Fuel trucks play an important role in our economy. However, these vehicles can pose a hazard to others while on the road. Fuel trucks transport flammable chemicals, meaning that collisions with these vehicles can lead to explosions, serious injuries, and fatalities.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a fuel truck, a Jacksonville fuel truck lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can fight for your right to compensation. We’re familiar with the obstacles that are present in these types of claims and can help you understand your legal options. You can learn more with a free, no-obligation consultation. Get started when you call our Jacksonville truck accident lawyers.
Dangers of Fuel Trucks
Fuel trucks must be operated with care to avoid injuring others in an accident. The following factors may contribute to the severity of collisions involving these large vehicles:
- Weight. Small tanker trucks have the capacity to hold 3,000 gallons of fuel, while large tanker trucks can hold 11,600 gallons of fuel, according to Transcourt Tank Leasing. The weight and size of a fuel truck alone can cause life-threatening injuries to the occupants of a passenger vehicle.
- Combustible cargo. If a fuel truck collides with another vehicle, it may cause an explosion because of the highly combustible materials the truck is carrying. You may be able to file a wrongful death claim if you lost a loved one in a fuel truck accident.
- Longer braking time. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a fully loaded truck traveling at 65 miles per hour needs the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop. Truckers must employ safe driving practices when it comes to braking.
- Maneuverability. Fuel trucks can be more difficult to maneuver. Truckers must be properly vetted, trained, and screened before being hired to drive a fuel truck. If not, the trucker and their employer could be held financially responsible in the event of an accident.
- Environmental damage. When a fuel truck crashes, oil may flood the roadway and cause secondary accidents. Your Jacksonville fuel truck lawyer can explain your legal options if this factor caused your collision.
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we understand that many contributing elements could have resulted in your injuries and expenses. Our Jacksonville Beach personal injury lawyers will conduct an investigation into your accident to determine who can be held responsible for your losses.
Call us today to review your situation with a free consultation.
Reasons to Work With a Jacksonville Fuel Truck Accident Lawyer at Our Firm
You do not have to try to recover compensation on your own. Instead, you have the chance to get legal assistance in your corner.
A Jacksonville truck accident lawyer with our firm will:
Gather Evidence
Evidence will be the foundation of your case, as it will point us to the party who caused the accident.
Your lawyer can:
- Visit the scene of your accident
- Interview eyewitnesses
- Obtain your medical records
- Access your police report
- Review photos and available video footage from the scene
In some cases, our lawyers even work with accident reconstruction teams. These teams work to show that another driver caused your collision.
Handle All Case-Related Communication
Insurance agents will likely reach out to you after a collision involving a fuel truck. They may turn the things you say against you. For example, if you say that you’re sorry the accident happened, they could take it as an admission of fault for the collision.
We recommend allowing your lawyer to handle these conversations.
Assess Your Losses
Fuel truck accidents often cause serious injuries, as well as damage to your vehicle. We can use the evidence in your case to calculate the cost of your accident-related expenses and fight for your right to compensation.
Common forms of damages truck accident victims pursue include:
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Past and expected medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Property damage costs
If your loved one passed away from their fuel truck accident injuries, you can recover wrongful death damages.
Meet Important Deadlines
The state restricts how long you have to pursue damages from the other party. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), personal injury claimants typically have four years to file a lawsuit. If you’re filing a wrongful death lawsuit, Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d) dictates that in most cases, you have two years to take action.
Don’t wait too long to get started, as the court may not listen to your case if you try to file past the deadline.
Take These Steps Following Your Fuel Truck Accident in Jacksonville
You have the option to take proactive steps in the aftermath of a collision. Focus on the future by:
- Contacting the police to report the accident
- Calling for an ambulance if anyone sustained an injury
- Getting contact information from the truck driver and eyewitnesses
- Snapping pictures of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle
Getting medical care right after an accident helps create a paper trail. Our lawyers can use this kind of documentation to show that the accident directly caused your injuries.
Possible Injuries from a Fuel Truck Crash
Right now, you could be suffering from many different injuries that impact your quality of life. Due to the tremendous size of fuel trucks, other drivers often end up facing serious injuries, including:
- Head trauma
- Whiplash
- Broken and fractured bones
- Spinal cord trauma
- Chemical burns
- Cuts and lacerations
The Jacksonville fuel truck lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine understand how accident injuries can alter a person’s life. We put you first and handle all aspects of your legal claim, giving you a chance to focus on your recovery.
Throughout your recovery process, we provide you with up-to-date information about the state of your claim. You’ll receive your attorney’s phone number, allowing you to call when you have questions about any part of your case.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a fuel truck collision, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine stands ready to assist you. Call us today for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal rights and options. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis.
You can count on a Jacksonville fuel truck accident lawyer on our team to go the extra mile for you. You worry about getting better. We’ll take care of everything else.
We Can Help.
