Truck Accidents Involving Hazardous Materials or Flammable Liquid

 Posted on February 24, 2021 in Truck Accidents

Large commercial trucks are responsible for hauling most of the freight that is transported across the United States. While any truck accident can lead to severe injuries and death, accidents involving trucks that are transporting hazardous or flammable material are often especially gruesome. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a hazardous materials truck accident, it is important to know your rights. You may be able to hold the at-fault party accountable and recover financial compensation for your damages through a personal injury lawsuit.

Trucks Carrying Hazardous Materials Must Comply With Strict Safety Standards

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) categorizes hazardous materials into several different groups. Trucks carrying hazardous material must be labeled with a placard identifying the type of hazardous material being hauled. Hazardous materials fall into the following nine categories:

1. Explosives

2. Gases

3. Flammable/combustible liquid

4. Flammable solids, material that can spontaneously combust, and materials that are dangerous when wet

5. Oxidizer and organic peroxide

6. Materials that are toxic or poisonous when inhaled

7. Radioactive material

8. Corrosive material

9. Miscellaneous dangerous materials

Trucking companies and truck drivers carrying hazardous materials must receive special training regarding the safe transport of these materials.

FMCSA Violations Can Lead to Devastating Truck Accidents

The rules instituted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are designed to cut down on hazardous materials accidents as much as possible. Unfortunately, FMCSA violations are not uncommon. Improper loading and securement of hazardous cargo is one of the deadliest mistakes a trucking company can make. Driver errors are also a major contributor to hazardous material truck accidents. Drivers who carry dangerous chemicals or other materials have a vital responsibility to drive cautiously and follow FMCSA guidelines. Fatigued driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, following too closely, distracted driving, and other forms of negligent driving put lives at risk.

Truck accidents involving hazardous materials can lead to fires, explosions, toxic fumes, and other deadly consequences. Individuals involved in a hazardous materials truck accident may suffer thermal burns, chemical burns, poisoning, loss of hearing from explosions, and other catastrophic consequences. Many victims are left with disabilities, disfiguring scars, or chronic pain for the rest of their lives. Other victims are unable to survive their injuries. 

Contact a Greenwich Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents involving hazardous materials can leave victims with catastrophic injuries. If you were injured in a truck accident or your loved one was killed in an incident caused by a hazardous materials accident, contact a Connecticut catastrophic injury lawyer from Ivey, Barnum & O’Mara, LLC to discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, lost financial support from a deceased loved one, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and more. Call us today at 203-661-6000 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/Hazardous-Materials