Every motorist should know the sight of a tanker truck. They often carry oil or some other type of hazardous liquid that typically is identified somewhere on the exterior of the truck. If a tanker truck is being operated by a driver that is behaving negligently, every person in the near vicinity of the vehicle is in danger. If you or a family member was seriously injured in an oil tanker accident, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia tanker truck accident lawyer.
The injury lawyers at the Reiff Law Firm are devoted to providing you with the unique legal representation that you deserve. An injury caused by a collision with an oil tanker will likely leave you with expensive medical bills and various other problems, but our firm is here to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, call the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
Dangers of Oil Tanker Crashes
Oil tanker crashes are far more dangerous than other commercial vehicle accidents because of the materials that are transported within these trucks. A truck driver that is operating an oil tanker cannot afford to drive while fatigued or to operate the tanker over the posted speed limits unless they want to risk their life and the lives of other drivers. Unfortunately, some truck drivers will overestimate their ability to maneuver an oil tanker and end up causing a serious or fatal accident.
The following is a list of the dangers associated with oil tanker crashes.
Rollovers
If the driver of an oil tanker is operating the vehicle negligently, this can lead to a rollover. For example, if a truck driver exits from the highway at a high rate of speed, they can easily lose control of the tanker and flip over. The liquids inside a tanker can also make a truck difficult to maneuver and will make it easier for weight to shift in a certain direction and cause an accident.
Sloshing
If a tanker is carrying oil or another liquid that only occupies about 75% or less of the space in the tank, the vehicle will be prone to “sloshing.” Sloshing is when the substance inside the tank moves back and forth and causes the driver to lose control of the truck. A truck driver should be aware of when their tanker is not filled to avoid making any aggressive maneuvers that can cause a serious accident.
Explosions/Fires
One of the most dangerous possibilities that can occur with an oil tanker crash is an explosion. The force of an accident may cause enough damage to a tanker to cause it to explode. Depending on the substance inside the tanker, the explosion could engulf several vehicles and people nearby.
If an individual is caught in a tanker explosion, it is likely that they may be fatally injured. Under other circumstances, a victim could suffer from serious burn injuries. If you observe liquid leaking from a tanker after a car accident, you should move a considerable distance away from the tanker. It can be difficult to know how far the liquid spread after an accident and if it is ignited, you can be severely burned.
Chemical Spills
There are various issues that may arise if chemicals spill from a tanker. For example, if a non-flammable substance is spread on the road after a tanker accident, this can make it difficult for vehicles to stop if they are driving over the liquid. This scenario can cause multiple accidents as drivers try to maneuver through the chemical spill.
Another hazard posed by chemical spills is the toxic fumes being released into the atmosphere. Depending on the type of chemicals in the tanker, nearby drivers or pedestrians can suffer respiratory injuries after inhaling the fumes.
Additionally, if you are hit with chemicals from a tanker, there is a possibility that you can suffer from a chemical burn. Chemical burns can cause a variety of issues like severe scarring and disfigurement.
If you need to file a claim concerning an oil tanker accident, our firm is ready to help you. You should be wary of speaking with any representatives from the trucking company as they may try to diminish your claim.
Our Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys are Ready to Work with You
If you or a family member was the victim of an oil tanker crash, you should contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney today. The legal team at the Reiff Law Firm possess decades of legal experience litigating a variety of personal injury cases, and we are prepared to use this knowledge to represent you. To schedule a free legal consultation, call the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
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