When most people think of 18-wheelers, they often imagine the long, rectangular trailers that are hauled down the highway. While these are certainly one type of commercial truck, there are many others, as well. For example, when cargo does not fit into one of these trailers, a flatbed truck is sometimes used. On the other hand, when liquid or gas needs to be transported, a typical 18-wheeler is not an appropriate vehicle to transport these items. Instead, a tanker truck must be used.
Tanker trucks can cause just as many serious injuries as other types of commercial vehicles because they are still much heavier and larger than passenger vehicles. After an accident with this type of truck, you can file a claim for compensation that will cover your losses. A Fort Lauderdale tanker truck accident lawyer will help ensure you receive the fair settlement you deserve.
Our Fort Lauderdale Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Describes These Vehicles
Tanker trucks have both a cab and a trailer, just like other commercial vehicles. However, the trailer on a tanker truck is quite unique from others. Instead of being long and rectangular, they are cylindrical, although they are still just as long and heavy. Tanker trucks are not loaded and unloaded in the same manner as other trucks. These vehicles also have a much higher center of gravity than other commercial vehicles, making them much harder to control. When this type of truck is involved in an accident, it is typically even more severe and causes a great deal of damage.
Our Fort Lauderdale Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Outlines Cargo Issues with These Vehicles
The cargo carried on a tanker truck is vastly different from that which is carried on other types of commercial vehicles. Many tanker trucks in fact, are divided into different sections, so the trucker can carry different types of cargo at the same time. The cargo the truck is carrying is always an important consideration in truck accident claims, it raises other issues when a tanker truck is involved.
When the cargo a tanker truck is carrying is liquid, it has to be loaded in a certain way so it does not cause an accident. When tanks are overfilled, the liquid can slosh around in the tank as the truck moves, particularly when the truck makes a turn. That movement of liquid can throw the entire truck off balance and cause a crash. When a driver cannot maintain a balanced truck, it becomes much easier for them to lose control of the truck. Lastly, any time a tanker truck accident occurs, the cargo can also spill onto the roadway, and that can also pose a danger to other motorists.
Common Causes of Tanker Truck Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Tanker truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Driver negligence: Tanker truck drivers are required to have special training and experience, but even the most experienced drivers can make mistakes. Driver negligence can include things like distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Equipment failure: Tanker trucks are complex vehicles, and there are many things that can go wrong with them. Equipment failure can include things like brake failure, tire failure, and steering failure.
- Improper loading or unloading: Tanker trucks must be loaded and unloaded carefully to avoid accidents. Improper loading or unloading can cause the truck to become unbalanced or overloaded, which can lead to a crash.
- Road conditions: Road conditions such as potholes, uneven pavement, and poor visibility can also contribute to tanker truck accidents.
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Fort Lauderdale, it is important to contact an experienced tanker truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you investigate the cause of the accident and determine who is liable for your injuries. They can also help you file a claim and negotiate with the insurance company to get the compensation you deserve.
Industries That Routinely Operate Tanker Trucks in Fort Lauderdale
Tanker trucks are not just used by large shipping companies, you see on the highway. Many of the vehicles involved in local crashes are operated by businesses based right here in South Florida. Below are some of the most common industries that rely on tanker trucks every day:
- Fuel and gas delivery companies
- Construction material haulers (concrete, asphalt, slurry)
- Agricultural liquid transport (fertilizers, pesticides)
- Commercial septic and waste removal services
- Pool and water delivery trucks
- Pressure washing and cleaning services
- Municipal sanitation fleets
- Bulk liquid food and beverage haulers (milk, syrup, juice)
Knowing which industry is involved can give us insight into who may be responsible for what happened. Our firm looks closely at the company’s background, safety practices, and how they train their drivers. Every cargo type comes with its own risks, and we build your case around the specifics of how that vehicle was being used.
Regulatory Violations That May Impact Tanker Truck Liability
Tanker trucks are subject to strict safety rules under both standard trucking laws and hazardous materials regulations. When companies or drivers ignore these rules, it puts everyone on the road at risk. These next two categories show the kinds of violations we investigate when looking into what caused a crash.
Hazmat Transport Rule Breaches
Tanker trucks that carry gas, chemicals, or any kind of hazardous liquid must follow strict rules about labeling, containment, and route planning, as described under Florida Statutes § 316.302. These rules are not suggestions. If a truck is missing signage or if the cargo was not documented properly, it can cause confusion during transport or delay emergency response after a crash.
Our firm looks at whether the truck met federal guidelines under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state rules according to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) regulations. If something was skipped or mishandled, that may change who is liable and how much compensation may be available. These types of errors are common but often overlooked, especially in cases involving smaller or local operators.
Driver Endorsement and Certification Gaps
Driving a tanker truck with hazardous materials is not like driving a regular commercial vehicle. Drivers need special licenses, endorsements, and training to handle the cargo safely per 49 CFR § 383.93. If a driver did not have the right credentials or had not completed proper training, the company that hired them may be responsible for what happened.
We investigate the driver’s qualifications and review whether the company followed its own safety procedures. If the driver was missing a hazmat endorsement or had a known history of violations, that information matters. When a company puts the wrong person behind the wheel of a vehicle this dangerous, we make sure that it does not get ignored.
Secondary Hazards That Can Occur After a Tanker Truck Crash
When a tanker truck crashes, the danger does not always stop with the first impact. What happens next can be just as serious. Spills, fires, and toxic fumes can put people nearby in danger and leave long-term damage behind.
Roadway Fires and Environmental Exposure
A crash involving fuel or chemicals can spark a fire or send harmful substances into the air and water. Even if you were not hit directly, exposure to smoke or fumes can cause lasting health problems. Nearby homes and businesses may also face cleanup costs, property damage, or safety concerns that are not easy to fix.
Emergency Response Failures and Delays
When responders show up, they need to know exactly what they are dealing with. If the truck’s cargo is not labeled correctly or the driver cannot give clear answers, that slows everything down. These delays can affect your health and make it harder to prove what went wrong later, especially when no one kept track of how the scene was handled.
Our Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Help You Claim Compensation
After a tanker truck crash, you may be entitled to compensation. At Rosen Injury Law, P.A., our Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys can determine what caused your crash and will help you hold the negligent party liable for paying full damages. Call us today at 954-787-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.