An overturned oil tanker resulted in one person seeking medical assistance in Texas.

Texas – May 1, 2021

Truck accidents in the United States occur for a variety of reasons, including distracted driving, mechanical failures, driver fatigue, DUI, manufacturer defects, poor weather conditions, roadway hazards, and cargo load complications. One person was transported to the hospital as a precaution after a tanker rollover crash near southeast 10th and Taylor in Amarillo Texas.  The tanker was carrying 195 gallons of crude oil, which remained intact and was safely removed from the intersection.   An experienced truck accident attorney can provide more detail regarding how cargo load problems impact successful claims of negligence toward damage compensation for accident victims. 

Tanker under-load.

Overloading cargo is often cited as dangerous to driver’s safety, but under-loading tanker trucks carrying liquid cargo can be deadly. Whenever a tank is not filled enough, the liquid can slosh around inside the tank when a truck takes a turn, or curve, especially at high speeds. The uneven weight distribution and the type of substance transported, such as flammable liquids, pressurized gases, or highly toxic chemicals increase catastrophic risks.  Individuals should contact a truck accident attorney to discuss legal options after an accident involving a tanker.

Truck driver actions. 

1. Controlling surges when braking, or navigating turns, with the use of bulkheads, or baffles and consistent brake pressure to assist surge control.  

• Bulkheads – use a solid divider to divide a liquid tanker into several smaller tanks. When loading, and unloading the smaller tanks, the driver must pay attention to weight distribution for the dividers are solid. Putting too much weight on the front or rear of the vehicle will cause adverse effects.
• Baffles are bulkheads that have holes in them to let the liquid flow through. The baffles help control the forward and backward liquid surge. In these trailers, the internal movement of the product is minimal.

1. Avoid skidding by driving with control, and moving slower in bad weather situations.
2. Observe speed limits to ensure safe driving for the type of roadway navigated. 

Comparative Negligence (51% Rule).

Texas utilizes the 51% rule, and injured accident parties can be up to 50% responsible for an accident and still collect damages in a personal injury claim.  If fault is determined to be above that percentage, victims cannot receive relevant compensation from another driver.  In personal injury, or wrongful death lawsuits, economic damages; non-economic damages; and punitive damages may be awarded specific to a truck accident case. 

Seek legal counsel.

Seek legal counsel from an experienced professional attorney who understands trucking industry regulations. The Cooper Law Firm has the resources to determine the percentage of fault applied to each driver after reviewing police reports, witness reports, car damages, roadway marks and other factors involving a tanker rollover accident.   

Cooper Law Firm
Mailing: P.O. Box 2222
Longview, TX 75606

Address: 501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601

Telephone ; (903) 297-0037
Toll-Free: 1-855-297-HURT (4878)
Facsimile: (903) 236-0035

Sources:

https://www.newschannel10.com/2021/05/01/overturned-crude-oil-tanker-th-taylor-sends-person-hospital/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/191544/fatal-large-truck-crashes-in-the-us/

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.601.htm#601.051

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/SDocs/CIVILPRACTICEANDREMEDIESCODE.pdf