Tanker Truck Accidents Pose Unique Risks
Any highway accident that involves a tanker truck poses risks very different and much riskier than the average car accident. Because of these higher risks, drivers, passengers, and also those in other vehicles are at substantial risk of devastating injury or even death from tanker truck accidents.
Contents of the Truck
Tanker trucks can carry water and food products. But, they also can carry corrosive or toxic chemicals, radioactive materials, and other highly dangerous products. In this way, these types of cargoes, which are likely to spill in an accident, can cause secondary contact injuries, fires, and the spread of toxic fumes and radiation. Some of the hazardous materials can include:
- Gasoline and diesel
- Ethanol
- Other petroleum products
- Radioactive materials
- Pesticides
- Corrosive chemicals
- Flammable materials
Physics of the Load
The contents are often liquid, therefore the side-to-side and back-to-front movement of the contents make rollover accidents far more common. But, there are tankers with various kinds of dividers and baffles inside the tank, moreover which are intended to solve this problem. Unfortunately, while they can alleviate the problem, they do not eliminate it. Whether the tank is not fully loaded the potential for movement increases and also the risks that movement creates.
Leaking Tanks
Sometimes, without the driver even being aware of it, a tanker can be leading its hazardous contents. And if this leaves behind a trail of corrosive or flammable liquids or creates a stream of toxic fumes, absolutely the result is not good for anyone.
Fires and Explosions
The frequent follow-on to a collision is a fire or explosion. At this time, victims in the truck and the other vehicles involved in the accident can suffer catastrophic burns from the fires. Explosions with elevated levels of fatalities, certainly are the result of a tanker truck accident. In addition to this, the explosion creates tremendous forces on the flammable contents, and flames are widely spread. So, both conditions contribute to the high death rate from these accidents.
Common Tanker Truck Injuries
In this way, all of these factors contribute to the life-altering and life-threatening nature of the injuries suffered in tanker truck accidents. Also, among these potentially very severe injuries are:
- Internal organ and torso injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries with potential for paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Burns
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Death
Therefore, all of these injuries have the potential to substantially impact the quality of life of their victims. Particularly paralysis, loss of earning capacity, loss of motor and cognitive function, and mood disorders resulting from scarring and disfigurement all contribute to the unique tragedy that a tanker truck accident can create.
Contact a Round Rock Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you have been the victim of a tanker truck accident or lost a loved one to one of these catastrophic accidents, you should consult with an experienced and knowledgeable truck accident attorney at Elissa I. Henry Law Firm, PLLC. The compensation issues involved in these accidents are deep, complex, and broad. A skilled attorney will be able to accurately calculate your damages and achieve the best possible settlement for you. Contact us today or call 512-766-4529 to book an initial consultation and case evaluation.
