Fuel trucks regularly travel through Atlanta while transporting fuels. If an accident happens, the results can be disastrous. If you or a loved one were victims, talk to an Atlanta truck accident lawyer immediately.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping truck accident victims for 20-plus years. Our attorneys know what it takes to win cases. Plus, we will not charge you a fee unless we win your case.
To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to take your call.
How Fuel Trucks Work in Atlanta
Fuel trucks can go by many names, including:
- Fuel truck
- Tank truck
- Tanker truck
- Gas truck
- Fuel tanker
These trucks carry fuels in their cargo areas. A fuel truck might transport diesel, petrol, propane, or heavy fuel oil. There are often different types of tankers for each fuel type, and each truck might consist of various materials.
Fuel Tank Compartments
The tank trailer, or tanker, actually carries the fuel. The tanks usually have different compartments of fuel. The compartments allow the driver to:
- Carry more than one type of fuel at the same time
- Appropriately distribute the fuel’s weight
Fuel trucks often travel long distances. The truck should have a design that’s safe for travel and helps prevent accidents. If an accident does happen, it’s because one or more party has been careless.
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Fuel Truck Accidents Are Incredibly Dangerous
When a fuel truck crashes, the liquids often spill out of the vehicle. This situation can be extremely hazardous for everyone nearby. The fuel can spill onto the roadway and cause accidents.
Sometimes, spilled fuel can cause explosions or fires. Noxious gases might release from the tank during the accident. Unfortunately, severe injuries and deaths are common with fuel truck accidents.
Fuel Truck Regulations in Atlanta
Commercial trucking companies must follow specific rules for securing, labeling, and carrying fuels. The regulations come from two government agencies:
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
Both agencies regulate the transport of truck materials. PHMSA also helps control and safe transportation of hazardous materials.
Other substances that fuel trucks carry can include:
- Compressed gases
- Poisonous chemicals
- Flammable liquids
- Corrosive substances
If a fuel truck accident occurs, both agencies will investigate. However, you’ll also need a fuel truck accident lawyer. Your lawyer will represent you as the injured party.
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience helping truck accident victims. Our lawyers will fight for your right to full compensation. To learn more, schedule a FREE consultation today.
We’ll match you with the best lawyer for your needs. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Common Causes of Fuel Truck Accidents
We’ve seen many ways that fuel truck accidents happen. Here are some of the most common scenarios.
Weight Issues
Fuel trucks must stay within a specific weight limit. However, the limits can become confusing. If a calculation is off, it can lead to an overloaded truck.
An overloaded truck can easily cause an accident. The contents can spill or cause the truck to tip over.
Splashing Fuels
Proper stability and securement are crucial for tanker trucks. If the liquids are not well-balanced, it’s a hazardous situation.
When a truck is too empty, it can cause weight and control problems. Fuels can slosh around and affect the truck’s balance. If the driver isn’t careful to secure the load, rollover accidents can occur.
Hazardous Materials
There are specific rules for transporting dangerous materials. Drivers must know how to operate a fuel truck and prevent issues. If a fuel truck crashes, hazardous materials can cause burns or other severe injuries.
Driver Negligence
Driver-related mistakes are the most common cause of fuel truck accidents. Crashes can happen because of:
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Drunk driving
- Poor training
- Incorrectly-secured fuel
No matter how your accident occurred, you have rights. You can seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. If you lost a loved one in an accident, you could also have a wrongful death case.
Talk to an experienced lawyer about your legal options. Your attorney can begin building a strong case to recover your costs.
Injuries from Atlanta Fuel or Tanker Truck Accidents
Truck accidents cause some of the worst injuries. When an accident also involves hazardous fuels, the situation is even direr. A truck accident victim might experience any of the following injuries.
Severe Burns
Spilled fuel can catch fire during the collision. As a result, fuel truck accidents often lead to severe burn injuries. Burn injuries lead to scarring, disfigurement, and long-term treatment.
Chemical Exposure Injuries
Hazardous materials can lead to radioactive illnesses. Certain chemicals can cause burns or other health issues. Anyone near the accident scene might become exposed.
Other truck accident injuries we see include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
Sadly, many fuel truck accident injuries lead to death. Whether you suffered injuries or lost a loved one, contact a lawyer. Your lawyer will help you build a strong personal injury claim.
Never Accept the First Settlement Offer
As an injury victim, you can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, the insurer won’t make the process easy. Most insurance companies offer a lowball settlement or deny a claim altogether.
It’s best to get a lawyer before talking to the insurance company. Otherwise, the insurer will try to use the accident against you. An experienced lawyer will communicate and negotiate with the insurance company for you.
Talk to an Atlanta Fuel Truck Accident Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience working on truck accident cases. We’ll fight for the recovery you deserve. Let us handle the legal side of things while you focus on healing.
Our lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win your case. You won’t have to worry about any upfront costs. Plus, the consultation is 100% FREE.
To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
