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    Dallas Fuel Truck Lawyer

    Fuel trucks are a vital part of the economy. These vehicles deliver gasoline, diesel, and other types of fuel to service stations all across the country. In Dallas, fuel trucks ensure that your local gas station never runs dry. They also transport fuel for boats, airplanes, and helicopters.

    Although the companies that operate fuel trucks are committed to safety, accidents involving fuel trucks still happen — and when they do, they can prove fatal. Fuel trucks can cause damages to your vehicle as well as injuries to you and your passengers based on their size and weight alone. In situations where the fuel spills, these accidents can include vehicle fires or even explosions.

    According to a recent report from IBIS World, fuel tank trucking in the United States has risen steadily by 1.3% over the past five years. This growth trend is expected to continue. As Dallas and other Texas communities expand, the demand for fuel increases, and more fuel trucks will need to be on the road. Unfortunately, this may lead to a correlating rise in fuel truck accidents.

    If you’re ever involved in an accident with a fuel truck, you won’t have to fight alone. Our lawyers are prepared to help you get the compensation you deserve. We can assist you with all aspects of a fuel truck automotive accident, from determining liability to winning the case. Call our Dallas legal team today at (214) 496-5227 for a 100% free consultation. If we don’t win, you won’t be billed for our services.

    What Makes a Fuel Truck Dangerous?

    Fuel trucks are sometimes called by many different names, including “gas trucks” and “tanker trucks.” Although these unique vehicles can be used to transport virtually any liquid, including harmless substances like milk, they are most commonly used for oil-based gasoline products or other toxic chemicals. Depending on size, a fuel truck may carry as much as 11,600 gallons of fuel per load.

    As you may expect, the flammability of oil is one of the reasons why fuel truck accidents pose a risk. When a fuel truck transports a tank full of gasoline or another fuel, there is always the potential for combustion. If the fuel leaks or becomes exposed, it can easily catch fire and cause an explosion.

    Because of the volatility of gasoline and other fuels, accidents involving fuel trucks may cause severe injury or death. Anyone who gets into a collision with a fuel truck runs the risk of third-degree burns, as well as injuries from an explosion:

    • Broken bones, internal bleeding, and concussions
    • Damage to internal organs caused by blast impact
    • Permanent or temporary hearing loss
    • “Blast eye” or rupturing of the eyeball

    In addition to these injuries, when toxic chemicals spill from a fuel truck, they can create unsafe road conditions. The spilled chemicals may also release toxic fumes and cause chemical burns or severe, chronic respiratory problems.

    Fuel trucks are also prone to a unique problem referred to as “sloshing.” Because a fuel truck transports liquid, its “cargo” can’t be secured by traditional methods — this means that the liquid fuel will move around wildly, or “slosh,” if the tank is less than three-quarters full. Sloshing affects the truck’s weight distribution and can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle if they need to stop suddenly or swerve.

    Finally, fuel trucks can also be dangerous due to their size and shape. These cylindrical tankers are much longer and more substantial than other vehicles you’ll encounter on the road. They are unable to maneuver quickly, require longer stopping distance, and can easily tip over in an accident. Plus, as with many other commercial transport vehicles, fuel trucks have larger blind spots.

    Who’s Liable in a Fuel Truck Accident?

    When you’re in an accident involving a fuel truck, you may be eligible for significant compensation. Even minor collisions involving fuel trucks tend to result in substantial damages for other drivers. Your vehicle may be totaled. In the worst-case scenarios, you and your passengers may be facing lifelong injuries from the accident. The accident may have even claimed the life of a loved one.

    Due to the severity of these types of accidents in Dallas, it’s imperative to establish liability. However, determining who’s at fault in a fuel truck accident isn’t always black-and-white. Because a fuel truck is a commercial vehicle, there may be several parties who share liability in addition to the driver:

    • The owner of the fuel truck
    • The company that hired the driver
    • The company that trained the driver
    • The company leasing the fuel truck to transport its products

    The good news is that you may be able to receive more compensation due to the complicated legal nature of fuel truck accidents. Don’t let these complications deter you from pursuing legal action. Let our Dallas fuel truck attorneys help.

    3 Steps to Take After a Fuel Truck Accident

    If you’ve been in a fuel truck accident, follow these three steps right away:

    Step 1. Address Safety and Medical Concerns

    First, if possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, so you’re not blocking traffic. You don’t want to make the accident worse by involving other motor vehicles. Then, seek medical help for anyone involved in the accident. If necessary, call an ambulance.

    Step 2. Document the Scene and Gather Information

    As long as you are uninjured, and it’s safe to do so, document the scene of the accident. Take photos and videos of the fuel truck as well as your own vehicle. Record any skid marks or other visible damage to the surrounding area as well. Then, gather the driver’s information.

    Step 3. Call Dallas Fuel Truck Lawyers for a Free Consultation

    Finally, call (214) 496-5227 as soon as possible for a free consultation with our Dallas fuel truck lawyers. Tell us about your accident, and we will tell you how we can be of assistance. As always, there’s zero obligation, and you won’t be charged any fees unless we win.

    Call (214) 305-8277 for your free consultation.
    Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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