If you get in a wreck with a fuel tanker truck, the results can be tragic. Commercial truck accidents of any kind can lead to catastrophic injuries, but fuel tanker truck accidents are among the most dangerous due to the cargo they carry.
At Mama Justice – MW Law Firm, our experienced attorneys understand the unique dangers posed by fuel tanker truck accidents. Not only that, we know the devastating effects of truck accident injuries not just on a person’s health, but on their personal well-being. Our legal team has the resources, skills, and compassion to help you seek more than financial recovery. With a team of support staff dedicated to helping you find medical providers in the community, our law firm wants to help you rebuild your life. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our Mississippi fuel tanker truck accident lawyers.
Why Fuel Tanker Accidents Are More Dangerous Than Other Truck Wrecks
Fuel tanker accidents are more dangerous than other truck wrecks because their cargo is highly flammable. Victims may be exposed to these hazardous materials in a collision, causing serious injuries.
In most truck accidents, the primary cause of severe injuries is blunt-force trauma from the impact. However, with a tanker truck, not only can victims sustain those same high-impact injuries, but they can also experience significant burns if the truck’s cargo catches fire or explodes. Inhaling smoke or fumes can cause respiratory damage.
Severe burn injuries are particularly catastrophic because they can leave victims susceptible to infection and additional health complications. Severe burns also often require extensive surgeries and other medical treatments. Survivors usually have significant scarring and disfigurement following a burn injury.
Top Causes of Fuel Tanker Accidents
Fuel tanker accidents can have many causes. Your tanker truck accident attorney can determine the exact cause of the accident that harmed you so they can then identify the liable parties.
Some of the top causes of accidents involving tanker trucks in Mississippi include:
- Dangerous driving
- Mechanical failures
- Unsecured cargo
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
Once your truck accident lawyer uncovers the primary causes of the wreck, they can begin gathering evidence to support a truck accident claim seeking maximum compensation.
Most Common Fuel Tanker Truck Accident Injuries
As with all large truck crashes, fuel truck accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries. Examples of injuries tanker accidents have in common with other types of crashes include:
Injuries that are more common in tanker truck accidents include:
- Thermal and chemical burns caused by fire or toxic exposure
- Blast injuries caused by explosions
- Respiratory damage
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Scarring and disfigurement
How Is Liability Determined for Fuel Tanker Accidents?
Determining liability after an accident is one of the most important tasks your tanker truck crash lawyer will handle. Parties that may be liable for your injuries include:
- Tanker truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Cargo loaders
- Truck or tank manufacturers
- Maintenance providers
- Government entities
- Other motorists
Identifying all liable parties and determining the extent of their liability requires your attorney to gather robust evidence to support your truck accident claim. This evidence may include medical records, accident scene photos, police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, expert witness testimony, and analyses from accident reconstruction specialists. Documentation of your financial losses, including medical bills, pay stubs, and tax returns, can help build your case for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
If multiple parties share liability, Mississippi law states that each at-fault party is only liable for the proportion of harm it caused. So, if the evidence shows that the truck driver was 70 percent at fault and the cargo loader was 30 percent at fault, they would each be liable for those percentages of your awarded damages.
Compensation for Fuel Tanker Truck Accident Victims
A hazardous materials truck accident lawyer from Mama Justice can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries and their impact on your life. This compensation may cover past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and other related costs.
The most crucial step in maximizing your compensation is to work with a highly skilled truck accident attorney. Your attorney will calculate the value of your case by looking at your medical bills, income statements, and other expenses related to your injuries.
Common Challenges in Truck Accident Claims Involving Tanker Trucks
Tanker truck accident victims may face numerous challenges when attempting to recover compensation following a crash. Common challenges include:
- Identifying all of the at-fault parties
- Gathering evidence to support the claim, including internal trucking company documents
- Dealing with insurance company delay tactics
- Managing disputes over fault
- Negotiating for a fair settlement offer
- Deciding on whether to take the truck accident case to trial
- Meeting court deadlines while still recovering
Fortunately, these are all issues that your tanker truck accident lawyer can assist you with. While you’re recovering from your injuries, they’ll handle the investigation, deal with the insurers, and file claims and truck accident lawsuits on your behalf.
How a Fuel Tanker Accident Lawyer From Mama Justice Can Help
When you hire a Mississippi truck accident lawyer from Mama Justice to handle your tanker truck accident claim, you’ll get compassionate guidance, tailored solutions, time and attention, and holistic representation. This means our lawyers will treat you with respect, customize our legal strategies to your specific case, be available to answer your questions, and assist with more than just your legal needs, including helping you receive proper medical care.
We are the fastest-growing, female-owned law firm in the United States, with 700+ five-star reviews from satisfied clients. Contact our law firm today for a free initial consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Mississippi.
