According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large truck accidents account for 12% of all crash fatalities. Truck accidents can be far more serious and can lead to more fatalities because of their heavier weights and because trucks might also be carrying dangerous materials. Trucks carry a range of goods, including hazardous materials. Yet, when trucks carrying hazardous materials get into accidents with passenger vehicles, the consequences can be far greater than truck accidents involving non-hazardous cargo. There are strict laws and regulations governing trucks carrying hazardous materials. Hazmat trucks and drivers are required to take additional steps to prevent truck rollovers and accidents. Rollovers and accidents not only can injure drivers and passengers involved, but they can also expose individuals on the road to potentially dangerous chemicals and hazardous materials. Because of this added risk, truck companies must obtain special permits to transport hazardous materials, and they may also be required to take out additional insurance policies. Hazmat trucks may also not be as stable as trucks carrying other types of cargo. Liquid materials might move around in the tanker, leading to instability. This can increase the risk of accidents and may require drivers and companies to take extra steps to secure cargo.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a hazmat truck accident in Texas, the Cooper Law Firm are truck accident lawyers who may be able to assist you with making a claim for medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, and pain and suffering damages. Furthermore, if a hazmat truck spilled hazardous materials near your neighborhood and you believe that you or a loved one might have been exposed, you may also have certain rights under the law. The Cooper Law Firm are truck accident lawyers who help families whose lives have been devastated by truck accidents in Texas. Contact the Cooper Law Firm, truck accident attorneys in Texas today to learn more about your options and rights under the law following a hazmat truck accident.
What Items are Considered Hazardous Materials?
Trucks and drivers carrying hazardous materials must take special precautions to avoid accidents and prevent exposing the public to these potentially dangerous chemicals and materials. What constitutes a hazardous material? According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, hazardous materials are defined as:
- Materials that pose an explosive risk
- Materials that pose a risk of being projectiles in an accident
- Gases
- Poisonous or toxic materials
- Materials that are dangerous when wet
- Infectious substances
- Radioactive material
- Corrosives
- Dangerous goods
- And any item that might pose a risk to other drivers while being transported
Trucks transporting these kinds of materials may face additional restrictions. They may only be permitted to travel on certain roads. These materials may only be permitted to be transported at certain times of the day, and drivers may have to undergo additional training to transport these materials safely. Drivers may also have to pass additional security clearances before they are permitted to transport hazardous materials.
If you’ve been in an accident with a hazmat truck, you and your family may have the right to seek damages for your losses. When truck companies cut corners to save money and accidents occur, victims and families may have the right to seek damages from these companies. The Cooper Law Firm are truck accident lawyers in Texas who work hard to protect the rights of families who have been impacted by Hazmat truck accidents. Our firm can review the details of your crash, determine whether the truck company was at fault for your crash, and fight to help you get the settlement your family may deserve.
Hazmat Truck Accident Injuries
When hazmat trucks are involved in accidents, there is a greater risk of fire, greater risk that victims will be exposed to dangerous chemicals, and greater risk of injury or loss of life. If a hazmat truck explodes during a crash, victims can suffer serious burn injuries. Burn injuries can be incredibly painful and can require a long recovery period. Victims may require skin grafts or may need plastic surgery as a result of disfigurement from burn injuries. Inhaling dangerous chemicals can also damage the lungs and throat. If chemicals get into a person’s eyes, the chemicals can blind victims. Individuals can also suffer internal injuries if the chemicals are absorbed by the skin or are ingested in an accident. Hazmat truck accident victims may also be exposed to dangerous chemicals, including radioactive or infectious substances. In addition to these risks, victims might also suffer serious injuries common to truck accidents like spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, internal injuries, and other serious injuries. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury as a result of a hazardous material truck accident, you and your family may have the right to seek damages for your lost wages, medical costs, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation expenses. The Cooper Law Firm are truck accident lawyers in Texas who may be able to assist you with your claim.
Seek Damages in Your Hazmat Accident in Texas
According to the FMCSA, trucks carrying hazardous materials must have insurance policies of at least $1 million. In some cases, trucks may even be required to hold insurance policies as high as $5 million. Truck companies and their insurers may try to avoid paying claims by arguing that the passenger vehicle driver was at fault for a crash. This is why it might be important to seek representation from a truck accident lawyer in Texas.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a hazmat truck accident in Texas, protect your rights. The Cooper Law Firm are truck accident attorneys in Texas who can take steps to evaluate your claim, estimate your damages, gather evidence of the other driver’s negligence, and fight to help you get the best possible claim permitted under the law. If you have been hurt in a truck accident in Texas, you may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim. The Cooper Law Firm are compassionate and caring truck accident lawyers in Texas who may be able to protect your rights and help you seek justice for your losses.
