Austin Tank Truck Accident Attorneys

Committed to Fighting Tirelessly for You

Tanker trucks are tractor-trailer trucks that carry liquids or gases, which may be flammable or toxic—for example, petroleum, propane, and various hazardous chemicals or waste products. This creates additional dangers to people in the surrounding area if a fire or release of toxic chemicals should occur. If a tank containing a liquid cargo is under-filled (less than three-quarters full) the sloshing of the liquid can cause an imbalance that has the potential to cause the driver to lose control, making the tanker roll over, especially if the driver must apply the brakes abruptly in an emergency.

If you or your loved one was involved in a tank truck accident, Briggle & Polan, PLLC can help. Our Austin tank truck accident attorneys know how to navigate these types of complex cases; we understand how to determine liability and what it takes to hold the responsible parties accountable.

For a free, no-obligation consultation, call our office at (512) 400-3278 or contact us online today. We are available 24/7 and can come to you if your injuries prevent you from coming to our office. 

What Makes Tank Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

Tank trucks are used to transport chemicals in liquid and gas form, and many of these substances are flammable or stored under pressure. In a crash, the chemicals can burst into flames without warning, making a severe hazard that is not seen in most other types of motor vehicle accidents. Materials transported in tank trucks are also typically hazardous and can cause victims to suffer chemical burns, illnesses due to toxic exposure, and other permanent health conditions.

Tank trucks are often used to transport the:

• Gasoline
• Ethanol
• Diesel fuel
• Pesticides
• Industrial chemicals
• Petroleum products
• Radioactive substances
• Organic waste

Tank trucks can pose a higher risk of a rollover accident. When the tanker on the back of a truck is only partially filled with liquids, the weight distribution inside can slosh and shift around as the tanker moves. If it begins to tip slightly, then the liquid shifting inside will suddenly make one side much heavier than the other and make it far more likely that the rollover will happen.

Jackknife accidents are also more common among tank trucks. As with the rollover danger, the higher risk of a jackknife accident is associated with the weight distribution issues between the tanker and the tractor pulling it. A liquid-filled tanker is often smaller than a product-filled trailer but can weigh many times more. This disparity makes braking and turning difficult, which can cause a jackknife.

Get Help from a Reliable Legal Team

Calculating the full cost of your damages from a tank truck accident can be difficult. Not only do you need to take into account the cost of immediate emergency medical treatment, but you also need to consider the ongoing care that will likely be required on the road to recovery. Victims typically need multiple surgeries, physical and cognitive rehabilitation therapy, medications, and personalized pain management programs. In some cases, victims will be confined to wheelchairs and will, therefore, need to make modifications to their homes and vehicles to accommodate their new disabilities. And, of course, there is the emotional cost of such an accident. Victims typically experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we understand the immense impact that tank truck accidents have—not only on victims but on their families and loved ones as well. Our Austin tank truck accident lawyers work to secure the full, fair compensation our clients are owed if injured in a truck accident. Our goal is to help you secure a recovery that can cover the full amount of damages you have suffered. Our aggressive, uncompromising approach to trial has allowed us to successfully secure millions of dollars on behalf of injured individuals throughout the area.

Call us today at (512) 400-3278 for a no-cost consultation with a member of our team. Se habla español.