Earlier this month, an Ohio highway was closed for over 16 hours after a large tanker truck was involved in an accident. The early evening crash caused a fiery explosion on the Ohio State Highway. The exact circumstances surrounding how the accident actually occurred have not yet been revealed. However, news reports have indicated that the tanker truck was carrying about 5,000 gallons of “marine pollutant.” Thankfully, no other vehicles were involved in the accident.
Authorities do not believe that any of the pollutant leaked from the truck. However, the truck’s fuel likely burned or leaked out of the vehicle. Following the crash, toxic fumes began to fill the air, and police advised residents to “shelter in place” to avoid inhaling the toxic fumes. Additionally, residents were advised to turn off their air conditioners until it was determined that hazardous fumes were no longer in the air. Traffic was diverted while emergency personnel cleared the scene. The truck’s driver suffered non-life threatening injuries. Latest reports do not indicate whether the driver will be charged with any crimes.
Transportation of Hazardous Material in New Mexico
In New Mexico, commercial transportation is an important and growing industry, and many of those commercial vehicles are in the business of transporting hazardous materials. Trucking activities are highly regulated in the United States, and truck drivers who cross state lines need to be registered under the International Registration Plan. Furthermore, truck drivers who transport hazardous materials are under even more strict scrutiny by the government. The government has implemented very specific rules and regulations to ensure that these truck drivers are abiding by all safety regulations and are transporting their materials in the most efficient and safe way.
Items such as marine pollutants, gases, and explosive liquids are considered to be highly hazardous. When trucks carrying these materials are involved in an accident, the outcome can be devastating. When individuals are involved in an accident with a truck carrying materials like this, it is very likely that they will suffer severe personal injury and property damage.
It is important that these truck drivers and their respective companies are held responsible when they are at fault for a serious accident, especially when the accident results in serious bodily injury. Trucking companies and drivers have the responsibility, especially when carrying hazardous materials, to operate their vehicles with the utmost care and with the safety of others in mind.
Have You Been Injured Because of the Negligence of a Truck Driver?
If you or a loved one has been injured because of the negligence of a truck driver, you should consider bringing a personal injury suit against the culpable driver or their employer. These types of accidents can be particularly devastating, and it is important that you are able to receive just compensation for your injuries. If you are successful, you may be entitled to compensation for your past medical bills, as well as your future medical expenses related to your injuries. Other compensation may be awarded, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Contact one of the experienced attorneys at the Fine Law Firm today at 800-753-5529 to schedule a free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Truck Driver Involved in Crash That Blocked Bridge, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, June 18, 2015.
17-Year-Old Girl Killed after Logging Truck Crashes on Highway, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, May 27, 2015.