Tanker trucks and other commercial trucks can weigh up to forty tons. Because of this, the vehicles can be difficult to control. When tanker trucks are involved in an accident, the results can be devastating and sometimes even fatal. Tanker trucks are responsible for transporting fluids that can be flammable or hazardous.
If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, a Pembroke Pines tanker truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you understand your legal rights.
Steps to Take Following a Tanker Truck Accident
The moments immediately following an accident may end up very important for your case. If you have been in a tanker truck accident in the Pembroke Pines area, you may want to think about taking the following steps:
Seek Medical Attention
Following a tanker truck accident, it is necessary to get medical attention, even if you think you are okay. Be sure to maintain documentation of your medical treatments, including doctor’s reports, test results, and medical costs.
Collect Evidence
First, make sure that the scene is safe. Then, photograph any relevant parts of the scene. If a witness is around, get their contact information as well. After the wreck, write down what you remember about the accident. Often, truck accident cases can take a long time to conclude, so it is helpful to record how you felt during and after your accident.
Keep Documentation of All Related Expenses
Keep records of all expenses related to your truck accident. You should document any amount you paid in recovery efforts. It would be best to document medical bills, prescriptions, car repair bills, rental car fees, and more. Another key piece of documentation is the accident report. You should ascertain a copy of the accident report by calling the correct police precinct.
Be Careful When Talking with the Insurance Company
Some insurance policies require that an accident be immediately reported. If you are required, you must report the accident. However, be deliberate not to say too much. Remain cautious when asked to give a statement or sign any documentation.
It is also important to know that you may receive a settlement offer from the insurance company. In almost all cases, the insurance company offers a small percentage of what you are entitled to. Be wary; a Pembroke Pines truck accident lawyers can advise you on your legal rights.
Types of Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks transport fluids, such as gasoline and petroleum, across the country. Transporting large amounts of liquids adds to the already difficult responsibilities of a truck driver. There are three basic types of tanker trucks, and all three designs have flaws that can cause accidents. The three basic kinds of tanker trucks are:
- Smoothbore – A smoothbore tank contains one interior compartment. Due to this, the liquid in the tank moves freely. A full smoothbore tank will resist and slow the truck down when a truck accelerates. When a truck is forced to stop suddenly, the liquid rushes forward, sometimes causing the truck to skid or not stop in time.
- Bulkheads – Bulkhead tankers divide the large tank into separate compartments. This fixes some of the issues that arise from the Smoothbore tank, but a bulkhead tanker is still dangerous around curves. The truck can even tip over in some circumstances.
- Baffles – Baffles are a similar tank design to Bulkheads. The main difference is that Baffles contain holes in the dividers between tanker sections. Baffles, too, can be dangerous on curves and can sometimes flip.
If you were injured by a tanker truck accident of any kind in the Pembroke Pines area, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help.
Tanker Truck Accident Injuries
Because of the size of a tanker truck and the potentially dangerous materials that it carries, most tanker truck accidents cause significant injuries. Some injuries seen in tanker truck accidents with frequency include:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Cuts and other injuries from broken glass
- Burns and scarring
- Head injuries
- Injuries to the neck, back, or spine
- Internal bruising
- Organ damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Chest and torso injuries
How to Pursue Compensation
You are potentially entitled to damages if you have been in a tanker truck accident in the Pembroke Pines area. The first step in this process is to determine liability. In most tanker truck accidents, the liable party would be:
- The driver of the truck
- The truck company
- A third party company like those who inadequately maintained the vehicle or loaded it improperly
To establish liability, a victim must prove that the defendant either broke federal or state trucking laws or failed to exercise due care in the course of the accident. Furthermore, you must prove that the liability was a direct cause of the crash.
Finally, a tanker truck accident victim must prove damages incurred as a result of the accident. For a recent accident victim who is focused on recovery, these legal issues can feel unnecessarily complicated. A Pembroke Pines tanker truck accident lawyer can provide you with guidance.
What Damages Can I Claim?
Depending on the extent and severity of your injuries, you may be able to claim a wide variety of damages. Due to the nature of tanker trucks, severe and even life-altering injuries are sadly common. In previous tanker truck accident cases, we have recovered damages for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Vehicle repair bills
- Pain and suffering
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine
Our team has the resources to support you. Allow our lawyers to gather evidence and help you build a case, while you focus on recovery and rehabilitation.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is available to help you today with a free case review. Call today at 1-800-747-3733 for your complimentary consultation.
We Can Help.
