Miami Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer
Tanker trucks are commonly used to transport hazardous cargo. This means that if such vehicles are involved in an accident, the consequences can be catastrophic for all those involved. The Miami tanker truck accident lawyers at Pike & Lustig, LLP, represent victims seeking compensation for their losses as a result of negligence on the part of tanker truck drivers, owners, and other businesses responsible for the operation of these dangerous commercial vehicles.
Getting to the Bottom of a Tanker Truck Accident
A tanker truck accident does not “just happen.” There is always an underlying cause, and more often than not, it was a negligent act or omission on the part of someone with legal responsibility for the tanker truck and its cargo. When we investigate a tanker truck accident on a client’s behalf at Pike & Lustig, some of the potential factors we look at include:
- The tanker truck driver’s actions — It goes without saying that anyone who operates a motor vehicle needs to act responsibly and obey the rules of the road. This is especially important for tanker truck drivers given the size and weight of their vehicles, not to mention the hazardous nature of their cargo. A tanker truck driver who speeds, drives drunk, fails to take proper rest breaks, or gets distracted by their phone, among other things, is far more likely to cause a serious accident than a driver who is diligent about safe driving.
- How was the tanker truck maintained? — Even the best tanker truck driver in the world, however, can still get into an accident if there is a mechanical failure with their vehicle. That is why it is important to scrutinize the actions of the companies that own these trucks, as well as any contractors hired to inspect, repair, and maintain the vehicles. For example, we find that many tanker truck accidents are the result of simply failing to replace worn tires or shoddy brakes.
- Was the tanker properly loaded? Unlike tractor-trailers that primarily carry solid cargo, tanker trucks are commonly used to transport liquids that can shift when in motion. So if the tanker itself is overloaded or otherwise not loaded in compliance with regulatory and industry standards, there is a significant risk that the truck’s center of gravity will abruptly shift during transport and lead to a rollover accident.
Contact Our Miami Tanker Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you are a Florida driver, then you probably know that your own no-fault insurance provides coverage in the event of a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who was to blame. Such coverage is often woefully insufficient to compensate victims and their families when a tanker truck accident results in serious injury or death. For this reason, you can step outside of the no-fault system in these cases and file a personal injury claim directly against the negligent tanker truck driver, owner, or other party whose actions contributed to the accident.
The Miami tanker truck accident lawyers at Pike & Lustig, LLP, can review the circumstances of your own crash and advise you on a course of action. Contact us today at (561) 291-8298 to schedule a consultation.
