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Tanker truck accidents in Richmond are often devastating, with victims frequently catastrophically or fatally injured. Due to the size and weight of these often fully loaded trucks, the impact on smaller vehicles can be huge. Gasoline, diesel, and hazardous material spills are also possible, all of which endanger the lives and well-being of the people who are caught in the accident. There is also an increased risk of fires in crashes involving tanker trucks.
If you have sustained injuries or suffered property damage in one of these accidents, our truck crash attorneys could help you figure out what to do next. At Latham & Martin, we provide personal attention to clients and could work with you to secure a fair case outcome.
Before you file an injury claim against the semi driver or other liable parties, it is important to figure out what caused the crash. Many Richmond tanker truck wrecks happen because of:
Additionally, other drivers may crash into the semi-truck, setting off a chain reaction that leads to collisions with other vehicles. Many of these accidents occur on I-64 and I-95, two major highways running through the city.
The sheer size and weight of a tanker truck, which can weigh up to 80,000 lbs when fully loaded, often means extreme blunt force trauma for occupants of smaller vehicles during an impact.
Assigning fault in a Richmond tanker truck accident case often depends on proving negligence. While the driver may be primarily at fault, other parties could also be held liable for the collision. This may include:
A lawyer from our firm could review available evidence, including the truck’s black box or electronic data recorder, electronic logging devices, inspection or maintenance information, the freight manifest, and hazardous material documentation to identify instances of negligence.
For instance, tanker trucks transporting hazardous materials are required to follow strict routing and loading instructions. If the trucker or company failed to do this and an accident occurred, all parties can be liable for damages.
Victims of tanker truck accidents often suffer significant life-threatening injuries, including respiratory distress due to the inhalation of toxic fumes or smoke, thermal or chemical burns, multiple fractures or crushed bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding.
If you were hurt in a tanker truck crash in Richmond, you could seek compensation for hospital treatment bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and reduced earning capacity. Other possible damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
While most semi drivers practice extreme caution when operating their vehicles, those who act recklessly and cause a crash may be ordered to pay you punitive damages. If a victim dies from their injuries, surviving family members could pursue wrongful death damages.
Many victims of tanker truck accidents in Richmond require prolonged hospitalization to recover. This means you may not be able to work and earn a living while you heal. At Latham & Martin, our lawyers could help you pursue compensation to cover your losses. We are willing to do whatever it takes, including going to trial, to get you a fair settlement. Call us today to discuss your case.