The Dangers of Truck Accidents in The Oil and Gas Industry
Collisions involving large trucks can have severe consequences for the victims. But when the truck’s cargo is oil and gas, an accident can lead to particularly devastating injuries or fatalities. The impact of an oilfield truck accident doesn’t remain restricted to those working in the oilfield. Instead, it has the possibility to affect an entire community.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an oil and gas truck accident, you should not delay in speaking with a qualified truck accident attorney to explore your best legal options.
Dangers of Oil Tanker Accidents in West Virginia
There is a high chance of serious injury whenever a large commercial truck crashes with an SUV, smaller car, or pickup vehicle. But in case of an oil tanker crash, multiple motorists, passengers, and pedestrians on the road may get impacted.
Typical dangers that lead to oil tanker accidents include:
Rollovers
The rollover threshold of oil tankers is significantly lower as compared to other trucks. This makes oil tankers more prone to accidents. It goes without saying that a rollover accident involving an oil truck can result in catastrophic consequences.
In particular, oil tankers present a unique handling challenge, especially when the tank is not completely full. The driver may lose control of the vehicle because of gallons of sloshing liquid. The truck may crash into other motorists on the road. There are plenty of safety features in the fuel tanker apparatus to avoid a tragic accident.
Pertaining to this, it requires to be handled properly by trained professionals. Fuel tankers should never be overloaded. There may be an accident or a spill if the employees or driver of the trucking company fail to adhere to set guidelines.
Explosions
The potential for explosions is another hazard associated with oil truck accidents. This is usually because of the inherent flammability of the cargo, which can cause severe injuries. Additionally, there is also the possibility of causing damage to nearby property and buildings.
Tanker trucks are known to barrel down West Virginia roads hitched to tanks containing over 11,000 gallons of gasoline or oil. The sheer quantity presents a significant risk in the event of an impact.
Such types of fuel tanker explosions can result in serious injury or death. This doesn’t just impact those involved in an accident, but others in the immediate vicinity as well.
Fires
Even if there is no explosion, flammable cargo in a tanker always presents a fire risk in the aftermath of a breakdown or collision because of a defective part or mechanical failure. Gasoline fires can do serious harm regardless of the cause. It can also result in significant property damage.
Oil spills
The most dangerous and long-lasting aspect of an oil and gas truck accident is the high possibility of an oil spill. These can contribute to certain pesky problems, such as:
- Oil spills may take months or even years to be fully removed and cleaned
- Oil spills are harmful to both animals and people that come in contact
- Oil spills increase the likelihood of fires, which can cause further damage
Environmental Issues
Oil and gas truck accidents can result in severe environmental issues in addition to fires and explosions. Cargo is often toxic and has the potential to cause widespread contamination in the soil, air, and water. Accidents involving trucks in the oil and gas industry can result in long-term environmental damage and pose extensive health problems for both animals and people.
Why Do Oil Tanker Accidents Occur in West Virginia?
Fuel tanker trucks lack the maneuverability of smaller-sized vehicles and have longer stopping times because of their excessive size and weight. Hence, it takes extra ability and cares to drive one of these tankers.
Tanker accidents may often result from the following:
- Driver distraction
- Speeding
- Taking a turn too fast
- Driver fatigue
- Not turning properly
- Tailgating
- Failure to follow the local traffic laws
- Inexperienced and untrained driver
- Failure to properly maintain the vehicle
- Mechanical defects
- Bad weather
- Improperly secured cargo
You are entitled to demand compensation if your injuries and property damage following the truck accident are the results of another’s negligence. A wise and successful WV truck accident attorney will be able to help you identify everyone at fault and take the necessary steps for maximizing the damages. Possible responsible entities include the truck driver, the company that hired the truck driver, and the truck owner.
Recovering Maximum Compensation for Your Tanker Accident and Injury Claim
Commercial truck accident claims involving fuel trucks are more complicated to navigate and investigate. Stakes are higher in such accidents because of the greater likelihood of severe and permanent injuries. This makes it important to seek a qualified fuel truck accident attorney to handle your case.
Your attorneys will take the required steps to prepare a strong claim while you are on the road to recovery. Your attorneys will comb through the evidence for identifying crucial pieces that can hold the defendants liable for your injuries.
Legal Help is Here from Highly Acclaimed Fuel Truck Accident Attorneys in West Virginia
The seasoned oil truck accident personal injury attorneys at the law offices of Bailey, Javins, & Carter are well-versed in both personal injury law and laws specific to oil and gas accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured in a fuel truck accident, our attorneys can help build a strong claim to maximize your financial compensation.
To schedule your free consultation, call us at 800-497-0234 or fill out this online contact form.
