When passing a truck on the highway, it is often impossible to know what the vehicle is transporting. While the cargo may be no more than clothing, it may also be highly flammable or explosive.
State and federal laws dictate the transportation of hazardous material. The impact of dangerous cargo in a Grapevine truck accident case is significant, as these laws present complex legal issues. When you are hurt in a wreck with a tractor-trailer, an experienced truck crash lawyer could help you plead your case in court and prove the trucker or their employer violated transportation laws.
What is Hazardous Cargo?
While any motor vehicle accident can lead to severe injuries, getting hit by a truck carrying dangerous cargo often leads to life-altering harm. Injuries from these collisions have devastating effects on a person’s life, sometimes involving severe chemical burns or radiation exposure.
While truckers transport a variety of hazardous items, the United States Department of Transportation puts each material into a category. The categories include the following:
- Radioactive material
- Flammable liquids or solids
- Explosives
- Corrosives
- Gases
- Poisons
According to federal hazardous material laws, each material fits into a particular class. Given the extreme risks involved in the impact of dangerous cargo, anyone who suffers injuries in a truck crash should immediately reach out to an attorney in Grapevine to learn more about their legal right to compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
Legal Requirements for Truckers Carrying Hazardous Material
Because of the dangers of carrying hazardous material, semi operators and the companies they work for must follow state and federal laws to ensure the safety of other drivers on the road. The complexity of these laws, which include everything from federal mandates to state administrative rules, can be incredibly dense. The assistance of an attorney in Grapevine knowledgeable about the laws regarding hazardous cargo can help an injured person understand the impact these regulations might have on their truck wreck case.
The obligations imposed on truck drivers and trucking companies are vast. For instance, truckers transporting hazardous material must meet specific requirements for labeling it unsafe and remain vigilant in controlling the items in their trailer. Additionally, truck drivers carrying dangerous goods must meet more stringent training requirements and may even have to take specific routes.
Parties to a Dangerous Cargo Case
Many parties can bear responsibility for a tractor-trailer accident. Responsible parties can range from the manufacturers of the dangerous cargo to the manufacturer that created the item’s packaging. Insufficiently trained or licensed truck drivers and the companies that employ them can also share liability.
Identifying liable parties is a complex task requiring a thorough investigation. Sometimes, it is difficult to establish how a truck wreck involving dangerous cargo could impact an individual’s case. An experienced attorney could represent the plaintiff’s rights in court and ensure they sue the correct parties for the full amount.
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Contact an Attorney in Grapevine to Learn the Impact of Dangerous Cargo in a Truck Accident Case
The impact of dangerous cargo in a Grapevine truck accident case can be catastrophic. Not only are you at risk of serious and potentially fatal injuries from a collision, but the lasting effects of exposure to hazardous materials can prove insurmountable for you and your loved ones. While federal and state laws regulate the transportation of dangerous cargo, these laws cannot always prevent devastating injuries.
When you are injured in a truck accident involving hazardous cargo, an attorney could provide you with more information on the state and federal laws that might affect your case. Call today to schedule a meeting.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
