Atlanta Tanker Truck Accident Lawyers

Tanker Truck Injury Claims

Any truck accident can be deadly, but tanker truck crashes are among the worst. Tankers often carry hazardous or flammable materials that can spill out on the roadway in a collision. In addition to any injuries caused by the impact of the crash, tanker spills can cause fires, explosions, release of toxic fumes, and soil and water contamination in the area.

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Requirements to Operate a Tanker Truck in Georgia

To operate a tanker truck in Georgia, drivers need a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This license can be obtained by completing training at a truck driving or vocational school and passing a written and a practical examination.

Tanker truck drivers also need a tanker endorsement on their CDL. Any driver hauling more than 1,000 gallons of liquid is required to have an N Endorsement. To obtain this endorsement, drivers must pass a qualifying exam. An X Endorsement is required for drivers hauling hazardous liquid loads. Drivers must pass a written exam and a TSA background check to receive this endorsement.

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How Negligent Drivers or Companies Cause Tanker Truck Crashes

There can be several contributing factors to a tanker truck crash. These are among the most common:

• Driver error: Truck drivers on long hauls may be distracted by texting, eating, drinking, or simply inattentive. They may become fatigued and drowsy after many hours on the road. Driver drowsiness and inattentiveness combined are a leading cause of tanker crashes. Drug impairment can also be a contributing factor.
• Equipment failure: Faulty brakes, unsafe tires, and other equipment failure can lead to serious tanker truck accidents. When the brakes fail to perform as they should, the driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. A tire blowout could cause the driver to lose control of the truck.
• Underfilled tanks: When a tank is underfilled, it increases the risk of a rollover, because the liquid sloshing around unbalances the load. Trucking companies may hire inexperienced drivers, fail to provide appropriate training, or fail to perform quality control inspections as to the amount of liquid cargo being transported.

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Who To Hold Liable for a Tanker Truck Collision

Tanker truck accident cases can have multiple potentially liable parties. Among the most common are:

• Truck drivers: The driver could be held liable if he or she was negligent. Driver negligence could involve following too closely, speeding, failing to yield the right-of-way, failing to signal, changing lanes improperly, or other driving errors. Violation of hours of service regulations (fatigued driving) and texting or talking on cell phone (distracted driving) could also constitute driver negligence.
• Trucking companies: Companies may delay maintenance on trucks to keep them on the road or attempt to cut costs by neglecting to replace tires when needed. Some trucking companies may require their drivers to exceed the hours of service regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When trucking company negligence causes or contributes to a serious tanker truck accident, the trucking company may be held liable.
• Mechanics: When mechanical failure causes a tanker truck crash, the mechanic may be liable for failure to complete a repair or failure to notice a problem with the vehicle.
• Manufacturers: Truck and parts manufacturers may be liable for tanker truck accidents if a defective part contributed to the crash.

Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers at Grant Law Office can investigate your tanker truck accident to determine fault and liability. We can collect and preserve evidence to support your claim, build a solid case based on the facts, and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (404) 995-3955.

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