The trucking industry is a vital part of our commerce system providing a means for transportation our food and other important consumer products.  However, there are also more ominous types of cargo transported via tractor-trailers on our freeways on a daily basis such as hazardous material.  Most people do not realize that tractor-trailer incidents involving hazardous materials are relatively common.  There were 167,448 incidents involving hazardous materials through the years spanning 2000 to 2009. The cost of those incidents was $617,956,000 in damage costs, 132 deaths, and 2,750 injuries according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Information System.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) categorizes materials that are flammable, corrosive, or toxic as hazardous material.  The federal government has enacted regulations for the disposal, delivery, and transportation of hazardous material.  When accidents on our freeways occur involving trucks carrying hazardous material, these accidents often result in the highway being closed down.  There frequently is significant property damage and serious injuries or fatalities.

Trucking Regulations

Commercial truck drivers that transport hazardous materials are held to a different standard than truck drivers hauling regular cargo. The drivers of these trucks must undergo special training and obtain a special license that states that they have been received this training and are qualified to haul this cargo.

The federal government is responsible for endorsing these drivers and regulating the transport of hazardous material in our country. Trucking companies are expected to know the regulations and adhere to them or risk citations. The trucking companies and drivers also have to comply with each state’s regulations concerning hazardous materials because each state is different.

Trucks carrying hazardous waste must have special signs in a visible location on their truck stating what material is inside. The materials in the truck must be properly loaded, packaged and handled according to federal and state regulations.

The Dangers of Hazardous Materials

The dangers of accidents on the highway involving these trucks carrying hazardous materials can extend far beyond just two vehicles colliding. When a truck like this crashes, a hazardous gas can be released into the air or a toxic liquid can leak out onto the roadway.  These corrosive or toxic materials can cause people to become sick or can cause extreme property damage or present long-term health hazards.  Long-term medical problems that can result from being exposed to these hazardous materials may include skin problems, headaches, lung problems, eye problems, poisoning, respiratory illnesses, cancer and immune system problems.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a truck carrying hazardous material, then make sure you seek medical attention and call our office right away to get experienced legal representation.  Injuries that you can sustain in these types of accidents can be life threatening, and we can help you identify the responsible party and recover compensation for your damages.

If you or your loved one is injured or if a loved one was killed in a commercial trucking accident involving hazardous material, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC to learn how we can help.  Our tractor-trailer accident lawyers have been representing accident victims throughout Mississippi for over 75 years.  We offer personalized legal representation and zealous advocacy.  We provide a free initial case evaluation so call us today at 662-834-2376.  No Recovery No Fee!