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Big rig accidents are often very serious. Hazardous materials make big rig accidents more dangerous, as large 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when loaded. This makes them much heavier than passenger vehicles. When a collision occurs with a big rig, it is likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities to people in cars or SUVs.
Besides the size and weight of these big rigs, other drivers also need to be aware of the hazardous materials they might be carrying. Additionally, 18-wheelers can carry up to approximately 300 gallons of diesel fuel, which can spill onto the roadway in the event of an accident.
Commercial semi-trucks must adhere to safety regulations when transporting hazardous materials. They must also comply with the local laws governing the transportation of hazardous materials. Houston has designated haz-mat routes. Trucks are restricted from traveling on roads other than those specified as safe for those carrying hazardous cargo. The 610 Loop is a designated route, so these trucks are prohibited from traveling through the city.
Truck drivers could be ticketed and fined for failure to obey the law. If they are involved in an accident, they may be considered negligent if they were traveling on roads not designated for their use. Hazardous material spills are not uncommon. Recently, an 18-wheeler accident closed the westbound lanes of IH-10 in Chambers County. The hazmat team was called in to clean up about 100 gallons of diesel fuel and oil that spilled onto the roadway during the crash.
In a similar incident, the North Loop had to be shut down while hazmat crews cleaned hazardous materials that spilled in a big rig crash. Not only are these incidents irritating to drivers, but they can also be deadly. Fuel, oil, and hazardous material spills can catch fire in an accident. These fires burn very hot, quickly, and can be difficult to extinguish.
Drivers should be aware of the dangers of sharing the road with large trucks that carry hazardous materials. When an 18-wheeler overturns or is involved in a serious crash, the hazardous materials can spill out immediately. Keep your distance from these trucks and allow extra room between you and them. Do not speed around one truck, and never cut it off, because it may not slow down in time.
If you are involved in an accident with a big rig, do not go near it after the crash. Exit your vehicle if it is safe to do so and get as far away from the truck as possible. If you see smoke or flames, do not go back to your vehicle to retrieve any personal items. Do not attempt to put out a fire yourself, as these fires are too hazardous.
If you were hurt in an accident with a big rig, you may have compensation for your injuries. Contact trucking accident attorney Greg Baumgartner for a no obligation consultation-
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