Fort Myers Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer
Much of Florida’s important cargo is carried by tanker trucks. These vehicles are easily identifiable by their long, cylindrical trailers. Tanker trucks carry everything from food products like milk and wine to hazardous materials such as gasoline and industrial chemicals.
So when a tanker truck is involved in an accident, the consequences are often far more devastating than a regular car crash. First there is the damage caused by the heavy vehicle itself. Then there is the potential injury from the spillage of what the tanker truck was carrying. In the case of a hazardous chemical, this can mean critical–and potentially deadly–burn injuries sustained by innocent people. The spillage itself can also cause a chain reaction of accidents as vehicles either come into contact with the material or swerve suddenly to avoid it.
If you or someone in your family has been injured in such a scenario, you may be entitled to compensation if negligence was to blame for what happened. An experienced Fort Myers truck accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances surrounding your case and advise you on what action to take. At Cardinal Law, P.A., we have represented many commercial trucking accident victims in pursuing compensation claims.
Understanding Why Tanker Truck Accidents Happen in Florida
Like any large commercial vehicle, tanker trucks can cut a swath of devastation across a highway if they are not operated properly. Many tanker truck accidents are in fact the result of simple driver negligence. Some common factors in these accidents include:
- aggressive driving and tailgating;
- speeding beyond the limit posted for trucks, which is often lower than for other traffic;
- distracted driving, e.g., using a smartphone while operating a tanker truck;
- excessive fatigue due to drivers not taking breaks or working beyond the legally permitted hours of service; and
- ignoring traffic laws in order to meet delivery schedules.
Beyond driver negligence, a tanker truck accident can also occur because of a preventable issue with the vehicle itself. For example, if the tanker truck’s owner fails to conduct routine inspections and maintenance, that can lead to a critical part failure on the road, such as a blown-out tire. Additionally, if the tanker truck’s tanks are not loaded properly, that can lead to an imbalance and a potential rollover accident.
Contact Cardinal Law Today
At Cardinal Law, P.A., we know that time is of the essence when pursuing a claim for compensation following a tanker truck accident. The reason for this is simple: Any delay in investigating an accident can lead to the loss of valuable evidence. And the more information that you can gather following the accident, the stronger your case for damages will be.
So you should never hesitate to contact a Fort Myers tanker truck accident lawyer. We can sit down with you and review the circumstances surrounding your accident. And after gathering all of the relevant facts, we can negotiate a potential settlement with the trucking companies or their insurance carrier–and if necessary file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
