Tanker Truck Accidents In Oklahoma City

Tanker trucks are essential to many local industries, particularly agriculture and energy. They often carry fuel, liquid fertilizers, or natural gas, but can carry any type of liquid, like water or even milk.

What makes tanker trucks more dangerous than your typical tractor-trailer is the potential harm caused by the liquids they carry.  In a truck wreck, the tank can rupture and cause a spill. If the cargo is combustible, a crash can cause an explosion or fire, or spread toxic chemicals into the surrounding area. People involved in the crash or nearby can suffer from burns, smoke inhalation, shrapnel injuries, or exposure to toxic substances in addition to the typical physical injuries that result from a collision with a large truck.

Our attorney in Oklahoma City can help pursue accountability so the parties responsible for the tanker crash provide compensation that supports your access to all the treatment and services you need to move forward after the crash.

All truck drivers must use the utmost care to avoid causing harm to others on the road. Any violation of a law or regulation, or failure to use best safety practices, may indicate negligence by the truck driver. That means the driver, their employers, and others may be liable for compensating you for your injuries.

Tankers are more challenging to drive than other trucks because sloshing liquid in a partially filled tank can make the truck unstable. Truck drivers need special training to handle tankers and must have a tanker endorsement on their commercial driver’s license. They require additional training and endorsement to haul hazardous materialsAny item or agent (biological, chemical, physical) that has the potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment, either by itself or through interaction with other factors. Can be referred to as HAZMAT..

Our Oklahoma City tanker accident attorney is familiar with all the special requirements and regulations that apply to tanker drivers and their vehicles. They can investigate to identify potential violations and pursue accountability when appropriate.

In a standard truck accident case, an injured person receives compensation from the trucking company’s commercial insurance policy. However, when a tanker is carrying a hazardous load, the transportation company and product shipper may need additional insurance.

The companies that insure the transport of hazardous cargoes typically issue complex policies with numerous limitations. The policy can specify the minimum training and experience requirements of the driver, the route the driver takes, and other details. The insurer may confirm that the trucking company and driver complied with all the policy restrictions before paying any claims.

It is common for the various insurance companies to have disputes between themselves about who is responsible for compensating you and other people injured in the crash. Our Oklahoma City attorney can be your strong advocate in negotiations after a tanker accident to help protect your rights and interests to fair compensation.

Tankers pose all the dangers of heavy trucks, with the additional hazard that the cargo can spill, ignite, or explode. People who survive tanker accidents often have severe, permanent injuries, and obtaining fair compensation for your injuries requires you to navigate a complex legal landscape.

Our firm has a deep knowledge of the trucking industry, trucks, and truck accident lawsuits. We will work to protect your rights, pursue accountability, and seek full and fair compensation for your losses. Contact the Law Firm for Truck Safety today to discuss your legal options after tanker truck accidents in Oklahoma City.