Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer

A tanker truck accident often has the potential to take many lives. Tankers sometimes haul explosive gasses and other liquids. If ignited in a crash, it can explode, causing more damage and costing more lives than a similar truck accident with any other vehicle. Because of this danger, you may suffer serious injuries in a tanker truck accident, as well as post-traumatic stress. So, if you’re in such a crash, call the best tanker truck accident lawyer in New Jersey at RAM Law. They take care of your pursuit of justice while you heal.

What Is a Tanker Truck?

A tanker truck, also known as a tanker lorry or tanker, is a large vehicle built to transport liquids, gases or powders in bulk quantities. The tanks on these trucks are typically made of steel, aluminum or other durable materials. They’re designed to hold a variety of substances, including:

• Water
• Gasoline
• Diesel fuel
• Industrial chemicals
• Hazardous materials
• Liquified gases
• Milk
• Food-grade products

Tanker trucks are commonly used in the transportation of fuel and other petroleum products from refineries and storage depots to fuel stations and other distribution points. Tanker trucks come in various sizes and configurations, depending on the type and amount of cargo being transported. Some tanker trucks are equipped with multiple compartments, allowing them to carry different products at the same time, while others have specialized equipment for handling specific types of cargo, such as pumps and hoses for chemical transport.

A fully-loaded tanker is a heavy vehicle, which can do significant damage in an accident. But tanker trucks present a greater danger than most trucks on the road because of their cargo, which may be flammable. Contact a tanker truck accident attorney like those at RAM Law in New Jersey. These experts help you navigate the legal challenges in the aftermath of a tanker truck accident.

What Are the Regulations Ruling Tanker Trucks?

The federal government has many regulations in place concerning the use of tanker trucks. These rules try to ensure the safe transportation of goods and the protection of the environment. Some of the most common and applicable federal regulations include:

• Vehicle design. Tanker trucks must be designed and built to specific safety standards, including requirements for the materials used in the construction of the tank, the type of valves and fittings used, and the presence of safety devices such as emergency shut-off valves and rollover protection systems.
• Loading and unloading. Tanker trucks must be loaded in a safe manner to prevent spills and other accidents. They also have special requirements for unloading the cargo.
• Specialized driver training. Tanker truck drivers must undergo extra training to learn how to handle the unique challenges of transporting liquids, gases and other bulk products.
• Hazardous materials care. Tanker trucks carrying hazardous materials must comply with specific regulations governing the handling and transportation of these materials.
• Inspection and maintenance. Tanker trucks have to be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure that they’re in good working condition, including the braking system.
• Environmental protection. Tanker trucks must comply with regulations designed to protect the environment, including requirements for spill prevention and response. There are also limits on emissions and noise levels.

Due to the nature of transporting liquids and gases, the government does everything in its power to protect the public from tanker truck accidents. If an accident does happen, take care of your health first, but then reach out to a tanker truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and get a fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Causes Tanker Truck Accidents?

While tanker trucks play a crucial role in the transportation industry, these vehicles pose unique safety risks due to their potential of hazardous materials being involved. There are several common causes of tanker truck accidents, including:

• Driver error. Driver negligence and mistakes can cause a tanker truck accident. This category includes driving too fast, weather or road conditions, driver fatigue, distracted driving and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Equipment failure. Equipment failure, such as steering system failure or tire blowouts, can cause a tanker truck to lose control. Poor maintenance may be the cause of the mechanical failures, pointing to trucking company negligence.If a truck part failed, leading to the accident, it may be the manufacturer at fault.

Tanker truck accidents can have severe consequences due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Passenger vehicles are no match in a crash. If you’re involved in an accident with one of these trucks, you will need legal guidance to process a settlement claim for your damages. You can’t handle the legalities of your case without a qualified tanker truck accident lawyer.

What Are the Results from a Tanker Truck Accident?

In any type of truck accident, the consequences are often severe. No matter what kind of truck is involved, it’s going to do a lot of damage to the surrounding smaller passenger vehicles, as well as any property. Other drivers are likely to suffer injuries, as well.

Add in the extra dynamic of the danger of a tanker, and the damage and injuries can multiply. The results of a tanker truck accident can be nothing short of catastrophic. The results of a tanker truck accident may include:

• Injuries, such as burns or broken bones
• Fatalities
• Environmental damage
• Traffic disruption
• Potential explosion, if the tanker’s carrying an inflammable substance
• Property damage
• Legal and financial consequences

How Is Liability Determined in a Tanker Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a tanker truck accident is often a complex process. It depends on several factors because the cause of the accident first has to be identified. And the blame may rest with more than one party, such as:

• The driver. If the accident was caused by driver error, the driver may be held liable for your damages.
• The trucking company. If the accident was caused by equipment failure, poor maintenance or an undertrained driver, the trucking company may be held liable. In many cases, both the driver and the trucking company are held liable for damages.
• The shipper or receiver of the cargo. If the accident happened because the cargo was improperly loaded or secured, the shipper or receiver of the cargo may be held liable.
• Other drivers or entities. In some cases, other drivers or governmental entities may be held at least partially liable for damages if their actions contributed to the accident.

If you were injured in a tanker truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including any medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage and other damages. The amount of compensation you may be able to recover depends on the specific facts of your case and the extent of your damages. A skilled tanker truck accident attorney at RAM Law evaluates your case and pursues the compensation you deserve. Contact this law firm to get results.