which they carry goods. They have a high center of balance that can vary from time to time as the liquid cargo (e.g. diesel, ethanol, milk, water) moves inside the tanker as the truck moves. This can result in a rollover or tip when speeding around a sharper bend in the road.
Most of the tank trucks are specialized to carry a given amount of liquid cargo. As mentioned before, the largest tanks can carry up to 12,000 gallons of liquid. Should there be a vacuum in the tank, meaning that it was not filled properly, the cargo may move freely in the tank. In the end, the tanker’s weight will continue to shift therefore altering its center of gravity, and making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Given their weight, size, and amount of cargo carried, tanker trucks require much more time to make a complete stop compared to other vehicles. In case the driver stops shorts, the liquid content’s velocity can result in dangerous energy and weight imbalances leading to a rollover.
Liquid cargo trucks require specialized driver training. The driver is expected to maintain high safety standards while operating the truck. He or she must show competence in the manner in which they ferry the goods.
What’s more, liquid cargo truck drivers are required to be highly trained in the mechanics to avert any possible danger that may arise from a mistake. This is based on the weight and nature of the goods carried. For example, a diesel truck mechanic must ensure that there are no short circuits when repairing the truck’s electrical system to prevent an explosion.
Determining liability in a tanker truck accident case can be quite complex because there are several potential parties involved. For example, the following entities may be at fault:
Your lawyer will advise you on the proper responsible parties to ensure proper compensation for your tanker truck accident injuries.
When you are involved in an accident with a tanker truck, the injuries are often very serious. You may sustain injuries such as:
If you were involved in an auto wreck, our Missouri City tanker truck accident lawyer can help recover damages for your injuries. To discuss your case in a more detailed manner, please schedule a free consultation with our Lone Star Injury Attorneys.
