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Tanker Truck Accidents

Tanker Truck Attorney Serving Nashville, TN

Like all large trucks, tanker trucks pose significant risks to other motorists due to their extreme weight and size. But tanker trucks also pose risks that go beyond those found in other types of car and truck accidents. Because tanker trucks carry large amounts of highly flammable, toxic, and corrosive chemicals, even minor accidents involving these vehicles can put drivers and other nearby motorists at significant risk of life-threatening injuries.

Tanker trucks share the same roadways that drivers throughout Tennessee use on a daily basis, but their unique and highly dangerous cargo means that these trucks and the companies and drivers who use them are often subject to several regulations and requirements. While these regulations are strictly enforced, sometimes rules are bent or broken due to negligence or to maximize profits.

What Makes Tanker Trucks Dangerous to Other Drivers?

The commercial truck industry is heavily regulated for a reason. These vehicles pose significant risks to other motorists, even when they’re involved in relatively minor collisions. Some of the most prominent factors that make tanker trucks highly dangerous to everyone who shares Tennessee’s roadways include:

Their extreme weight and size

Tanker trucks often weigh tens of thousands of pounds even their tanks are empty. When they are filled to capacity, their weight can be significantly increased due to carrying more than 10,000 gallons of liquid. In contrast, most passenger vehicles weigh between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds. Because of the vast differences in size and weight between the two types of vehicles, drivers and passengers in standard cars face significant risks in collisions with tanker trucks.

Their increased braking distance and lack of maneuverability

The size and weight of tanker trucks doesn’t just factor into their danger during accidents—it also makes them more likely to be involved in accidents in the first place. Modern passenger vehicles are designed to brake and maneuver easily in traffic, allowing drivers to safely and quickly turn or stop when necessary. But tanker trucks require much more careful and deliberate driving, and that means sudden movements—such as slamming on the brakes or swerving to avoid an accident—can cause drivers to lose control or the vehicle to roll over.

Their dangerous cargo

The numerous safety regulations governing tanker trucks means that the chemicals they carry are generally well-contained and stored safely while the vehicle is in motion. However, accidents can easily puncture the tanks and cause massive amounts of flammable, toxic, and corrosive chemicals and gases to leak onto the roadway. When that happens, nearby motorists are at significant risk of being injured due to explosions, fires, or from coming into contact with harmful chemicals and liquids.

At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville tanker truck accident attorneys know the ins-and-outs of collisions involving these types of vehicles. We also know that these accidents are often caused by negligence on the part of the driver, the company using the truck to conduct business, or the owner of the truck. When we take on these types of cases, we collect and analyze all available evidence to determine what caused the accident and whether negligence played a role.

How We Handle Tanker Truck Accident Claims

After we’ve established that the accident was caused by a failure to uphold established safety standards, we pursue the maximum compensation for our clients. Tanker truck accident victims often face expensive medical bills and vehicle repair costs that they can’t afford—especially if they’re too hurt to go back to work for weeks, months, or even years.

Don’t wait to get the qualified legal representation you and your family deserve after your tanker truck accident. Get in touch with our Nashville tanker truck accident lawyers today. Just dial complete our free online consultation form.

Client Review

“I'm super pleased with Matt and his whole team. I was hesitant to contact a lawyer after my accident, but I'm so glad I did!”

William