Austin Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer

Were you injured in a car accident with a tanker truck? Was it due to the truck driver or another negligent party’s misconduct? If so, contact the Austin personal injury attorneys of Loewy Law Firm to learn about your legal options and the services we can provide to get you the money you’re owed. You deserve compensation for the expenses you incur from the collision. If someone else’s actions were entirely to blame, you should not be financially responsible for your losses.

A tanker truck is a large commercial vehicle used for storing and carrying hazardous substances, such as chemicals and gases. They can also hold beverages, liquids, and dry goods, such as flour and grain. Unlike the rectangular trailer on a semi-truck, the compartment on a tanker is cylindrical. Flammable liquids and other dangerous materials have a more stable environment during transport due to this design.

Although they are necessary vehicles, tanker trucks can cause massive destruction, debilitating injuries, and death in collisions with passenger cars. The violent impact of a crash plus the hazards spilled chemicals can create often have devastating consequences for anyone involved. At Loewy Law Firm, we understand the challenges you face while recovering from your injury and seeking compensation from the at-fault party. You can depend on us to work hard toward a favorable outcome in your case.

For a free consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable Austin tanker truck accident lawyer, call Loewy Law Firm today at (512) 280-0800.

Parties You Can Hold Liable for a Tanker Truck Accident

The truck driver, their employer, and multiple other parties could be at fault for an accident involving a tanker truck.

Common parties involved in tanker truck accidents include:

  • Truck driver
  • Trucking company
  • Manufacturer of the vehicle and its parts
  • Maintenance and repair workers
  • Owner of the tanker
  • Company or employees responsible for filling the compartment with the substances

Loewy Law Firm is familiar with the process of investigating tanker truck accidents and collecting available evidence to prove whose actions are responsible. We can help you build a solid case and seek the compensation you need from the negligent person or company.

Common Causes of Tanker Truck Accidents

Tankers pose a significant risk of harm to the driver and the occupants of other vehicles during an accident. The trucker must have the necessary licensing, training, and experience to operate a tanker truck safely. They should also know how to handle hazards they encounter and what to do in an emergency.

Maneuvering a tanker truck on roadways requires a thorough knowledge of its structure and all moving parts. The vehicle is massive, heavy, and contains flammable and combustible materials that can lead to life-threatening injuries if they leak or spill out onto the road. Fires and explosions commonly occur during these accidents, releasing toxic fumes into the air and causing severe burns to the injured victims.

The most common causes of tanker accidents include:

  • Inadequate maintenance and repairs – It’s necessary to maintain any commercial truck to ensure it runs correctly. Lack of routine maintenance and failure to address damage and defects could cause chemicals to leak from the tank, the brake system to fail, or the entire vehicle to stop functioning.
  • Distracted driving – In 2019, distracted driving killed 3,142 people in motor vehicle accidents. Texting isn’t the only dangerous distraction. Anything that redirects the driver’s focus from the task of driving to something else can result in a crash.
  • Speeding or driving too fast for conditions – Driving over the speed limit prevents a truck driver from being able to stop in time if traffic ahead should slow or suddenly stop. Additionally, speeding during adverse weather or on dangerous roadways poses risks to the occupants of other vehicles if the driver loses control of their truck.
  • Maneuvering and braking errors – A massive truck like a tanker requires preparation when stopping and turning. The driver should begin to brake well ahead of a stop sign or red light, so they don’t crash into the back of another vehicle or end up in the middle of the intersection.
  • Defective truck parts – A faulty part on a tanker can prevent the vehicle from running correctly. The cargo compartment could come unlatched, or the engine could stall. Anything that causes problems like this increases the risk of a dangerous accident.
  • Inexperienced drivers – Some companies experience staff shortages or trouble retaining employees. They might cut corners and forego adequate screening of new drivers. That can place an inexperienced or reckless trucker on the road piloting 80,000 pounds of steel.
  • Tailgating – Truck drivers should always leave enough space between their truck and the vehicle in front of them. Tailgating another driver means they won’t have enough time or distance to bring their vehicle to a complete stop when necessary to avoid a collision.
  • Driving under the influence – Some people turn to illegal drugs to keep them awake during long-haul trips. Unfortunately, these substances can cause symptoms that prevent the driver from operating the vehicle at total mental or physical capacity.
  • Failure to check blind spots – Every commercial truck, including tankers, has four blind spots. The standard compact car only has two. There is a blind spot in the front and back of the truck and on either side. It’s crucial to check blind spots when necessary to avoid sideswiping another vehicle while changing lanes or turning.
  • Fatigued driving – Commercial truck drivers spend long hours on the road. Fatigue can set in and prevent them from having total control over their vehicles. Like drunk driving symptoms, fatigue can lead to poor decision-making, slower reaction time, and loss of consciousness at the wheel.

If you were involved in an accident with a tanker truck for any reason, you should consult an Austin tanker truck accident lawyer to determine whether you have a case. The at-fault party should be held accountable for their wrongdoing and provide the compensation you need to afford your medical treatment and heal your injuries.

Possible Compensation in a Tanker Truck Accident Case

Texas is a fault state. That means the person that causes an accident becomes financially responsible for the injured party’s losses. These losses can include:

  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Physical impairment or disfigurement
  • Loss of household services
  • Property damage

Motor carriers using tanker trucks to transport hazardous substances must purchase liability insurance with minimum limits as required by federal regulations. The amount of these limits depends on whether the vehicle operates in the state or is taken across state lines and the type of substances contained in the cargo compartment.

You could seek compensation for the losses you suffered by filing a claim with the liability insurance company. Coverage is often high enough to cover your medical bills and other expenses. However, just because a specific liability limit is available does not necessarily mean that’s the amount of money you will receive. It depends on the circumstances of your case, such as the severity of your injury, your total medical expenses, and other contributing factors.

Contact Us

If you suffered injuries in a tanker truck accident, call Loewy Law Firm to discuss your case. Our Austin tanker truck accident lawyer can review the facts of the crash and advise whether we can represent you. We will be your advocate and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Call us at (512) 280-0800 today.