Commercial Vehicle Crashes in Dallas
Many truck drivers are hard-working individuals who are trained to do their jobs and do their best every day to deliver goods to our stores and front doors in time. Unfortunately, when truck companies put their bottom lines first, accidents and injuries can happen. Truck companies may not always provide their drivers with the training they need to operate equipment properly. Even though truck companies are required to perform regular maintenance on their vehicles, sometimes companies cut corners and fail to perform required maintenance, or take shortcuts in the maintenance they perform, resulting in accidents and equipment failures. Drivers are also required to pass regular medical exams, but if companies fail to ensure that drivers are receiving regular check-ups and if companies fail to vet their drivers and look closely at a driver’s history, sometimes companies hire underqualified or unqualified drivers for the job.
Truck drivers and truck companies are required to abide by strict federal and local regulations. When these laws are broken, accidents can happen, and truck companies can be held liable. The Dallas semi-truck accident lawyers at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers investigate companies involved in accidents to look at their track record when it comes to following federal and local regulations. If the law was broken or if shortcuts were taken, the truck companies could be held responsible for the accident, and victims may be entitled to receive compensation.
Aside from the dangers and damage caused by accidents, there are also legal issues created when a commercial vehicle driver is involved in a collision. Semi-truck accident lawyers in Dallas often have to file cases against drivers or their employers on a client’s behalf for causing various kinds of losses and problems. These are usually related to the person’s ability to make a living following an injury, as well as the specific amount of their medical bills. In most cases, a company that employs the driver will be liable for these costs rather than the individual driver. This is different from standard car accidents where an individual driver and their insurance coverage will be liable for the damage.
Because companies, federal laws, insurance companies, and other interests are often involved in truck accident personal injury claims, these claims can be more complicated than car accident claims, but these claims can also involve higher value payouts to victims because truck accidents can also be more serious given the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. The Dallas semi-truck accident attorneys at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers Lawyers are committed to helping victims and their families fight these big companies and are committed to holding these companies accountable when they cut corners and fail to follow federal laws.
Types of Truck Accidents Our Attorneys Handle
- 18-Wheeler Accidents
- Trailer Accidents
- Underride & Override Accidents
- Jackknife Accidents
- Tractor-Trailer Accidents
- Wide Turn Accidents
- Runaway Truck Accidents
- Hazardous Material Spills
- Rollover Accidents
- Blind Spot Accidents
- Tanker Truck Accidents
Trucks that Carry Hazardous Materials
Some tanker trucks are given the job of transporting things like chemicals, fuels, and explosives. Even though special permits are required to do this kind of work, trucks that carry hazardous materials pose unique and substantial dangers to both human health and the environment. These dangers stem from the potential for accidents, leaks, and spills that can result in devastating consequences to both the environment and the individuals harmed during the crash.
Here are some specific hazards related to trucks transporting hazardous materials:
- Chemical Exposure: Hazardous materials can include toxic chemicals, flammable substances, corrosive materials, and radioactive substances. In the event of an accident or a breach in containment, these materials can expose nearby individuals to harmful fumes, burns, or radiation, leading to acute health problems or long-term illnesses. Communities affected by toxic spills due to major trucking accidents may have the right to seek damages for pollution to their water and land.
- Explosions and Fires: Many hazardous materials are highly flammable or combustible. A collision, puncture, or even static electricity can ignite these materials, leading to explosive fires that can be extremely difficult to control, especially when combined with other dangerous cargo.Burn injuries can result in disfigurement and can be among the most painful injuries a person can experience. Victims and their families may be entitled to seek compensation not only for their medical expenses, but also for pain and suffering resulting from these kinds of injuries and accidents.
- Environmental Contamination: Spills of hazardous materials can contaminate soil, water bodies, and the air. This pollution can have long-lasting effects on ecosystems, killing wildlife, damaging vegetation, and disrupting aquatic habitats. Cleanup can be complex, time-consuming, and costly.. Farmers, landowners, homeowners, and communities impacted by environmental contamination stemming from a truck accident may have the right to seek compensation for losses.
- Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place: Accidents involving hazardous materials often require nearby residents to evacuate their homes or shelter in place to avoid exposure. This disrupts daily life, poses risks to vulnerable populations, and places a burden on emergency services.
- Transportation Accidents: Trucks carrying hazardous materials can be involved in accidents due to factors like driver error, equipment failure, adverse weather conditions, or road hazards. These accidents can lead to spills, leaks, or fires that endanger the truck occupants and those nearby.
- Security Concerns: The transportation of hazardous materials also presents security risks. These materials could be targeted by terrorists or criminals seeking to exploit their dangerous properties for nefarious purposes.
- Regulatory Compliance: Trucks transporting hazardous materials must adhere to strict regulations and safety protocols. Non-compliance can lead to fines, penalties, and legal consequences, adding an extra layer of complexity for trucking companies and drivers. If these regulations were not followed closely by a trucker and their employer, this can also be used as evidence of negligence during the course of a lawsuit.
In light of these specific dangers, there are stringent regulations in place to govern the transportation of hazardous materials. These regulations cover everything from proper labeling and packaging to driver training and emergency response procedures. Ensuring strict adherence to these regulations is crucial to mitigating the risks associated with trucks carrying hazardous materials and protecting the safety of both people and the environment.