Truck accidents can be devastating, particularly when they involve hazardous materials. As a personal injury law firm experienced in such cases, we understand the complexity and urgency required to handle these situations. Keep reading to learn about common injuries associated with hazardous materials trucks and steps to take after an accident.
Common Injuries Associated with Accidents Involving Hazardous Materials Trucks
Due to the dangerous substances they carry, including toxic gases, flammable liquids, and corrosive substances, accidents involving trucks that transport hazardous materials can lead to a variety of serious injuries. These substances can compound other injuries and lead to lifetime pain and disability.
Common injuries that victims might sustain include:
- Chemical burns: When hazardous materials are released during an accident, they can cause severe chemical burns. These burns can occur upon contact with the skin, leading to intense pain, scarring, and potential long-term damage.
- Respiratory issues: Hazardous materials often include toxic fumes and gases that can be inhaled during an accident. Exposure to these substances can result in acute respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or even long-term lung damage.
- Poisoning: Toxic chemicals involved in truck accidents can lead to poisoning if they enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and, in severe cases, organ failure.
- Fire-related injuries: The volatile nature of many hazardous materials can lead to fires or explosions upon impact. Victims may suffer from burns, smoke inhalation, or injuries related to the blast itself.
- Traumatic injuries: In addition to the specific dangers posed by hazardous materials, victims can also experience typical traumatic injuries seen in truck accidents. These may include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Steps To Take After an Accident
Your health and safety are the foremost priorities. Even if you don't feel seriously injured, seek immediate medical attention. Exposure to hazardous materials can have delayed onset symptoms or be challenging to diagnose without prompt medical care.
You are also encouraged to report the accident to local law enforcement and emergency services. This can help West Virginia emergency responders manage the hazardous materials, reducing risk to others and potentially mitigating environmental impact.
While on the scene, try to document as much as possible. Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident site, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Gather witness contact information and the information of any other drivers involved.
Understand Your Rights
If your injuries resulted from the negligence of another party (such as the truck driver, the trucking company, or other party), you may have the option to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident though a civil personal injury lawsuit.
Though you may be unsure about pursuing legal action, compensation can provide invaluable support during a complex recovery process.
Other benefits to seeking legal compensation may include:
- Covering medical expenses
- Recovering lost wages
- Addressing chronic pain and suffering
- Funding long-term care
- Providing financial stability
- Holding responsible parties accountable
- Preventing future negligence and accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident involving hazardous materials in West Virginia, don't hesitate to contact Katz Kantor Stonestreet & Buckner, PLLC. Our team understands how difficult recovering from a major truck accident can be; we are ready to advocate for you.
Contact us online to schedule a consultation.