Oct 1
Gas Truck Accidents
Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer
A tanker truck accident has the potential to cause death or catastrophic injuries due to the size of the vehicle and hazardous cargo it carries. While there are many safeguards in place to minimize the risk of an accident, negligence still occurs.
If you or a loved one were involved in a tanker truck accident, contact the experienced and trial-proven lawyers at Mithoff Law to explore your options. Call 713-654-1122 or schedule a free consultation online to speak with one of our tanker accident attorneys.
“Mithoff has been one of Houston’s most respected attorneys for decades, handling such high-profile cases as the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Enron-related litigation on behalf of J.P, Morgan Chase and highly publicized bus and plant explosions.”
– David Barron, Houston Chronicle, June 26, 2019
Regulations for tanker trucks
Commercial trucking companies that transport hazardous material posing an unreasonable threat to the public and environment are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
These government agencies dictate all hazardous materials must be transported with appropriate documentation in clearly-labeled and secure tanks. Hazardous material governed by these agencies include:
- Flammable liquids
- Compressed gasses
- Toxic chemicals
- Corrosive materials
- Marine pollutants
FMCSA and PHMSA will investigate tanker truck accidents and issue fines if regulations are not followed. However, these agencies do not work for you, the injured party. In other words, it’s important to consider retaining an experienced tanker truck accident or personal injury lawyer to explore your options.
Causes of tanker truck accidents
Tanker truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a tanker endorsement to legally operate a vehicle carrying hazardous material. To obtain this specialized driver’s license, the individual must pass a written and practical exam. Depending on the company they drive for, they may also have to complete other testing and training.
Even with extensive education, driver error is still the most common cause of tanker truck accidents. Our network of industry experts will determine if your accident was caused by:
- Diver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Weather conditions
- Poorly secured loads
- Lack of training
- Manufacturing defects
- Lack of maintenance
Injuries associated with tanker truck accidents
Tanker trucks are larger and heavier than almost every other vehicle on the roadway. In a collision with another vehicle, the mass of the tanker truck paired with the hazardous cargo often causes greater injuries than a two-car accident.
The type and severity of the injury you incur will play a big role in determining the amount of compensation you may be eligible to recieve. Common injuries include:
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
- Brain injuries
- Disfiguring lacerations
How can a tanker truck accident attorney help?
Our experienced tanker truck accident lawyers have helped clients win large settlements from insurance companies to cover the cost of care and help families move forward. If you need someone on your side to guide you through the legal process with honesty and integrity, the trial-tested and compassionate lawyers at Mithoff Law are here to help.
We’ll work diligently to do the following:
- Determine whether or not you have a case: We’ll quickly identify whether the accident was caused by negligence and help you determine which parties are liable.
- Determine the types of compensation to which you may be entitled: From immediate medical treatment and ongoing care to lost wages, pain, and suffering, our team can help you determine the damages you may be eligible to receive.
- Determine whether you should seek a settlement or go to trial: We have decades of experience working with insurance and trucking companies, and we know when and how to push back on our client’s behalf.
- Take on large organizations.: If a trial is the only option, we will aggressively take on all liable parties and utilize our expert witnesses to effectively present your case.
Were you injured in a tanker truck accident? Mithoff Law can help.
If you or a loved one needs a tanker truck accident lawyer who can help you explore your options, then contact Mithoff Law. Our personal injury attorneys are nationally recognized and have won some of the most important personal injury cases of the century.
Call 713-654-1122 or schedule a free consultation online to get started.
