Road Accidents Involving Hazardous Materials

When hazardous materials must be transported, the most common way to do so is still via tanker truck. These trucks frequently transport dangerous materials from place to place with little issue, but when an accident does involve a tanker truck, the rates of injury and fatality are significantly higher than they are in standard car or SUV accidents. If you have been injured in this type of crash, it is crucial to understand your options before you decide whether or not to file suit.

Potential For Even More Serious Injuries

Accidents involving large commercial motor vehicles (CMVs or CVs) are disproportionately dangerous to those in smaller vehicles like cars or pickup trucks. Some of this is simply because of the sheer size of many commercial vehicles, which means that CVs tend to require much more distance to come to a full stop than a standard vehicle might. This is even more true for tanker trucks, which are often even heavier due to the metal tank required to safely transport many hazardous materials.

In addition, with the presence of hazardous materials, there are even more ways in which an injury or fatality could occur – for example, most standard CV wrecks do not result in explosions, while a tanker truck is more likely to explode if struck the wrong way. Another scenario involves hazardous materials leaking after an accident with a tanker truck, which can cause damage both to the environment, and to accident victims and first responders. Caustic burns are a common type of injury after this type of crash.

Seek Medical Treatment ASAP

If you have been involved in this type of crash, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately, even if your injuries appear minor. While it is unlikely that hazardous materials could make you ill, it is still possible, and if you suspect that the tanker truck’s driver or their employer was negligent in causing the accident, having clear medical records can help your case. Medical records and the police report from the accident are two of the most important pieces of evidence used in this type of suit.

There are multiple possible defendants who could play a role in causing a tanker truck accident, depending on the specifics of your situation – and Florida law allows a plaintiff to include them all in this type of lawsuit. With the right attorney on your side, it will be easier to determine just who should bear a share of liability for this type of particularly dangerous accident.

Contact A Tampa Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

Any accident involving a large commercial vehicle can be dangerous – but if it is carrying hazardous materials, the danger is heightened, and the potential for injury is high. A Tampa commercial vehicle accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can help you seek damages if you have been injured in this type of crash. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.