Tanker Truck Accidents California

Fuel-Tanker Truck Accidents

All trucks pose a serious danger to passengers in smaller cars and SUVs, but tanker trucks are particularly hazardous due to the nature of their cargo. California experiences hundreds of tanker truck accidents per year, increasing the risk of fuel and oil spills that threaten both humans and the environment. Nationwide, there were more than 3,000 tanker truck accidents resulting in injuries and an additional 402 fatal crashes.

Fuel and oil trucks can cause devastating fires and explosions upon impact, leaving survivors with painful, life-threatening burns and other catastrophic injuries. If you’ve been a victim of a tanker crash, a fuel truck accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Fuel/Tanker Truck Accidents

Fuel tanker accidents happen for various reasons. It’s not always just the trucker at fault for the collision, although the driver is the person most directly responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle.

Common causes of a fuel tanker accident include:

  • Driver error and negligence – Truckers log long hours on the road, up to 70 hours per week. Fatigue is common. In fact, a tired trucker may be almost as much of a danger as a drunk driver. Distracted driving is one example of trucker negligence. Speeding, drinking and driving, and violating truck industry violations are other negligent actions. 
  • Mechanical failures and maintenance problems – If the driver, truck owner, or trucking company fails to inspect the rig for maintenance issues, these parties could be liable for a tanker truck crash.
  • Regulatory compliance and oversight – Finally, a trucking company’s failure to ensure its drivers or contract workers follow state and federal guidelines for driving could mean that the company may be liable in your tanker truck accident claim.

Impact of Fuel Tanker Accidents and Your Legal Rights

Fuel tanker accidents can result in severe injuries like:

Moreover, the terror of a fuel tanker crash cannot be overstated. Many people develop PTSD or other emotional trauma afterward.

If you suffered injuries in a fuel truck accident that someone else caused, you can demand compensation for the many effects your injuries have had on your life, including:

  • Medical treatment
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Lost wages and loss of earning potential
  • Diminished quality of life

Trucking accident lawyers can explain the types of compensation you could receive, file insurance claims on your behalf, and file a lawsuit against the tanker truck driver and any other at-fault parties. Many truck accident suits are settled in negotiations, which your lawyer can also handle. If your case goes to trial, your attorney will represent you in a California civil court.

 

Need a Fuel/Tanker Truck Accidents Lawyer? Visit our offices today!

How the Law Offices of Pius Joseph Can Help

The Law Offices of Pius Joseph is a respected Pasadena personal injury firm. We provide tough legal services to Californians injured in tanker truck accidents and other serious incidents.  We’re prepared to help you demand justice and use every legal avenue open to us to demand maximum compensation. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.