Atlanta Fuel Truck Accident Attorney Near Me
Fuel trucks crisscross Atlanta to make deliveries of oil and gas every single day. Without them, our city could not run, and people wouldn’t be able to drive anywhere.
Unfortunately, an accident with a fuel truck can be catastrophic. The hazardous and toxic materials carried in these trucks are often flammable, and explosions are common. Even when there is no explosion, dangerous chemicals can be released into the surrounding area.
If you have been hurt in a fuel truck accident, contact MG Law today. One of our Atlanta fuel truck accident lawyers will be glad to discuss your situation in a free consultation.
Why You Should Act Quickly
Many of our clients are in considerable pain following a collision. Nevertheless, it is vital to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to:
- Preserve physical evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Meet deadlines for filing a lawsuit
Georgia has some unforgiving laws that require injured victims to file a lawsuit within two years of an accident. Any delay could harm your case.
Fuel Truck Design
Most fuel trucks have a cylindrical cargo hold that carries gases or liquids. These tanks come in different sizes, but many large trucks can carry over 30,000 liters of material. You can see these large trucks at a gas station, bringing fuel to deposit in a tank. Smaller fuel trucks might make deliveries to homes and businesses. These trucks must be designed so that seals hold the material in the tank, otherwise, disaster could strike.
Tanker trucks can haul many different types of materials, but fuel trucks carry gasoline or natural gas. They are large, heavy vehicles that can turn into fireballs if involved in a collision.
Fuel Truck Accident Injuries
Our clients suffer many of the same injuries that anyone would suffer if struck by a large commercial vehicle. Others suffer injuries that are unique to fuel trucks and the cargo that they carry.
Some common injuries include:
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Smoke inhalation (if the truck catches on fire)
- Burns
- Permanent nerve damage
- Amputation
- Death
Most accident victims are other motorists, but pedestrians and bystanders could suffer injury if the fuel erupts or spills from the tank. People in a nearby business, for example, could be injured if a fuel truck explodes and damages their building.
Liability and Fuel Truck Accidents
Our Atlanta fuel truck accident attorneys begin each case with one question: “Who or what is responsible for this accident?” Until we can answer that question, we won’t be able to assign liability.
Based on our experience, common defendants include:
- Truck drivers. The driver could have driven negligently, causing a collision. Common examples include speeding, failing to yield, tailgating, and failing to use turn signals. The truck driver also might have loaded the fuel improperly, which could make the truck unstable, causing the driver to lose control.
- Fuel company. The company that owns or contracts for use of the truck could have been negligent. For example, they could have overlooked problems with a vehicle or not have properly supervised their drivers.
- Mechanics. Someone who worked on the truck could have performed inadequate repairs. If the truck malfunctions and crashes, the mechanic could be to blame.
- Truck manufacturers. Some defect in the truck or a component part could have led to an accident. For example, the seals on the tank could have been defective, leading to a spill.
To properly analyze liability, we need time. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation.
Obtaining Compensation For Your Injuries
Liable parties pay compensation to injured victims to cover their losses. Our lawyers have fought to obtain compensation for our clients to cover:
- The cost of medical care, including surgery, burn treatment, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages or self-employment income when injuries prevent our client from returning to their job
- Property damage, such as damage to a client’s car
- Pain and suffering, for the physical and mental pain caused by physical injuries
To obtain a fair settlement, a victim first needs to know how much their injuries are worth. Our lawyers have handled many settlement negotiations, so we understand how insurance adjusters value claims.
Hire The Right Atlanta Fuel Truck Accident Lawyer
Obtaining a fair settlement is difficult. Fuel truck companies rarely offer generous settlements, instead of relying on large teams of lawyers to fight off claims. If you have been injured, or if a loved one was hurt, please contact MG Law today. You can schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.