A collision with a tanker truck can change your life in an instant. These enormous vehicles, often carrying hazardous materials, present unique dangers that can lead to severe injuries and overwhelming consequences.
At Kolodny Law Firm, we understand the challenges you face and are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of your case.
Our experienced Houston tanker truck accident lawyers will provide compassionate representation combined with aggressive advocacy to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us be the trusted partner you need during this difficult time.
Why Tanker Truck Accidents Happen in Houston
Houston’s status as a hub for commerce and industrial activity means tanker trucks are a common sight on local highways and roads. Unfortunately, this also makes accidents involving these vehicles more likely. Common causes of tanker truck accidents in Houston include:
Hazardous Materials
Tanker trucks often transport flammable, corrosive, or toxic substances. If improperly secured, these materials can leak, spill, or ignite during an accident. Fires or chemical exposures can create additional hazards for victims and first responders, requiring specialized cleanup efforts and increasing the severity of injuries.
Driver Negligence
Speeding, distracted driving, and fatigue are common factors in tanker truck accidents. Drivers often work long hours to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to slower reaction times and poor decision-making behind the wheel. Failure to check blind spots or improper turns can also cause devastating crashes.
Improper Loading
Liquid cargo must be evenly distributed within the tanker. If a load is improperly secured or exceeds weight limits, the truck can become unstable, especially during turns or sudden stops. Sloshing liquid can also shift the vehicle’s center of gravity, increasing the risk of rollovers.
Mechanical Failures
Brakes, tires, and steering systems on tanker trucks must be meticulously maintained to ensure safety. A single failure—such as a tire blowout or malfunctioning brake system—can lead to catastrophic accidents, particularly on Houston’s busy highways.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Heavy rain, fog, and flooding are common in Houston and can make roads more hazardous for large vehicles like tanker trucks. Limited visibility and slick surfaces reduce drivers’ ability to control these massive vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
Poor Road Design or Maintenance
Construction zones, potholes, and poorly marked lanes are especially dangerous for tanker trucks. Uneven or narrow lanes in high-traffic areas, like I-45 and I-10, exacerbate these risks and make navigating Houston’s roadways even more challenging for truck drivers.
By understanding the root causes of tanker truck accidents, we can build a strong case to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Common Injuries Caused by Tanker Trucks in Houston
The size and weight of tanker trucks, combined with the hazardous materials they carry, are a recipe for severe injuries in a tanker truck accident. Victims may suffer from:
- Burn injuries. Fires, explosions, or chemical spills can cause thermal or chemical burns, often leading to scarring, disfigurement, or the need for long-term medical care.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A tanker truck collision can result in head trauma, causing memory loss, cognitive impairments, or permanent brain damage. Rehabilitation for TBIs often requires ongoing therapy.
- Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring significant lifestyle adjustments and lifelong medical support.
- Broken bones and fractures. The force of a crash with a tanker truck can cause multiple fractures, often necessitating surgeries, physical therapy, and prolonged recovery periods.
- Internal organ damage. High-impact collisions frequently result in injuries to internal organs, such as punctured lungs or internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening without immediate medical attention.
- Respiratory issues. Exposure to toxic chemicals or fumes from the tanker’s cargo can cause severe respiratory distress, long-term lung damage, or other chronic conditions.
- Fatalities. Tragically, many tanker truck accidents result in loss of life. Families of victims may pursue wrongful death claims to secure justice and financial support for their future.
Prompt medical attention and thorough documentation of injuries are critical for building a strong legal case.
What to Do After a Houston Tanker Truck Accident
The steps you take after a tanker truck accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to do:
1. Prioritize Your Safety
If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic and potential hazards from the tanker truck’s cargo. If you notice a chemical spill, stay upwind and at a safe distance to avoid inhaling fumes. Alert others in the area to potential risks while waiting for emergency responders.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Internal injuries or chemical exposure symptoms may not be immediately apparent but can worsen without treatment. Retain all medical records, as they will be crucial in your claim for compensation.
3. Call the Police
Call the police to report the accident. Responding officers will document the scene, interview witnesses, and create an official report. This report will provide critical evidence for your claim and help establish liability.
4. Document the Scene
Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If the tanker truck is leaking or spilling cargo, capture images or video of the spill and any warning signs (or lack thereof). Collect contact information from witnesses for follow-up.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault
When speaking to others involved in the accident, avoid making statements they could interpret as an admission of fault, such as apologizing or speculating about what happened. Stick to factual descriptions and leave the determination of fault to investigators.
6. Preserve Evidence
Keep all documentation related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers. Avoid repairing your vehicle until it can be inspected for evidence, as the damage may support your claim.
