Fuel trucks are essential carriers that help transport liquids and gases. While these trucks can be extremely beneficial, they can also be very hazardous. Being in a truck accident can be dangerous, but being in a fuel truck accident poses many more potential dangers. Fuel trucks are often carrying liquid that is highly flammable with the potential to explode.
If you were injured in a fuel truck accident, a Metairie truck accident lawyer can help you determine if you could be entitled to compensation for your damages. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can review your accident at no cost to you. In fact, you will owe us nothing unless we are able to get you compensation. Call us today at (337) 777-7777 to get started on your claim.
Dangers of Fuel Truck Accidents
As stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks were 9 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal accidents in 2017. Fuel trucks add more danger than many other vehicles, as the amount of liquid they are carrying and the weight of the vehicle can result in a severe accident. Fuel trucks pose additional dangers, such as:
Fire
Many of the fuels and liquids a fuel truck carries are extremely flammable. Any vehicle accident can result in excessive heat and small fires. However, with that much flammable material, a fuel truck accident can cause a serious fire. Fire increases the danger at the scene of an accident and can cause severe burns in the victims.
Explosion
When there is fire, an explosion can occur. Explosions can occur when pressure is built up. Explosions increase the radius of the scene of the accident and can cause more accidents. Those within the vicinity of the explosion can suffer from catastrophic burns. If debris from the accident is involved in the explosion, it can hit those involved in the accident.
Leaks
Fuel trucks carry a large amount of fluid that can leak. Leaking fluid can cause accidents with the fuel trucks as well as the vehicle on the road after them. Having fluid on the road can cause vehicles to lose traction and slide, possibly leading to injuries and even fatalities.
Moving Fluid
If a fuel truck is loaded improperly, it can cause the fluid to slosh around the fuel tank. The moving fluid can pull the vehicle to one side or another. A vehicle as large as a fuel truck can easily roll as a result of the moving fluid inside. A rollover accident can harm the driver of the fuel truck as well as vehicles around them.
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Possible Compensation
If you were hurt in a fuel truck accident, you could be compensated for the damage you sustained. You are able to file a lawsuit after your fuel truck accident as long as you are within the allowed amount of time after your accident.
As stated by the Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, you have up to a year after the date of your fuel truck accident to file a lawsuit. A Metairie fuel truck accident lawyer can help you determine if you are able to file a lawsuit after your accident and what kind of compensation you could be entitled to receive.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can advocate for you through this process and ensure you are informed every step of the way. Call (337) 777-7777 today to see what compensation you could get. You may be reimbursed for the following types of damages:
Medical Expenses
When you are injured in a car accident, the medical expenses can pile up quickly. You could be compensated for the medical expenses you acquire due to your accident, such as the emergency room visit, doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests, and any treatments and hospital stays you may have.
Future Medical Expenses
If you are likely to need surgery, including a hospital stay and physical therapy, you could be compensated for the medical expenses you are going to have in advance.
Property Damages
Fuel truck accidents could result in significant property damage, especially if your vehicle was involved. You could be compensated for the cost of vehicle repairs. If you are unable to repair your vehicle or your vehicle is totaled, you could receive compensation for the cost of a vehicle replacement.
Loss of Income
If you had to miss work because of your fuel truck accident, you could be compensated for this loss of income. This income could also include the time you had to miss work due to the injuries you sustained.
Decrease in Income
If you were physically injured, you might have to make a career change. Some injuries have long-term effects that can cause you to be unable to perform the needed duties of your occupation. If you have to take a job with a salary decrease, you could be compensated for this difference.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering includes any physical or mental anguish caused as a result of the accident. A fuel truck accident can result in significant trauma, especially if an explosion or fire occurs. The pain and suffering you go through in a vehicle accident may be accounted for when determining fair compensation.
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How We Can Help
A fuel truck accident can be an extremely traumatic event, especially if it resulted in a fire or explosion. The accident can cause severe damage and injury to those involved. If you were injured in a fuel truck accident, you could suffer extensive medical expenses and life changes. You may be compensated for the damage you suffered.
A Metairie fuel truck accident lawyer can advocate for you and protect your rights. You should not have to deal with the hassle of insurance companies and their lawyers when you are trying to recover. Contact our team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today by calling (337) 777-7777 for your free consultation.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
