Particular Risks of HAZMAT Trucks

Commercial trucks are any type of large truck that carries goods or passengers for profit. As you may be aware, there are many different types of commercial trucks on American interstates. Semi-trucks, tractor trailers, box trucks, delivery trucks, and tanker trucks are all examples of commercial vehicles that deliver goods across the country. Some of these trucks are particularly designed to carry materials that are potentially hazardous to the public’s health. These trucks are referred to as HAZMAT trucks. HAZMAT trucks are susceptible to collisions and accidents just like any other commercial vehicle. However, when a HAZMAT trucks crashes, there is a greater chance for serious injuries to other motorists on the road because of the nature of the cargo. If you have been injured in a HAZMAT truck accident, you should contact an experienced truck accident attorney in Fayette County as soon as possible for assistance with a possible claim for recovery.

HAZMAT trucks often transport the following types of materials:

  • Radioactive
  • Explosive
  • Oxidizing
  • Biohazardous
  • Allergenic
  • Compressed liquids or gases
  • Corrosive
  • Flammable
  • Asphyxiating
  • Toxic
  • Pathogenic
  • Very hot materials

If a truck carrying any of these materials is in a collision, the materials may escape from the cargo hold and injure anyone in the general vicinity.

One of the most common forms of negligence in HAZMAT accidents is allowing unqualified drivers to drive the trucks. In order to drive a commercial vehicle, a person must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which requires more training and skill testing than a regular driver’s license. If someone wishes to drive a HAZMAT truck, he must meet even more requirements, including an additional written exam and background check performed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Many times, companies negligently fail to check whether a driver has the HAZMAT qualification. If you are injured in a HAZMAT accident because of such negligent actions, you deserve to be fully compensated for your losses.

Contact a Fayette County personal injury attorney for a free consultation

If you have been in any kind of commercial truck accident, you should contact a truck accident lawyer for assistance in getting you the settlement you deserve. Call Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656.

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