7. Consult an Experienced Attorney
Tanker truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties and complex regulations. Hiring a skilled Houston tanker truck accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your claim is handled effectively. Early legal representation can help preserve evidence, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, pursue litigation to secure the compensation you deserve.
Taking these steps can help protect your health, legal rights, and ability to recover fair compensation.
Damages Our Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Help You Recover
Victims of tanker truck accidents often face overwhelming financial, physical, and emotional losses. At Kolodny Law Firm, we fight to ensure you receive full compensation for all economic and noneconomic damages. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the damages we can help you recover.
Medical Expenses
Medical costs after a tanker truck accident can be extensive and long-lasting. Compensation for medical expenses includes emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation. Victims may also require specialized care for injuries such as chemical burns, respiratory issues, or spinal cord damage.
Future medical needs, like ongoing therapy, home health care, or adaptive equipment, are also considered. Our attorneys work closely with medical professionals to calculate the true cost of your current and future treatment.
Lost Income
Severe injuries can prevent you from returning to work temporarily or permanently. Compensation for lost income damages covers wages you missed during recovery and any loss of future earning capacity.
If your injuries force you to change careers or reduce your hours, we account for these financial setbacks, ensuring we account for your long-term earning potential in your claim. This category may also include lost benefits, promotions, or professional opportunities disrupted by the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain and emotional distress often extend far beyond the initial injury. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the ongoing impact of your injuries, including chronic pain, reduced mobility, and the psychological toll of trauma.
Many victims face anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a tanker truck accident. Our team emphasizes how these intangible losses affect your quality of life to ensure they are properly valued.
Property Damage
Tanker truck accidents frequently result in significant damage to personal vehicles and belongings. Property damage compensation includes the cost of vehicle repairs or replacement, reimbursement for damaged items, and expenses for alternative transportation, such as rental cars. If your vehicle’s market value is diminished due to the accident, we ensure your claim includes this loss.
Loss of Consortium
For families, the effects of a tanker truck accident can strain relationships. Loss of consortium damages compensate for the impact of injuries on a spouse or family member, including the loss of companionship, emotional support, and intimacy. In wrongful death cases, these damages may address the profound emotional void left by a loved one’s passing and the long-term impact on surviving family members.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Examples include reckless driving, willful safety violations, or failure to address known mechanical issues with the tanker truck. While these damages are less common, they send a strong message and provide additional financial support to victims.
At Kolodny Law Firm, we take a personalized approach to assessing damages. Our team collaborates with financial experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to fully evaluate your losses and build a compelling case. We fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life and move forward with confidence.
Tanker Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tanker truck accident, Kolodny Law Firm is here to help. With over a decade of experience, we’re known for delivering exceptional results and providing personalized, compassionate representation. Our team will handle every aspect of your case, from insurance negotiations to trial preparation, so you can focus on recovery.
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Call Kolodny Law Firm today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. There’s no risk—we only get paid if we recover for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file your claim within this timeframe, you risk losing the right to seek compensation. However, certain exceptions may extend or shorten this deadline. For example, if the injured party is a minor, the two-year period may begin on their 18th birthday. Similarly, if the at-fault party leaves the state or is otherwise unavailable, the statute of limitations may pause or “toll.” Early consultation with an experienced Houston tanker truck accident lawyer ensures you do not miss critical deadlines and allows sufficient time to build a strong case.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Tanker Truck Accident?
Liability in a tanker truck accident often involves multiple parties, making these cases complex. Truck drivers may be at fault if they engage in negligent behaviors, such as driving under the influence or ignoring traffic laws.
The trucking company may also bear responsibility if they fail to properly train drivers, maintain unsafe schedules, or neglect vehicle maintenance. Cargo loaders could be liable if improper loading or securing of the tanker’s cargo contributed to the accident. In some cases, manufacturers of defective vehicle parts, such as brakes or tires, may share liability.
Additionally, if road design or maintenance issues played a role, government entities could share some responsibility. An attorney will investigate all potential parties to ensure maximum compensation.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
At Kolodny Law Firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. Our fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict.
This arrangement ensures that quality legal representation is accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. During your free consultation, we’ll explain how our fee structure works and answer any questions you have about the process.
Should I Accept a Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?
While a quick settlement offer from an insurance company may seem appealing, it is often far less than you deserve. Insurance adjusters aim to minimize payouts and may not account for the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses, lost earning potential, and emotional trauma.
Before accepting any offer, it’s critical to consult with a skilled attorney who can evaluate the offer’s fairness. At Kolodny Law Firm, we review settlement offers and negotiate aggressively to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for the justice you deserve.