Accidents involving hazardous materials can occur when large trucks used to transport them are involved in a collision. Accidents involving hazardous materials are extremely dangerous due to the potential exposure to toxic substances.
In addition to worrying about injuries after a hazardous cargo accident, you may also be concerned about internal and external problems brought on by the exposure to these toxic materials. You could experience issues with your breathing and other ailments.
If you've gone through an accident with a truck carrying hazardous materials in Pennsylvania, below is important information you should know. However, we always recommend speaking with a legal professional for advice that applies to your specific accident.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has a team of PA truck accident lawyers with experience and knowledge regarding accidents of all types.
Hazmat Accident: What Is It?
Any truck accident involving hazardous materials is referred to as a "hazmat accident." Hazardous materials are compounds that, upon exposure, can harm a person or the environment, as defined by StatPearls. Different amounts of toxicity may develop from exposure, and these can lead to health issues.
Hazardous material exposure can be the result of a motor vehicle accident, otherwise called "Hazmat accidents." The accidents frequently pose a greater risk to persons near the accident scene due to the release of chemicals into the atmosphere. As a result, these substances may have an impact on accident victims and first responders.
Hazardous Materials Commonly Transported By Truck
Every day, trucks transport cargo that can be potentially hazardous if spilled or released during an accident. Drivers thus run the daily risk of being involved in a Hazmat accident. The dangerous cargo in a truck could leak into the nearby atmosphere during an accident, exposing anyone nearby to potential harm.
There were more than 60,000 accident in 2019 involving tracks with hazardous materials, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Below are hazardous cargo that is commonly transported by truck. Any of these substances could cause illnesses that would have a long-term effect on your health.
- Radioactive materials
- Poison
- Gasoline or oil
- Pesticides
- Combustible items
- Petroleum
Who Is Liable for Damages Caused by Hazardous Cargo Accident?
A PA truck accident lawyer can evaluate the details of your specific accident and try to determine who is at fault. This could be the trucker, another driver, the trucking company, the owner of the hazardous cargo, or a government agency.
The drivers of trucks and passenger cars who are driving carelessly on the road and cause an accident are liable for the injuries they cause. You could seek compensation for the accident's damages even if you weren't personally involved in the collision but were hurt by the toxic material.
It is the duty of trucking companies to conduct their operations safely. They must also properly load vehicles, train their drivers, and adhere to hazardous material handling laws. The cargo owner shall also take all safety measures. Any errors made by these parties that result in an accident, such as inadequate driver training or the use of subpar equipment, are cause for a lawsuit.
In some instances, a government body might be liable for a danger on the road or a vehicle used for public transit. If a city bus caused the accident, for example, or there was a road repair that wasn't fixed, it may subject a government agency to liability for accidents that occur there.
Need a Truck Accident Lawyer For a Hazardous Cargo Accident?
Whatever the injuries you sustained in a hazardous cargo truck accident, consider your legal options for seeking compensation. The cargo truck accidents that our lawyers have dealt with include those involving hazardous materials.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can look into your accident and begin putting together a case for damages. Call us today to schedule an appointment.