When you’re driving on the highway, making your way past a towering 18-wheeler always requires a bit of courage. But while you might associate these vehicles with severe accidents, trucks carrying hazardous materials are even more concerning. If you were involved in such a collision and want to seek compensation with the help of an attorney, take a look at the following answers to these FAQ.

4 FAQ Concerning Truck Accidents & Hazardous Materials

What hazardous materials do these trucks carry? 

There are several different categories of hazardous materials that may play a role in your truck accident. These include explosives, gases, and flammable liquids, such as gasoline or kerosene. They may also be carrying flammable solids, such as sulfur or activated charcoal, oxidizers and peroxides, toxic or infectious substances, such as medical waste, or radioactive or corrosive materials.

What makes them more dangerous than other truck accidents?

While trucks can cause severe damage on their own, ones carrying hazardous materials can cause even more extreme or widespread destruction. For example, the heat and impact of a collision might cause flammable materials to ignite, causing a massive explosion. Or, toxic or corrosive substances might spill out of the damaged truck, harming people, vehicles, and ecosystems in the area.

What legal action can I take?

If you’re involved in such an event, you can seek compensation for your injuries and other damages with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Or, if a loved one was killed in a truck accident involving hazardous materials, you can file a wrongful death claim. Damages might include hospital bills, lost wages, the inability to continue earning money, and pain and suffering caused by the injuries.

Who might be held responsible?

In some cases, the truck driver might be responsible for the accident, such as if they came to a screeching halt or forgot to use their turn signal. However, liability may also rest on the company that loaded the cargo in their truck, or the company that packaged the cargo for the shipping process. Fault may also be attributed to the cargo supplier, or the individual in charge of inspecting the materials.

If you were involved in an incident such as this, you’ll need a truck accident attorney to help you navigate the process ahead. Luckily, Henry & Williams P.C. has over 60 years of experience in West Plains, MO, and they will be happy to earn you the compensation you deserve. Their team of three has been recognized in esteemed lists, such as the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the country. To schedule a free consultation, call (417) 256-8133, and visit the website to learn more about their practice areas.