Columbia Tanker Truck Accident Attorney
Gas or fuel trucks are usually referred to as tanker trucks. However, tanker trucks also include large trucks that transport consumable and non-consumable liquids, such as gasoline, chemicals, sewage, milk, water, and wine. Accidents involving tanker trucks can be devastating because of their weight, and the materials they are carrying could cause additional damage.
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured because of a tanker truck driver’s negligence. Contact one of Goings Law Firm, LLC ‘s experienced Columbia truck accident attorneys to preserve your rights and increase your chances of receiving maximum compensation. You can reach us by calling (803) 350-9230 or contacting us through our online form for a free case evaluation.
Causes of Tanker Truck Accidents in Columbia
Typically, tanker truck accidents can lead to more devastating injuries than other car crashes because not only are trucks more massive in size and weight than passenger vehicles, but also an explosion could occur when a tanker truck collides with another vehicle.
To be entitled to compensation, you must show that someone else’s negligence caused the collision. Driver negligence may include the following:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Driving aggressively, such as swerving in and out of traffic
- Driver fatigue
- Inexperienced driving
In addition to the negligence of the tanker’s driver, their employer or truck owner may be found to be negligent if they fail to maintain the vehicle or hire an experienced driver.
Types of Tanker Truck Accidents
Tanker trucks could be involved in any of these types of collisions:
- Rear-end collisions: Tanker trucks weigh more than an average passenger vehicle. As a result, it takes a lot longer for them to slow down. If a tanker truck driver is speeding or is driving while distracted, it can cause rear-end collision resulting in severe injuries.
- Jackknife accidents: When tanker trucks stop quickly or try and swerve to avoid hitting another vehicle, they may jackknife, which means that the cabin and the trailer bend in toward each other. These accidents can cause pile-up collisions because other cars are trying to avoid a large trailer blocking the roadway.
- Rollover accidents: Tanker trucks have a higher center of gravity than other types of trucks. Because of their top-heaviness, they are prone to rolling over if the driver takes a turn at too high a speed.
- Override accidents: When a tanker blows through a red light or stop sign, the driver of a vehicle approaching from the side could run under the trailer in what is called an “override” accident. This type of collision could also result when a trucker fails to check blind spots before changing lanes and catches a passenger vehicle beneath the trailer.
Common Tanker Truck Injuries
Some injuries that are commonly sustained from tanker truck accidents include:
- First, second-, and third-degree burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Wrongful death
- Scarring and disfigurement
Recoverable Compensation in Tanker Truck Accidents in Columbia
Even if you do not sustain a severe injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your accident-related injuries and losses. You could be eligible for money to cover:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Physical therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning of capacity
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
If you were seriously injured, you could require medical treatment for long periods, maybe even indefinitely. An experienced Columbia truck accident attorney will review the facts of your case and ensure that you are requesting the compensation you deserve.
If your case goes to trial, you may be able to seek punitive damages if you can prove by clear and convincing evidence that the negligent party’s conduct was willful, wanton, or reckless. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for their actions.
Who Could Be Responsible for Tanker Truck Accidents in Columbia
If you were injured in a tanker truck accident because of someone else’s negligence, you could file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the liable parties demanding compensation. For example, the following parties could be liable in a tanker truck accident:
- The driver: If the tanker driver’s actions or inactions caused the collision, they could be held liable for the losses resulting from the collision.
- The trucking company: If the trucking company hires an inexperienced driver or allows a driver to break laws or regulations, the trucking company could be held liable for the collision.
- The cargo company: If a cargo company is responsible for loading the tanker truck and they fail to properly load it, and that failure causes a crash, the cargo company could be held liable for the damages caused.
- The mechanic: If a mechanic is responsible for adequately maintaining and repairing the tanker truck but fails to do so and that failure causes a collision, the mechanic could be held liable.
- The truck or parts manufacturer: If a component or system on the tanker fails and causes a crash, the manufacturer of the truck or the specific failed part could be held liable.
What Could You Be Compensated For?
When you’re injured because of someone else’s wrongdoing, you are entitled to pursue compensation to cover your injuries and losses that result from the crash. You could be eligible for money for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
Tanker Truck Regulations
Several state and federal regulations may apply to tanker trucks, including:
- Federal safety regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets safety regulations for truck drivers and trucking companies. The FMCSA regulations require tanker truck drivers to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and to receive additional training to operate tanker truck vehicles. Additionally, the FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations require that a driver take breaks after driving for a certain amount of time. They also limit how many hours a trucker can drive within a week.
- State regulations: Under state law, drivers must be licensed to drive commercial trucks. This licensing requires that drivers get a CDL.
Contact an Experienced Tanker Truck Attorney Today
The Columbia truck accident attorneys of Goings Law Firm, LLC have experience representing clients in tanker truck accidents and getting them the compensation they deserve from negligent parties.
If you were injured in a collision caused by the negligence of a tanker truck driver or company, you are entitled to seek compensation to cover your losses. Contact our tanker truck accident attorneys by calling us at (803) 350-9230 or through our online form for a free case evaluation and to learn more about your options to get compensation for your injuries.
