Scranton Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer
Tanker trucks can often be found on Pennsylvania’s highways. These are large vehicles that transport materials such as gasoline, diesel, ethanol, sewage, household and industrial chemicals, and asphalt. Tanker trucks may also carry milk, water, wine, juices, and other consumer products. Tanker trucks go by various names, such as tankers, gas trucks, fuel trucks, and water trucks.
Tanker trucks are not all built the same. They may have different features depending on what they are transporting. For example, they can be pressurized or insulated.
Tanker truck accidents can be dangerous. You can suffer serious injuries. The experienced Scranton tanker truck accident lawyers from Needle Law Firm can help you with your claim.
Causes of Tanker Truck Crashes
Tanker trucks often cause crashes due to the negligence or recklessness by the truck driver or trucking company. Some common causes of tanker truck accidents include the following:
- Aggressive driving. Tailgating, speeding, and other reckless driving habits can lead to a crash.
- Long work shifts. Truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving per day. However, some work even longer, leading to fatigue and accidents.
- Distracted driving. Truck drivers are often distracted by phones and other tasks such as reading, changing radio stations, and other behaviors that cause them to lose focus of the road.
- Impaired driving. Drug and alcohol use can cause drowsiness and lack of judgment. Even prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause negative effects.
- Poor maintenance. Lights, tires, and brakes can all suffer wear and tear and if they are not properly maintained, they can cause an accident.
Causes of Tanker Truck Rollovers
Rollovers are common with tanker trucks due to load issues and poor driving. Because tanker trucks often carry flammable, poisonous, or otherwise hazardous materials, these rollovers are particularly dangerous. Factors that contribute to rollovers include:
- An improperly filled tank. If the tank is not filled properly, its liquid contents will move about and cause the truck’s weight to shift. This can cause loss of control for the driver.
- Speeding around a curve. Liquid cargo moves as the truck moves. Combined with a high center of gravity, tanker trucks are prone to rollovers when a driver is speeding around a sharp curve.
- Poorly trained drivers and mechanics. Drivers and mechanics of tanker trucks must be properly trained. These vehicles must follow a specific set of regulations due to the hazardous loads involved.
- Stopping short. When a tanker truck driver stops short, the velocity of the liquid contents of the truck’s cargo can cause dangerous imbalances, which can lead to an accident.
Contact Needle Law Firm Today
Tanker truck crashes are serious issues. These vehicles carry hazardous materials, which can cause serious injuries in the event of a crash.
The Scranton tanker truck accident lawyers at Needle Law Firm can help you with these complex cases. We’ll help you get full and fair compensation for all your damages. Schedule a free consultation with our office by filling out the online form or calling (570) 344-1266.
