We’ve all passed by commercial trucks carrying materials from one place to another. These vehicles pass through Johns Creek daily. Most people don’t worry about truck contents spilling out onto the roadway, but it can happen. If you were injured as a result of spilled contents, then it’s time to speak with a Johns Creek spillage of contents accident lawyer.
If spilled contents led to your accident, you have rights. Call John Foy & Associates today to get the legal help you deserve. We’re not afraid to take on complicated cases like this. Plus, we don’t collect a fee unless we win you compensation.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your call and help.
Dangers of Spilled Truck Contents
Tanker trucks often carry liquid materials. The tank is usually made of aluminum or stainless steel, sometimes with insulation. The tank might have one or more compartments depending on the products.
Some liquid contents are food-grade materials like oils, while other materials can be hazardous chemicals. No matter the contents, a spill can be dangerous in several ways:
- Spilled contents can become slippery, causing an accident with other vehicles.
- Flammable liquids can catch fire or cause an explosion during an accident.
- Unexpectant drivers nearby can skid or become stuck in spilled truck contents.
Contents might also fall onto other drivers and their vehicles. In some cases, spilled contents can cause multiple-vehicle collisions.
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Who’s At Fault for Spilled Truck Materials
The legal side of a spilled contents accident is complicated. First, it depends on how the accident happened. Did a collision happen first, then contents spilled and caused more damage? Or did the contents spill first, causing the accident?
This type of accident requires an investigation. You’ll need to know how the crash happened and who was at fault. The at-fault party might be:
- The driver of a truck carrying materials
- The trucking company
- A loading company
- Another driver on the road
- A government agency
Driver negligence might be at fault for the accident. For example, a driver might turn or swerve suddenly, causing liquids to slosh or spill. Or maybe a trucking or loading company was careless when loading the materials.
Sometimes, the driver isn’t entirely at fault. Road conditions might have caused the truck to tip or roll over. If so, a local government might be partially at fault. Other times, a third-party driver might be partly to blame for the crash.
A Johns Creek spillage of contents accident lawyer can help investigate. They can determine who was at fault. From there, you can seek compensation for what you’ve lost.
Partial Fault in a Spilled Materials Accident
Georgia has comparative fault laws under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-33. Under these laws, more than one party can be partly responsible for an accident. Also, someone who was hurt can still recover damages in some cases. For instance:
- An injured party can still recover damages if they were less than 50% at fault.
- If someone is 50% or more at fault, they cannot recover compensation.
- A victim’s percentage of fault will reduce their damages by that same percentage.
If you think more than one party is at fault for your accident, contact a lawyer. You might have several injury claims to file. Our experienced lawyers can help investigate and determine who was at fault.
Our lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win you money. You don’t have to worry about any upfront costs to work with us. To learn more during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Types of Spilled Truck Contents
A commercial truck can carry any cargo, such as:
- Food-grade liquids
- Flammable or chemical liquids
- Gravel
- Construction materials
- Furniture
- Lumbar
The type of material may determine the severity of the damage. In any situation, spilled cargo can cause an accident with serious consequences.
Injuries from Spilled Content Accidents
Different cargo can cause different types of injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Severe burns
- Chemical burns
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Head trauma
- Neck, back, or shoulder injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe bruising
- Spinal cord injuries
- Injuries that result in death
Radioactive materials can have long-term effects. Those who live near the accident scene might become exposed as well. If your accident involved a dangerous substance, don’t wait to contact a Johns Creek lawyer.
Spilled contents accidents tend to cause severe injuries and in some tragic cases, people lose their lives. If you or a family member were impacted in this type of accident, you have rights.
After the accident:
- Document your injuries as much as possible.
- See a doctor and get the treatment you need.
- Get copies of all medical records and save all bills. You will need proof of your injuries and costs.
Causes of Spilled Vehicle Contents Accidents
Contents can spill from a large truck for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons for spilled cargo include:
Poorly-Secured Cargo
Drivers and trucking companies must ensure their cargo is secured carefully. Otherwise, the contents can shift or fall off during travel. Shifting contents can cause a driver to lose control or lead to a rollover accident.
Commercial Vehicle Defects
If a commercial vehicle has a defect or maintenance issue, then contents can spill from the vehicle. Liability for a defect depends on the situation. A vehicle manufacturer or a transport company could be responsible for what happens. Speak with a lawyer who can investigate the true cause.
Talk to a Johns Creek Spilled Contents Accident Lawyer Today
The damage from a spilled contents accident can be severe or even deadly. If you or a loved one were a victim, don’t wait to speak with a lawyer. You may have a legal case for compensation.
Reach out to John Foy & Associates. We can help you build a strong case and fight for your rights. We’re not afraid of a complicated accident claim or lawsuit.
To get started with a free case review, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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