Traffic Blocked in Sacramento After Tanker Truck Overturns
A tractor-trailer hauling a tanker overturned along U.S. 50 westbound on May 19, which caused lanes to backup. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the accident happened at around 1:41 in the afternoon near the northbound Howe Avenue entrance ramp. Two of the lanes westbound were blocked by the accident and traffic backed up to Watt Avenue. The Howe Avenue entrance ramp to the highway was shut down also as responders with the Sacramento Fire Department cleared the scene.
Traffic Lanes Closed for Around Two Hours
The semi was hauling diesel fuel at the time of the collision, which was leaking from the tanker, but it was determined that Hazmat crews would not be required. It was reported that traffic lanes would remain closed for around two hours. It was not reported whether injuries had occurred as a result of the accident. The CHP is investigating to determine its cause.
Compensation in a Tanker Truck Accident
An accident involving a tanker truck is much more complicated than many passenger vehicle crashes. Big rigs are regulated by both state and federal laws, such as allowable driving hours and mandated rest breaks, as well as inspections. My office is highly experienced in investigating tractor-trailer accidents to determine the cause and provide the evidence needed to support a client’s compensation claim.
Fuel Spills
Fuel spills can be dangerous to the driver of a tanker truck or other motorists and the community. Diesel fuel spills are common as tankers bring the gas from production facilities to gas stations around the country. Whether the causative factor in the accident is a road defect, a motor vehicle collision, or a mechanical problem, the result is the same. In many instances, thousands of gallons of fuel can be spilled and cause serious injuries.
Problems Associated With a Diesel Fuel Spill
Some of the problems associated with a diesel fuel spill are:
- Fuel hauled in a tanker has a slippery texture, which can cause numerous accidents in the area of the spill. This affects motorcyclists as well as other motorists.
- Diesel fuel can cause injury to people involved in the accident, pedestrians and Hazmat personnel.
- Water contamination can occur if the groundwater is impacted and community residents with well-water are affected.
- Due to the fuel’s high flammability, there is a good chance that fires may break out. On a cramped highway, this could cause multiple vehicle fires. Due to the fuel’s nature, it is often hard to put the fire out.
- Skin and eye exposure can cause serious injuries. Since it is quickly absorbed through the skin, irritation is common. Eye irritation is also frequently an issue with a diesel fuel spill, as are burns.
- Fumes around a diesel fuel spill can cause nausea, respiratory issues, dizziness and elevated blood pressure.
Conducting the Investigation
Due to the complexity of tanker accidents, it is important to have an accident injury lawyer on your side. At our firm, we dispatch our team of investigators to the accident site to determine how and why the crash happened. They use accident reconstruction techniques to establish liability. The investigators use traffic surveillance videos to see the accident as it happened and review police reports for mistakes. They also interview witnesses.
In truck accidents, our investigative team reviews logs to see if the trucker and the trucking company complied with all federal and state rules. Logs also help us determine if the tractor-trailer was properly maintained. Once all information is acquired, our lawyers use it to build a strong case for our client.
Truck Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a truck accident lawyer in Sacramento. Call for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 if a negligent truck driver caused your injury. You can also reach me at (800) 404-5400 or by messaging me online.
I’ve helped many Sacramento residents with injuries caused by negligence over my 38-year career. I handle all types of traffic crashes, traumas such as brain injuries and wrongful deaths, among others.
I’m honored to belong to the Million Dollar Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Check out the links below to learn more about my law firm:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/peterbilt-truck-tractor-tanker-3578297/
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