Tanker truck accidents can be devastating. The sheer size of these vehicles is not the only risk they raise to road users since they also transport hazardous substances. It is the one reason tanker truck accidents are more complicated than other vehicle accidents.
As a tanker truck accident victim, you can seek damages for any injuries you suffered. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, our St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer will work tirelessly to earn you compensation.
Causes of Tanker Truck Accidents
With the hazardous materials tankers carry, only well-trained and experienced drivers should operate them. There are several reasons why a tanker truck accident may occur, including:
- Distracted driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, medications, or illegal drugs
- Driver fatigue due to long hours on the road
- Tanker truck malfunctions and maintenance issues
- Poor road conditions
- Changes in weather
Unsafe Elements of Tanker Truck Accidents
Tanker trucks are delicate and usually carry harmful chemicals, gases, or other volatile liquids. There are a few concerns when a tanker truck is involved in an accident, including:
Leaks and Spills
Most tanker truck accidents lead to leaks; this endangers the lives of other motorists, local businesses, and homes. Although most modern trucks are modified to prevent leaks in case of rollovers and accidents, spills still occur, which can cause death and cataphoric damages.
Accidents Caused by “Sloshing”
Tanker trucks frequently carry liquid cargo, making them prone to the movement of liquids within the tanker, which can cause the truck to become unstable. For example, if a tanker truck were to slam on its brakes, the liquid would rush to the front of the tank, causing the braking distance to increase.
Fire and Explosions
In extreme collisions, highly flammable liquids, gases, or combustible materials can ignite and explode. Controlling the fire and/or explosion is vital to protecting more lives and reducing the ecological impact. Unfortunately, these accidents do not usually bode well for the driver or other involved vehicles.
Safety Tips to Avoid Tanker Truck Accidents
As a driver, you may not always be capable of preventing tanker truck crashes. The tanker truck driver’s responsibility is to keep other road users safe from the truck by avoiding accidents. Meanwhile, you can take several actions to help protect yourself while on the road.
- Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the tanker truck.
- Avoid blind spots and pass tanker trucks on the correct side.
- Stay alert and drive cautiously when you approach a tanker truck, at the same time, checking your surroundings.
- Avoid distracted or drowsy driving.
Recovering Damages After a Tanker Truck Accident
If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a tanker truck accident in St. Petersburg, you are likely facing substantial financial losses due to medical bills and/or funeral costs. Once our attorneys at The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine establish the at-fault party, we will start thorough investigations on what types of damages you’re eligible to receive.
Here are some factors that can determine your settlement:
- Insurance policy limits of the trucking company involved in the accident and the truck driver
- Types of medical surgeries and treatment you undergo after the accident
- How the accident has affected your life-financially, emotionally, and physically
Damages That May Apply to Your Claim
The possible types of damages you may receive from injuries sustained from your tanker truck accident include:
- Lost wages (current and future)
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Property damage
- The cost of repairing and replacing your vehicle
When a tanker truck accident victim suffers a tragic loss of life, family members who depend on the deceased for financial support may seek compensation. They may file for a wrongful death lawsuit; a victim’s estate may also recover compensation for losses the victim could have recovered had they survived.
Among the damages recovered in wrongful death claim include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of consortium for the loss of physical intimacy and companionship
What Can a St. Petersburg Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
Most tanker truck crashes often result in devastating or even fatal injuries. We understand the aftermath tanker truck accidents impose on your financial, psychological, and physical well-being. We will go the extra mile to fight for your legal rights, investigate every aspect of your case, and strive to help you get fair compensation.
A St. Petersburg tanker truck accident lawyer will work to:
- Collect evidence
- Investigate your case
- Review witness statements
- Speak with experts regarding your case
- Review your injuries and prognosis with your doctor
- Determine the at-fault party
- File your claim or lawsuit
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Represent you in court if necessary
What does a St. Petersburg Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we do not charge by the hour or require any upfront fees. If we believe you have a case, we will gladly accept your case, move forward with our investigation, and file your claim. You will only pay our law office if we win or settle your case.
We know you are worried about bills coming in because of the accident on top of your regular bills; a personal injury lawyer’s added expense is unnecessary. We only take our payment from the potential compensation we secure for you.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine
Regardless of where you are in your recovery, we want to help you. While you work on healing your body and spending time with loved ones, we will take on the task of filing a legal claim for you. After your accident, you deserve to receive compensation for the wrongdoings that took place.
We Can Help.
