Have you ever wondered what was inside a tanker truck when you saw one on the road? The Department of Transportation estimates that on any given day, there are around 800,000 shipments of hazardous products leaving the highways. Therefore, it is quite possible that the truck you drove by this morning on the highway was a HAZMAT vehicle.
A truck can be a HAZMAT vehicle regardless of whether it is a tanker or not, of course. Any vehicle transporting a shipment of a substance that is classified by the government as a hazardous material is referred to as a HAZMAT truck and is required to be driven by a driver with a specific license and have signs with a code identifying the type of danger on board.
Materials that HAZMAT drivers frequently transport include:
- Crude oil
- Gasoline
- Compressed flammable gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, propane, etc.
- Radioactive materials
- Chemicals that can cause chemical burns or other injury
- Hazardous waste products
Even though HAZMAT truck collisions are uncommon, they do happen. In fact, according to estimates from the Department of Transportation, HAZMAT vehicles are involved in 200 of the nearly 5,000 fatal truck accidents that occur annually. It is unknown, nevertheless, how frequently the kind of cargo contributes to these fatalities.
You may want to be aware of the unique factors that go into filing a truck accident injury claim in the event that you are ever involved in a HAZMAT truck accident.
Further injuries
HAZMAT mishaps may be particularly frightening since the cargo on board might catch fire or result in chemical burns, radiation poisoning, lung impairment, or other forms of casualties. Even a modest HAZMAT truck accident might result in significant, even life-altering injuries that could be very independent from the actual force of the crash if the truck is sufficiently damaged to allow the cargo to escape.
It is crucial to consult with a truck accident lawyer who can explain the unique hazards associated with exposure to HAZMAT cargo and who will make sure you receive the proper medical attention and assistance. You absolutely do not want to accept any payment until you are convinced you understand the entire consequences of the event, including any difficulties linked to HAZMAT exposure.
Further defendants
When a HAZMAT trucker causes an accident, it could be required to file a personal injury claim against the truck driver, the trucking firm, and the owner of the HAZMAT cargo. Because injuries caused by exposure to HAZMAT cargo can be extremely traumatic and highly expensive to treat, it is crucial to target all potential defendants. You will need a sizeable settlement, and most HAZMAT freight carriers have the greatest insurance to support you.
Call us today
You may count on Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas to pursue every available legal option in his pursuit of full and appropriate recompense for your injuries. He will assist you every step of the way and make an effort to keep you relaxed, assured, and up to date on the status of your case. Call 909-982-0707 for a free first case examination.
