Naples Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer
Despite the widespread use of trains and airplanes to haul cargo, most freight in the United States is still transported by truck. In particular, tanker trucks (or tank trucks) are the primary means of moving critical supplies like grains, gasoline, diesel, and hazardous chemicals around the country. This means that in the event of an accident, there is an enhanced risk of personal or environmental damage from the tanker truck’s cargo.
Tanker trucks must therefore be operated in a safe and responsible manner. If they are not and people are hurt, those victims have the right to seek compensation. A Naples tanker truck accident lawyer can provide valuable legal advice and representation. At Cardinal Law, P.A., we understand how to investigate these complex types of commercial trucking accidents and take appropriate legal action against those responsible.
The Special Risks Posed by Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks are readily identifiable by their long cylindrical trailers. These trailers are adapted to carry both liquid and non-liquid cargo. As previously noted, much of this cargo is considered hazardous. In addition to gasoline and diesel, a typical tank trunk may be carrying gasses like liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, or other dangerous substances like wastewater, fertilizer, and toxic chemicals.
For this reason, tanker truck drivers usually require special training and hazardous material (HAZMAT) certifications to operate their vehicles. But no amount of training or regulation can ever eliminate the risk of a reckless driver. A tanker truck accident is always a risk for several reasons, including but not limited to:
- Size and Weight – Tanker trucks are obviously much larger and much heavier than a passenger car. This means that the driver needs to account for additional space when braking to avoid collisions with other vehicles.
- Flipping Over – Given the weight imbalance in a tanker truck, turning too fast or too sharply can lead to the vehicle flipping over and potentially spilling its hazardous cargo onto the road.
- Driver Fatigue – Although there are multiple federal regulations in place to force tanker truck drivers to take regular rest and meal breaks, many drivers try to “push through” in order to meet strict delivery schedules, leading to fatigued driving.
- Blind Spots – A tanker truck has a substantially larger blind spot than a passenger car, making it more difficult for the driver to see other vehicles on all sides. A truck driver must therefore exercise special caution to avoid causing a collision.
- Lack of Maintenance – Not all tanker truck accidents are the fault of the driver. The companies that own and operate these vehicles often fail to perform regular safety inspections and maintenance. This can lead to a critical system failing while a driver is on the highway.
Contact Cardinal Law Today
Tanker truck accidents often leave multiple victims in their wake. In addition to the risk of death, victims may sustain a host of serious injuries, ranging from broken bones to internal bleeding and even paralysis. On top of that, victims may be faced with a long recovery process during which time they are unable to work and earn a living.
A Naples tanker truck accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for these and other damages. Contact Cardinal Law, P.A., today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our Florida personal injury practice.
