Truck accidents are often catastrophic, mostly because they weigh much more and are much larger than average vehicles.
For this reason, there is an increased risk of casualties and severe injuries in case of a collision.
Accidents involving trucks carrying hazardous materials (otherwise known as “hazmat” trucks) are even more dangerous and deadly than the average truck accidents because of several reasons.
If you’ve been involved in a hazmat truck accident, reach out to our Macon truck accident attorneys today so we can begin the process of fighting for your rights.
Hazmat trucks are authorized to haul hazardous material like gas, liquid cargo and flammable or explosive solids. There are many restrictions placed on them to minimize serious accidents and injuries on the roads. For instance, truck drivers must have a hazardous material endorsement that shows their training in proper procedures and precautions required to transport these dangerous materials.
In addition, hazmat truck drivers are only allowed to use certain roads and are restricted from traveling at specific times to avoid large population areas and congested driving conditions. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has also classified hazardous materials into 9 classifications. These classes are to be marked using visor cards on all sides of a hazmat truck.
Hazmat truck injuries can be life-changing, if not fatal. Most of them result in the following:
In one such accident, 2 people miraculously reported only minor injuries after a truck carrying hazardous mining explosives overturned on a busy highway in Dawson County, GA. The road had to be closed for several hours to allow a hazmat contractor to clean up the spilled product.
Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning the person liable for the accident is expected to cover any damages caused, including lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering and property damage.
However, in truck accidents, several parties may be blamed even if you are partly to blame.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, the hazmat carrier can be held liable if they fail to maintain proper records and appropriate training for the hauled materials.
The truck manufacturer or the hauling company may also be liable for faulty maintenance design defects.
Rather than worry about who is to blame, leave it to a trusted accident lawyer at our law firm to figure out.
First, call 911 and remain at the scene of the accident. If possible, gather evidence by taking pictures of the scene and taking down names and witnesses’ contact information. Get medical assistance as soon as possible, even if your injuries are not physically visible.
It’s also important to consult with an experienced truck crash lawyer immediately to ensure that important evidence is not lost or destroyed. We will advise you on how to go about pursuing your claim and help minimize your degree of fault. We’ll also help negotiate the best settlement for you with the insurance companies.
If you were hurt or a loved one was killed in a hazmat truck accident, the law firm of Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley & Hinson has the resources and experience to thoroughly investigate your claim, determine liability and pursue full and fair compensation for you.
Once again, Westmoreland Law has been recognized by its peers as part of an elite group of approximately 10 percent of all attorneys who hold an AV Preeminent Rating. An AV Preeminent Rating is a designation trusted worldwide by buyers and referrers of legal services.
