Truck accidents are inherently dangerous, but the risks multiply when hazardous materials (hazmat) are involved. These collisions can cause immediate injuries as well as long-term harm to public health and the environment. If you’ve been hurt in a crash with a truck carrying hazardous materials in California, consult a Pasadena truck accident attorney to learn your legal rights.
Top Causes of Hazmat Truck Accidents in Pasadena
Hazmat trucks transport substances like flammable liquids, toxic chemicals, and corrosive materials. While these shipments account for a relatively small volume of total truck traffic, the consequences of a crash involving these vehicles can cause severe injuries and devastate the surrounding area.
Common causes of hazmat truck crashes include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Failure to pack or secure the hazardous load correctly
- Brake problems or tire blowouts
- Untrained or insufficiently trained truck drivers
- Failure by the shipping company to comply with federal regulations regarding labeling, containment, and route selection
Common Injuries from Hazardous Material Crashes
Hazmat truck accidents make up just two to three percent of all truck crashes, but their consequences can be tragic, leading to serious injuries and deaths. Here’s why:
- Contact with hazardous substances can cause burns, poisoning, and respiratory distress.
- The force of a hazmat truck crash can lead to broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries.
- Some chemicals can cause chronic illnesses or cancer after exposure.
- Spills can pollute soil and water, affecting entire communities for years to come.
What Should I Do After a Hazmat Truck Accident in California?
If you find yourself in a dangerous truck accident in Pasadena involving hazardous materials, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request emergency medical help. Even if you do not feel hurt, you may have been exposed to fumes or substances that require medical attention.
- Move away from the hazmat truck. Chemical spills can ignite fires and release toxic chemicals into the air, potentially causing catastrophic injuries.
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene from a safe distance. If you can, visual evidence can be crucial to a future personal injury claim.
- Reach out to a hazardous materials truck accident lawyer in Pasadena. You could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other crash-related losses.
How Can a Hazmat Truck Crash Lawyer Assist Me?
Federal and California law establish protocols for managing hazardous materials transportation. A knowledgeable attorney can identify where violations occurred and fight to hold the negligent parties responsible for your losses.
Hazmat truck accident cases often involve multiple responsible parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, shipper, and even equipment manufacturers. A hazmat truck crash lawyer can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and identify all liable parties. Additionally, a seasoned lawyer can document your case and represent you throughout the insurance claims process.
Contact a Pasadena Hazmat Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you need to pursue compensation after a hazmat truck accident in Pasadena, turn to the Law Offices of Pius Joseph. With over 30 years of experience and millions recovered for our clients, we’re committed to helping victims recover from catastrophic injuries caused by negligent trucking companies and hazardous material spills. Past outcomes cannot guarantee future results, but they do reflect the commitment, knowledge, and resources we bring to every case. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.
