Tankers transport gasoline, gases, and liquids as well as substances like cement and even bio-hazardous materials. We rely on tankers to transport chemicals as well as everyday substances we need. People who live in colder climates, for example, may rely on tankers to get heating oil for their homes. The construction industry relies on tankers for cement.
Tanker Trucks Pose Unique Dangers on Our Roads
While tankers are important, they can also be deadly on our roads. These types of commercial trucks have a number of special hazards, when compared with flatbed trucks or tractor trailers:
- The liquids in tankers can move around inside the truck, shifting the center of balance.
- Tankers have a high center of gravity, making them subject to rollovers.
- Tankers can be used to transport hazardous materials, including flammable materials, bio-hazardous materials, and even radioactive materials. These products can become deadly in a collision.
- Tankers have large blind spots.
- Tankers may make frequent stops, especially if they are delivering fuel or other products.
- Tanker cargo can leak.
In most cases, drivers share the road with tankers without any problems. However, when an accident involving one of these collisions occurs, the results can be deadly. If the vehicle is carrying hazardous material, the resulting spill or explosion can cause an environmental disaster and can affect the health of people over a wide area — even people not directly involved in the crash.
What Can You Do if You Have Been Injured?
If you have been involved in a collision with a tanker in Hollywood or any community, one of the first questions you will want to ask is what the tanker was carrying. If the tanker was carrying something that is flammable, your initial priority is to move out of the way as quickly as possible before the material can catch fire or explode. If there is no immediate danger, get medical assistance. If you have been exposed to a chemical or to potentially dangerous fumes, you may need additional medical care.
Take photos of the accident scene if you can and get the contact and registration number of the driver as well as any witnesses. Contact a Hollywood personal injury attorney as soon as you can. These cases can be quite complex, especially if dangerous cargo was involved or if you have breathed in fumes that could affect you years from now but haven’t necessarily presented symptoms right away. A personal injury lawyer in your community can take steps immediately to protect your interests and to ensure that you get fair compensation for the pain and suffering, damages, trauma, and medical costs you have incurred.
Are you looking for personal injury lawyer in South Florida? Contact our law firm. Flaxman Law Group is a full-service legal firm in South Florida, with offices in Hollywood, Homestead, and Miami. We offer a free, no obligation and no hassle consultation for new clients, so if you have questions we would like to be able to provide you with answers and solutions. Contact us today for your free appointment.