(845) 802-0047Tanker trucks are some of the most dangerous commercial vehicles on the roadway. When they are involved in New York trucking accidents, it is likely that there will be serious personal injuries. This is because tanker trucks are very large, very heavy, and usually carry a dangerous payload. When innocent people are involved in serious collisions with tanker trucks, it is likely that they will sustain permanent, debilitating, and possibly fatal injuries.
Indeed, tanker trucks pose a two-fold threat to motorists on the roadway. First, their heavy and large size generates considerable momentum and force in a collision which could easily result in fatal injuries. This means that the impact with a tanker truck, even at low speeds, is met with more power than a passenger vehicle going the same speed. Second, tanker trucks’ cargo may be dangerous as well. This could be the fuel that could ignite and cause burn injuries, or it could be caustic liquids which cause chemical burns.
Why New York Trucking Accidents Involving Tanker Trucks Occur
There are many reasons why tanker truck crashes occur in New York. Unfortunately, many of these big rig crashes are due to reckless, careless, or downright negligent conduct of truck drivers and trucking companies. These errors and mistakes which result in needless injury are usually preventable.
Some of the common causes of tanker truck crashes in New York include the following:
- Overfilling or too heavy cargo;
- Driver inexperience;
- Speeding;
- Braking too hard;
- Mechanical errors;
- Taking a turn too hard or too fast;
- Drunk driving or drugged driving;
- Unlicensed operator; and
- Other common errors.
Understanding the Unique Risks of Tanker Trucks and New York Trucking Accidents
As mentioned above, tanker trucks of the risk of causing secondary injuries after a collision. That is because tanker trucks have a payload different than other commercial vehicles. If the shell of the tanker is punctured, all of the cargo will pour out. This is unlike a box truck, where some of the physical cargo may come out through a puncture, but not the entire payload.
This creates two unique issues. If the cargo is flammable, it creates a very dangerous situation where victims may be seriously burned or perish in a fire after a collision. Fires in commercial vehicle accidents are common, particularly with tanker trucks hauling fuel. The other issue is that if the cargo is caustic, it could cause serious or deadly chemical burns. These burns could result in extreme pain and suffering and the wrongful death of a person. This is particularly true of most acids and other industrial cleaners, chemicals, mixers, or other agents.
Common Injuries in New York Trucking Accidents Involving Tanker Trucks
There are many different possible injuries which could be caused by tanker trucks in a big rig crash. Many of these injuries are caused by any type of collision with a commercial vehicle like a semi tractor-trailer, flatbed, box truck, or other big rigs. However, many of these injuries are unique or at an enhanced risk from tanker trucks.
The most common types of injuries from tanker trucks in a New York crash involve the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Burn injuries from fires or explosions;
- Chemical burns from caustic cargo;
- Broken bones;
- Drowning from cargo;
- Amputations;
- Wrongful death; and
- Other possible injuries.
Victims of New York Trucking Accidents Involving Tanker Trucks Should Call Our New York Trucking Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New York trucking accident involving tanker trucks, please call our law firm to learn how we can protect your rights to compensation. We can work with you, your medical providers, and retain experts to prove your case in court. Schedule a FREE consultation to meet with our New York trucking accident lawyer to learn how we can get started today by protecting your right for tomorrow.