Our Blog

Dangers of Tanker Truck Crashes

• July 17, 2020
• Cloud, Ryan & Rouse, LLC
• LEAVE A COMMENT

Even though some tanker trucks are smaller than semi-trucks, they are often much more dangerous. Due to the materials tanker trucks are designed to haul as well as the way they are built, they can cause severe injuries and even death when involved in an accident. Negligent tanker truck drivers can injure not only others on the road but also people who are in their homes or workplaces. If you or someone you love recently became a victim of a tanker truck accident, it is time to call a knowledgeable Huntsville truck accident attorney for help.

Hazardous Materials Make Tanker Trucks Dangerous

Tanker trucks can carry a variety of materials throughout the nation. Sometimes they are non-harmful substances, such as milk or other food products. Other times, they can contain hazardous materials such as: 

1. Gasoline
2. Diesel fuel
3. Ethanol
4. Household petroleum-based products
5. Industrial chemicals
6. Agricultural pesticides
7. Radioactive material

These materials increase the dangers if a tanker truck is involved in an accident. If the tanker is carrying potential harmful or hazardous chemicals, the following are more likely to occur:

• Fires—Many times, these chemicals are highly flammable and can cause victims of a crash to suffer severe burns.
• Explosions— Accidents involving tanker trucks are more likely to have explosions, which make them even deadlier because of the force of the explosion and the risks of burns.
• Chemical burns—Depending on what the truck is carrying, victims may suffer from chemical burns if they are exposed to the materials in the tanker.
• Chemical spills and leaks—When a tanker truck is involved in an accident, there is a risk that it will spill some or all of its load. Drivers in the same area and even nearby residents and businesses can suffer injuries from toxic gasses or spills onto the road. This is much more likely to occur if the tanker is closed improperly or there is a manufacturer defect within the tanker.

These injuries are severe and may require years of medical care. A seasoned Huntsville truck accident attorney will make it their mission to seek compensation for you if you have suffered any of these injuries or others as a result of a tanker truck crash. 

Unbalanced Loads

All semi-trucks can have unbalanced loads if they are not loaded correctly. Tanker trucks are also at risk of causing an accident if the liquids they are carrying fill less than 75 percent of the tank. This causes sloshing, which unevenly distributes the tanker truck’s weight, substantially increasing the risk of an accident. When the load is not evenly balanced, the truck driver is more likely to lose control of the vehicle. It may even cause a rollover accident. This is especially true under certain driving circumstances, like going around curves or traveling at high speeds. A Huntsville truck accident attorney can help determine the cause of your accident and who is liable. 

Hurt in a Tanker Truck Accident? Call an Experienced Huntsville Truck Accident Attorney

Tanker truck accidents are some of the most serious accidents anyone can be involved in. Get the help you need today to obtain compensation for your tanker truck accident damages. Schedule your consultation with an experienced Huntsville truck accident attorney by calling Cloud, Ryan & Rouse at 256-801-1000 or using our convenient online contact form.