Long Beach Tanker Truck Accident Attorney
Representing Victims of Tanker Truck Accidents in Long Beach
Truckers constantly transport cargo in and out of the Port of Long Beach. Tanker trucks are a common site among the big rigs traveling through the area. Tankers carry cargo in gas or liquid form. Large tanker trucks can carry loads of up to 11,600 gallons. Like all large commercial trucks, they can cause severe or fatal injuries in a much smaller passenger vehicle collision. When they are hauling corrosive chemicals or hazardous materials, tanker trucks pose a severe threat in case of leaks or spills.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Long Beach tanker truck accident, contact The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV—you may have a claim for compensation against the at-fault party. Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers to fight against your claim. Firm founder Joseph Low is, first and foremost, a trial attorney, so you can rest assured that your case is in the hands of a lawyer who knows how to win. Mr. Low has tried cases all over the U.S. in federal, state, and military courts. He has the knowledge, skills, and resources to get you the compensation you deserve for a serious tanker truck crash.
Call (562) 901-0840 to schedule a free consultation today.
What Are the Rules and Regulations for Operating Tanker Trucks in California?
Tanker trucking companies and their drivers in California and throughout the U.S. are subject to regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Under federal regulations, truckers driving tankers are required to hold tanker endorsements on their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).
This endorsement requirement helps ensure that commercial drivers carrying large amounts of liquid or gaseous freight have the proper training to do so. This regulation is enforced in all states, including California. A tanker endorsement is required on a CDL when:
- A truck’s cargo includes gaseous or liquid individual containers larger than 119-gallon capacity.
- The containers are loaded and not empty.
- The total combined volume contained in the containers exceeds 1,000 gallons.
What Types of Accidents Can Occur with Tanker Trucks?
A collision involving a tanker truck can be deadly, particularly when the tanker is carrying flammable or hazardous materials. A spill can endanger not only other motorists involved in the collision but also individuals living or working in the area where it occurs. Types of tanker truck accidents include:
- Rollovers: Because of their liquid cargo, which causes instability, tanker trucks have a higher risk of rolling over.
- Fires: When tankers are hauling flammable cargo, a crash can cause truck drivers and other motorists to sustain severe burns.
- Leaks: A tanker truck wreck can cause the cargo to leak. This can cause exposure to hazardous contents for others on the road. It can also cause motorists to be hit by other drivers trying to avoid the spill. Many tankers carry hazardous chemicals or radioactive materials, which can cause chemical burns or radioactive exposure to others on the road or in the area.
- Explosions: Tanks in these trucks are pressurized. The force of impact in a collision can cause flammable materials to explode, injuring other motorists in the vicinity and people in homes or businesses nearby.
Many tanker truck accidents are caused by truck driver or trucking company negligence. If you or your loved one has been involved in such an accident, it is important to speak with an experienced Long Beach truck accident attorney right away.
Contact a Long Beach Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Who Fights to Win
At The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV in Long Beach, you will find a top trial lawyer who can effectively represent you both in and out of the courtroom. Founding attorney Joseph Low has years of experience taking on large companies to get the compensation our clients deserve.
Call us today at (562) 901-0840 to learn more about your options under the law.