There are certain hazardous materials that must be transported on public roads. We depend on these materials for many different things. However, when an accident happens the results can be catastrophic. In 2015, there were 134 fatal truck crashes involving hazardous materials and 457 non-fatal crashes involving hazardous materials in the United States.
What Hazardous Materials Are on the Road?
According to the United States Department of Transportation, the following types of hazardous materials may be carried on trucks and result in dangerous or fatal crashes:
- Explosives.
- Gases.
- Flammable liquids.
- Flammable solids.
- Oxidizing substances.
- Poisonous and infectious substances.
- Radioactive materials.
- Corrosives.
- Miscellaneous dangerous goods.
The majority of fatal accidents involving hazardous materials involve flammable liquids.
How Serious Truck Crashes Involving Hazardous Materials Can Be Prevented
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act gives the Department of Transportation the authority to regulate how these potentially dangerous materials are transported. The safety regulations are extensive. Generally, they require that companies involved in the transport of hazardous materials properly identify, describe, label, and package materials. Additionally, hazardous materials must be registered with the government, warnings must be posted on vehicles when appropriate, and training must be provided for workers.
These steps may minimize the impact of a hazardous material crash, but they will not eliminate all of the risks or the injuries and fatalities that can result from such an accident.
What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Crash With a HazMat Truck
If you’ve been injured either by the impact of the collision with the truck or because of the contents of the truck, then it is important to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer. An attorney can do a full investigation into this type of truck accident, make sure that the proper defendants are identified, and fight hard for your fair recovery. Contact us online or call us directly at 800.800.5678 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced attorney who wants to get you the compensation that you deserve.
