Fuel truck accidents are among the most catastrophic events on New Jersey roads. When a massive tanker truck carrying flammable substances collides with another vehicle, the consequences can be devastating: serious injuries, environmental hazards, and even fatalities. If you’ve been affected by such an accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal options and get experienced help in claiming compensation.
You can find your experienced New Jersey fuel truck accident lawyer at Grossman Law. Led by seasoned attorney Scott D. Grossman, we have been helping New Jerseyans for over 27 years, obtaining deca-millions of dollars in compensation for them. We’re eager to guide and represent you in your fuel truck accident claim.
Get a free consultation with Grossman Law’s competent truck crash lawyer. You won’t pay us legal fees until we win for you. Call us today at (877) 996-5529.
What Makes Fuel Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
When a tanker truck driver makes a mistake, it can pose significant dangers to other motorists in Jersey City. One major risk comes from the sheer weight of a fuel truck. A fully loaded fuel truck can transport as much as 11,500 gallons of fuel. If a truck of this magnitude collides with a passenger vehicle, the force of impact could cause severe, crushing injuries to those inside.
When involved in accidents, these trucks can cause:
- Explosion: If the tanker ruptures in a crash, the materials inside could ignite and explode, posing serious risks to those involved in the accident as well as surrounding bystanders.
- Fire: A tanker transporting flammable substances may spill its contents after an accident, increasing the likelihood of a fire that could endanger nearby individuals and properties.
- Loss of control: The force of a collision may cause the driver to lose control of the tanker, leading the trailer to roll over or slide uncontrollably, potentially striking other vehicles or structures.
- Spills and leaks: A damaged tanker could release hazardous chemicals or toxic substances into the environment, putting large groups of people at risk of exposure to dangerous materials.
- Massive weight impact: The sheer size and weight of fuel trucks make them capable of causing significant damage when they collide with passenger cars.
Common Types of Fuel Truck Cargo
While some tanker trucks transport non-hazardous materials like milk or other food-related products, many carry substances that pose serious risks to human health. These hazardous materials include:
- Gasoline
- Diesel fuel
- Ethanol
- Propane
- Petroleum-based products.
Common Causes of Fuel Truck Accidents
Fuel truck accidents often result from negligence or unsafe practices by drivers and trucking companies. Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to reduced reaction times.
- Mechanical failures: Poor maintenance may lead to brake or engine malfunctions.
- Improper cargo loading: Incorrectly secured fuel tanks can shift during transit, destabilizing the vehicle.
- Distracted driving: Texting or using devices while driving increases collision risks.
Understanding the cause of the crash is key to determining liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Fuel Truck Accident?
To pursue a wrongful death or personal injury claim after a fuel truck accident, it’s essential to prove that another party acted recklessly or negligently. For instance, if the truck driver or owner could have made a different decision to prevent the accident, their failure to do so may indicate negligence.
Our attorney at Grossman Law can conduct a thorough investigation to identify who is responsible for the crash that caused your injuries. Potentially liable parties may include:
- Fuel truck driver: The driver may lack a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), as required by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), or may have engaged in reckless behaviors such as speeding or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Fuel truck owner: The owner may have cut corners on truck safety or hired an unqualified driver who lacked the necessary training or proper CDL, putting others at risk.
- Maintenance provider: A repair or maintenance shop that serviced the fuel truck may have neglected critical safety issues. Common examples are defective brakes, worn-out tires, malfunctioning safety lights, and other mechanical failures.
- Manufacturers: Defective parts like brakes or tires can contribute to accidents.
- Other third-party contractors: Companies responsible for cargo loading or maintenance may also be liable.
Identifying liable parties is essential for recovering fair compensation. At Grossman Law, our personal injury lawyer specializes in examining truck accidents and determining all the liable parties. We help our clients not only identify the factors in their accident but also prove liability in their truck crash claims.
What Injuries Are Common in Fuel Truck Accidents?
Due to the force of impact and exposure to hazardous materials, fuel truck accidents often lead to severe injuries, including:
- Burns from fires or contact with hazardous chemicals
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) resulting from head trauma
- Fractures and spinal injuries caused by the collision’s force
- Internal organ damage from severe blunt force impact
- Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Lowered body temperature due to chemical exposure or shock
- Bacterial infections in open wounds from contamination
- Respiratory issues caused by inhaling toxic fumes
- Permanent scarring from severe burns.
Victims often require intensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation to recover from these injuries.
How Can a New Jersey Fuel Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?
An experienced lawyer plays a critical role in handling complex fuel truck accident cases:
- Investigating the crash thoroughly to determine liability
- Collecting evidence like police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage
- Negotiating with insurers who may attempt to minimize payouts
- Representing you in court if necessary.
Hiring a skilled attorney ensures your rights are protected throughout the legal process. In New Jersey, injured individuals and bereaved families trust Grossman Law when pursuing a truck accident claim.
Through our two decades of service, the Grossman law firm has become a top-rated team in the fields of personal injury and wrongful death. We’ve earned accolades in the industry – such as an Avvo perfect rating of 10.0 – but continue to assist our clients with a “small firm” kind of attentiveness and commitment.
Steps to Take After a Fuel Truck Crash
If you’re involved in a fuel truck accident, follow these steps:
- Call emergency services immediately for medical help and accident reporting.
- Document the scene with photos or videos of damage and injuries.
- Obtain contact information from witnesses and other drivers.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without consulting your lawyer.
- Contact an experienced New Jersey fuel truck accident lawyer for guidance.
Acting quickly helps preserve evidence crucial for your case. Don’t hesitate to contact Grossman Law. We’ll provide you with a free consultation, and won’t charge fees until we’ve obtained compensation for you. With us, you can take action immediately without risking any costs.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Fuel Truck Accident?
Victims of fuel truck accidents may recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional trauma
- Property damage resulting from the crash
- Diminished quality of life.
When you work with Grossman Law, your lawyer will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We don’t just aim to recover your monetary losses. We strive to get you comprehensive reparations for your physical, financial, and emotional ordeal.
Injured in a Fuel Truck Accident in New Jersey? Get Legal Help From Grossman Law.
Fuel truck accident cases are complex due to multiple liable parties, federal trucking regulations, and high stakes involving hazardous materials. Hiring an attorney ensures you have someone fighting tirelessly for your rights. An experienced New Jersey attorney understands state laws, has access to expert witnesses, and knows how to negotiate effectively with insurers.
If you’ve been affected by a fuel truck accident in New Jersey, don’t wait. Contact Grossman Law today. At Grossman Law, we are committed to protecting your rights and securing justice after your fuel truck accident. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim – let us advocate for you.
Call (877) 996-5529 today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.