Many of the most dangerous liquid substances on the planet are transported on our highways every day by ordinary tanker trucks. The U.S. Department of Transportation places added restrictions on these deadly shipments. For instance, they are often not permitted in tunnels. Accidents that occur on other parts of the road, however, can result in fires, explosions, hazardous fumes, and chemical burns. Even when a tanker truck is carrying non-toxic cargo such as milk or water, the hazards from a collision or spill can pose serious risks to motorists or others nearby.

Injuries resulting from these wrecks are often catastrophic or deadly. Roads may be closed for hours and sometimes the surrounding area must be evacuated. The involvement of commercial attorneys and regulatory agencies often makes tanker truck accidents extremely complicated. And that can make it more difficult for victims to receive the compensation they deserve.

A Tallahassee truck accident lawyer at Searcy Denney knows how to cut through the red tape and secure the interests of victims and their families after a collision involving a tanker truck. You can trust our team to fight for maximum compensation to offset a variety of losses, no matter how complicated the case becomes.

Risk of Rollover Accidents

The distribution of weight in a tanker truck makes these commercial trucks more likely to roll over, particularly if the driver fails to slow sufficiently before making a turn or if the vehicle’s wheels ride up a curb when making a tight turn.

A rollover accident can crush vehicles and usually release the tank’s contents, exposing everyone in the vicinity to potentially toxic chemicals and fumes.

Risk of Fire and Explosion

It is common for tanker trucks on our roads to transport combustible liquids such as gasoline. Any break in the integrity of the tank can cause a spill, and then a spark often leads to fire or explosion. Even if a tanker truck does not roll over or collide with another vehicle, fire can still break out due to other causes, such as a fault in the tank, overloading, or a defect in the truck’s engine.

Injuries in Tanker Truck Accidents

The sheer weight of a loaded tanker truck can have a devastating impact in a collision. Between the hazards from the cargo and the dangers of the heavy truck itself, accident victims often suffer horrific injuries such as:

• Traumatic injuries
• Severe burns  
• Chemical exposure
• Psychological injuries

Traumatic Injuries

One of the most immediate concerns in a tanker truck accident is the risk of traumatic injuries. These can include a range of severe physical harms, such as:

1. Head Injuries: Due to the force of impact, individuals may suffer from concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or skull fractures. TBIs can have long-term consequences, including cognitive impairments, personality changes, and motor function deficits.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries: The sheer impact can lead to spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Such injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can lead to lifelong disability.
3. Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: Broken bones and severe orthopedic injuries are common due to the crushing forces involved. These can range from simple fractures to compound fractures that require surgical intervention.
4. Internal Injuries: The blunt force trauma from the accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. These injuries are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Burn Injuries

Tanker trucks frequently transport flammable or corrosive materials. In the event of a spill or explosion, victims can suffer severe burn injuries. Burns can be classified into:

1. First-degree Burns: Affecting only the outer layer of skin, these burns cause redness and pain but generally heal with minimal medical intervention.
2. Second-degree Burns: These burns affect both the outer and underlying layers of skin, causing blisters, swelling, and severe pain. They often require medical treatment and can lead to scarring.
3. Third-degree Burns: The most severe, these burns penetrate through the skin and affect deeper tissues, causing charring and loss of sensation in the affected area. Treatment is extensive and may involve surgeries, such as skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.

Chemical Exposure Injuries

Tanker trucks often carry hazardous chemicals, and an accident can result in the release of these substances, leading to:

1. Chemical Burns: Direct contact with corrosive chemicals can cause burns to the skin and eyes, potentially resulting in permanent damage and blindness.
2. Respiratory Injuries: Inhalation of toxic fumes can damage the respiratory system, causing conditions such as chemical pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and long-term lung damage. Symptoms can include coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
3. Poisoning: Exposure to toxic substances can lead to systemic poisoning, affecting organs such as the liver and kidneys. This can manifest in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, confusion, and in severe cases, can be fatal.

Psychological Injuries

The trauma of experiencing or witnessing a tanker truck accident can lead to psychological injuries, including:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Individuals may experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and other symptoms of PTSD, impacting their ability to function in daily life.
2. Anxiety and Depression: The aftermath of such a traumatic event can lead to anxiety disorders and depression, requiring mental health support and treatment.
3. Acute Stress Disorder: This condition can develop immediately after the traumatic event, causing severe anxiety, dissociation, and other stress-related symptoms.

Such injuries have life-changing consequences that impact the entire family. Tanker truck injuries are often so severe that they lead to untimely death. A Tallahassee truck accident lawyer can seek recovery for families through a wrongful death claim.

Searcy Denney Fights for Full Compensation for Victims of Tanker Truck Accidents

When legal teams and insurance companies try to deny liability or minimize the damage claims of those injured in tanker truck accidents, the experienced attorneys at Searcy Denney know how to fight back effectively. We succeed in obtaining full and fair compensation for the multiple consequences of catastrophic injuries. To get started collecting evidence to build your strongest case for recovery, contact Tallahassee truck accident lawyer online or call 888-549-7011 today for a free consultation.