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Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer

A tanker truck is a highly specialized vehicle that’s designed to safely transport gasoline and other fuels and chemicals across the country. No matter what they carry, tanker trucks can be highly dangerous. They can come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 5,500 to 11,600 gallons. This means they can weigh many tons.tanker truck

The largest tanker trucks have five axles. In most states, this means the weight limits of these trucks is around 80,000 pounds if the trucks travel on the highway. If a gas tanker truck or a similar vehicle crashes into a passenger vehicle, which weighs about 3,000 pounds on average, the results can be devastating.

A tanker truck crash can result in severe, and sometimes fatal, injuries, property damage, and more. This is especially true if the wreck results in a tanker truck explosion. Because tankers often carry fuel and other dangerous liquids, the chance of a spill or explosion after an accident is high.

If you have been involved in a tanker truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we have the skills and experience to represent you in court. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a truck accident attorney by calling (800) 559-5741 or contacting us online today.

What Causes Tanker Truck Accidents?

Tanker trucks are extremely dangerous. That’s why they’re so heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Tanker trucks are more prone to jackknifing or rolling over than other trucks because the cargo is unstable and constantly shifting. When these accidents happen, the truck may spill its contents on the highway or surrounding area.

This is especially dangerous because tanker trucks are often used to carry explosive or toxic materials. If these materials do spill on the ground, hazmat teams often need to be deployed to clean up the area. In addition, the surrounding area may need to be evacuated, depending on what is being transported.

Because of the high risk for dangerous wrecks, drivers have to be especially careful when they operate these vehicles. Some of the most common causes of tanker truck accidents include:

  • Distracted or inattentive driving
  • Speeding
  • Drowsy driving
  • Inebriated driving, either under the influence of alcohol or illegal or prescription drugs
  • Not obeying traffic laws

In addition, there are quite a few causes of tanker truck accidents that are caused by the company that owns and/or operates the truck. They may be liable for a wreck if they:

  • Don’t properly train drivers
  • Don’t conduct regular safety inspections
  • Don’t properly maintain the trucks
  • Overload the truck
  • Don’t set realistic deadlines for drivers

If the driver or company is responsible for the wreck, you have legal options. Our tanker truck accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries After a Tanker Truck Accident

Tanker truck accidents can result in devastating injuries, especially if the wreck leads to a tanker truck explosion. Even if the truck doesn’t explode, simple physics means an 80,000-pound truck hitting your car will likely result in serious injuries like:

  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Bruises and lacerations

However, if there is a chemical spill, your injuries could become much worse. You could suffer severe injuries like:

  • External burns
  • Internal burns from smoke inhalation
  • Radiation
  • Chemical burns

It’s not just those who are directly involved in the tanker truck accident who could be affected by the wreck. If the tanker spills its contents onto the ground or into a water source, it could poison the water or the ground, affecting everyone around. If this happens, everyone who is affected could potentially have a lawsuit against the driver or the trucking company.

While some of these injuries are relatively minor, many of them can lead to lifelong complications and treatment. An experienced lawyer can help you get the full compensation you deserve to cover the medical treatment you need, as well as other losses you may have suffered.

Why You Need a Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer

After a tanker truck accident, you may receive a settlement offer from the insurance company. Chances are, this offer will be much less than what you deserve for your injuries and other losses. However, you may have mounting medical bills and other expenses and might be strapped for cash.

Insurance companies know this. That’s why they send a lowball offer in hopes that you’ll accept it. Once you accept the offer, you forfeit your right to seek greater compensation. So before you accept anything from the insurance company, reach out to one of our tanker truck accident lawyers.

We can review every detail of your case during your free consultation. After we review the details of your case, we’ll determine if we believe we can help. If so, we’ll take on your case at no upfront cost to you and immediately begin building a case on your behalf.

This will start with gathering evidence, including the police report, to determine who is at fault and how the wreck happened. We may also talk to any witnesses to get their statements. We also may work with experts like accident recreationists to build your case. Through our work, we’ll work to prove you deserve compensation for losses such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment in life
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Disfigurement and/or disability
  • Wrongful death
  • And more
Speak with a Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Today

At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we have seen the devastating effects of tanker truck explosions and wrecks firsthand. If you’re involved in this kind of collision, know that you have legal options. Our lawyers are here 24/7 to talk to you about your case and determine just how much compensation you may be owed.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a tanker truck accident lawyer by calling (800) 559-5741 or contacting us online today.