Jackson, TN Tanker Truck Accidents
A collision with a tanker truck can lead to serious injuries or even wrongful death. Tanker trucks often carry toxic chemicals and other flammable materials. A tanker truck accident could lead to an explosion that may result in the road or interstate being shut down for hours. Victims of these crashes may sustain permanent burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, or other long term personal injuries. If a tanker truck driver wrongfully causes an accident with you or a loved one, call Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz today. Our Jackson truck accident attorneys have represented injured people for more than 30 years. By vigorously fighting for their rights, we have helped our clients recover over $1.5 billion in compensation through settlements, judgments, and jury verdicts.
Proving Liability in Tanker Truck Accident Cases
The immediate aftermath of an 18-wheeler crash in Jackson almost always involves investigations to determine exactly what happened and why. For fatal or more significant crashes, they may be conducted by local police, Tennessee Highway Patrol officials, or even the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you were involved in a wreck with a tanker truck, there may be several theories under which you can recover damages for items like medical bills, lost wages, permanent scarring, or permanent disability.
The truck driver may be responsible for your losses if he breached a duty owed to you to drive safely and act reasonably. Examples of driver negligence include speeding, failing to allow enough distance to come to a complete stop, or making an illegal turn. If a truck driver failed to follow federal trucking regulations and did not get enough rest between shifts, that violation may factor into the analysis.
If a truck driver was acting within the course and scope of his employment when he caused your injuries, his employer may be vicariously liable under Tennessee law. Sometimes, trucking companies will try to classify the trucker as an independent contractor instead of employee in an attempt to deny responsibility for the driver’s actions. An experienced truck crash attorney in the Jackson area can advise you of your legal rights should this happen to you. Tennessee courts have held that many factors can be considered when determining if a worker is an employee or independent contractor.
If the tank explodes due to a maintenance issue, the trucking company could be directly liable for improper maintenance of the truck. Should that occur, repair or service records could play a large role in proving this allegation. You should retain an attorney who has the knowledge to investigate a complex tanker truck accident case and investigate all potential avenues of recovery on your behalf. Your attorney can also take steps to prevent potential spoliation of evidence.
Retain a Truck Accident Lawyer in Jackson and Surrounding Areas
Tanker truck accidents can result severe injuries such as chemical burns, permanent disfigurement, and visible scarring. Our Jackson personal injury lawyers have experience in Tennessee truck accident cases and will work tirelessly protect your legal rights. We employ over 30 attorneys and more than 100 staff members, making us the largest plaintiff’s personal injury law firm based in Tennessee. Call Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz at 800-529-4004 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation with an 18-wheeler crash attorney. Let us explain to you why NST is the way to go.
