Were you hurt in a serious car accident involving a tanker truck? Did the truck driver act in a way that put you in danger? Could the truck driver have prevented this accident? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your tanker truck accident.

Tanker trucks are large commercial vehicles that drive in and around cities throughout the entire state of Missouri. Unlike other commercial trucks, which typically haul packaged goods, tankers carry a variety of liquids, ranging from water and milk to gasoline and hazardous materials. These liquids move around freely in the truck’s tank, which increases the likelihood of a serious or even life-threatening accident if the driver does not take the necessary safety precautions.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a tanker truck accident, you need financial support to help you properly treat and recover from the injuries you sustained in the crash. This truck driver hurt you, and they need to pay for their actions. The St. Louis tanker truck accident lawyers at OnderLaw are prepared to help you fight for fair compensation after your accident. We will protect your rights and ensure that you get the best possible outcome for your case. Start work on your truck crash lawsuit today by contacting OnderLaw.

Why You Need a Lawyer

After a serious injury, you are facing significant pain and overwhelming stress. You are not only concerned about recovering from this injury, but you may also be unsure about how you will pay for treatment and the time you have to take off of work. During this uncertain time in your life, you do not have any more time or energy to spend on building a strong legal argument. You need to work with a skilled attorney who will make it their priority to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Your attorney will guide you through each step of your lawsuit, ensuring that you understand your rights after your accident. They will spend their time gathering evidence, such as police records, witness statements, and expert witness testimony, that you will need to support your case. They will also mediate any conversations you need to have with your insurance provider or the trucker who caused the accident.

When you work with an attorney, you can rest assured that you will have a strong legal argument and advocate by your side throughout this difficult process. This will allow you to focus on your health and your loved ones while your lawyer fights on your behalf.

Why Choose OnderLaw

Since the creation of OnderLaw in 2002, our attorneys have dedicated themselves to providing high-quality legal counsel and unparalleled customer service. We have the experience necessary to assist each of our clients, no matter the complexity of their individual case. Our goal is to help you reach a fair settlement for your case, but we are always prepared to fight for you in court if necessary.

At OnderLaw, we believe that we support our clients best when we get to know you and your case personally. That is why we will take the time and care necessary to learn your story and understand the details of your specific case. Our team will treat you with the professionalism and respect you deserve, as we work together to fight for your compensation.

Understanding Tanker Trucks

According to the National Tank Truck Carriers Association, there are over 200 tank truck companies across the United States. These companies each operate hundreds of commercial tanks, which drive throughout the country. Due to tanker trucks’ unique load and safety concerns, these vehicles need highly skilled and well-trained operators, to reduce the risk of a serious accident on the road.

Most tanker trucks can carry between 5,500 and 11,600 gallons of liquid in their tank. The weight of this liquid is usually significantly heavier than most commercial vehicle loads. The Missouri state government routinely allows these vehicles to carry loads up to 85,500 pounds. This additional weight increases the likelihood of an accident, when the driver is braking and turning, because the driver may not be able to fully control the vehicle.

Furthermore, tanker trucks often pose a unique danger on the road because many of these vehicles carry highly flammable or otherwise hazardous materials. Some of the liquids a tanker truck may transport include:

  • Diesel
  • Gasoline
  • Propane
  • Chlorine
  • Argon
  • Sulfuric acid
  • Liquid petroleum

If any of these liquids leak while driving, or in the event of an accident, other vehicles and drivers on the road may suffer severe consequences. If a tanker truck driver does not receive the proper training on the job, or if the driver does not take their duty seriously, they could cause a fatal accident in a matter of seconds.

Causes of Tanker Truck Collisions

Most tanker truck accidents occur because of the truck’s inherent dangers or because of driver error. In either case, drivers and trucking companies are responsible for preventing these accidents whenever possible. Some of the common causes of tanker truck accidents include:

Truck drivers and trucking companies are often striving to make tight delivery deadlines, which may encourage them to cut corners or break safety regulations, for the sake of time and money. These decisions place you at risk of a serious accident, and anyone responsible must pay the price for their choices.

Common Injuries from a Tank Truck Accident

You may sustain injuries from any type of vehicle collision, but accidents involving tanker trucks are frequently more dangerous and result in much more severe injuries. The liquid cargo that tankers carry moves more than other types of solid cargo. It is impossible to strap liquid cargo into the vehicle, meaning that the weight of the liquid will change positions when the vehicle turns, breaks, and accelerates. This movement increases the risk that a tanker truck will roll over and cause a serious accident.

Additionally, when a tanker truck is carrying hazardous or flammable materials, a collision with this truck may cause a fire or even an explosion. This increases your risk of injury beyond what you may experience in the crash itself. Some of the injuries you may sustain in a tanker truck accident include:

If you sustained any of these injuries after a tanker truck accident, you may be facing extensive medical treatment and physical rehabilitation to help you recover from your injuries. These necessary medical treatments come with expensive medical bills, which you should not have to pay for. Your lawsuit may be able to help you recover the costs of this accident.

Possible Compensation for Your Accident

After an accident, you are facing a variety of expenses, which may threaten your financial security and your future. When another person caused your accident, no one should expect you to pay for these expenses. The compensation you receive from your lawsuit can help you support yourself and your loved ones during this difficult period in your life.

The amount and type of compensation you receive, after a tanker truck accident, will depend on the severity of your injuries and the expenses you incur. However, some of the most common expenses your lawsuit may cover include:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Hospitalization and surgery
  • On-going medical care
  • Medication and medical devices
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Transportation expenses
  • Lost wages or lost future earning
  • Permanent or temporary disability

These are just some of the many different types of compensation available after a tanker truck accident. You need to discuss your case with a lawyer to determine a fair settlement price for your accident.

If a loved one lost their life in a trucking accident, you may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This lawsuit can offer additional compensation for funeral services, burial costs, and financial protection for the deceased’s loved ones.

No amount of money can reverse the impact a serious truck accident has on your life. However, you and your loved ones should not suffer because of another person’s careless or reckless actions. Talk with your lawyer to fully understand the compensation you may be able to recover after your tanker truck accident.

Contact OnderLaw for Tanker Truck Crashes in St. Louis

If a tanker truck driver hurt you, it is time to take action and seek the compensation you need. The St. Louis tanker truck accident lawyers at OnderLaw have the skills and experience you need to receive the best possible outcome on your case. You need to act fast after an accident to ensure that you can take the appropriate legal action and receive fair compensation. To start work on your truck accident case today, contact OnderLaw.