When You’ve Been Injured in an Accident with a Truck Hauling Hazardous Materials in Denver

Commercial semi trucks often carry flammable or combustible liquids, corrosive materials, poisonous materials, nonflammable materials, compressed gases, oxidizers, explosives, radioactive materials and other hazardous materials. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as much as 11 percent of all trucking transportation activity in the country involves hazardous material.

When Big Trucks Are on the Road, There are Always Risks

There are severe dangers involved in the movement of these trucks on our highways, and very often, these materials involve not just biological dangers, but also chemical, physical, and nuclear dangers. Thus, federal hazardous waste regulations for trucks in Denver exist (details below) to reduce risk and hopefully avoid serious and dangerous accidents.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities involving hazardous waste trucks is low when you consider the volume of hazardous material transported on the highways. However, when accidents do occur, they have a significant impact, especially in the case of a HAZMAT spill.

This can affect property, the environment, human lives, and the local economy. Some of the most dangerous accidents involving hazardous waste material trucks are rollover accidents. More than 78 percent of those rollovers involve driver error, reports the FMCSA.

What to Do When You’ve Been Injured in a Truck Accident in Denver

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident involving a HAZMAT truck in the Denver area, you can file a claim against the shipper of the hazardous materials, the trucking company, and other parties depending on the events that lead up to the accident.

It is in your best interest to speak with an attorney who has successfully handled commercial truck accident claims in Denver. A truck accident attorney has the experience and knowledge to determine the party(ies) liable for your injuries using the evidence listed below.

• Accident report
• Driver’s logbooks
• Evidence of violations of hazardous waste regulations for trucks
• Driver’s cell phone records

At D.J. Banovitz Personal Injury Law, we offer clients a FREE and confidential legal consultation where review the details of your accident and tell you whether or not you have a solid case. To schedule a meeting, call us now at 303-300-5060.

There Federal Hazardous Waste Regulations Truck Drivers Must Follow

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations related to the operation of waste material trucks and the transportation of dangerous materials. Hazardous waste material carriers are held to a high level of safety, and are required to certify that they have complied with all programs required by the federal administration.

The FMCSA outlines several hazardous waste regulations for trucks in Denver. The agency lays down procedures to determine the safety fitness levels of motor carriers, and to direct carriers to take remedial action whenever there are problems. Before a motor carrier begins operations carrying hazardous materials, it is required to register with the FMCSA, after which it will receive a US DOT number.

Violations of commercial safety inspections conducted by the FMCSA could result in an expedited action, if the following violations are found.

• The use of a driver who is not in possession of a valid commercial driver’s license.
• Operating a vehicle that has been placed out of service for violations of federal regulations.
• Being involved in a hazardous materials reportable incident.
• Using a driver who fails a test for alcohol or controlled substances.
• Operating a commercial motor vehicle without the levels of financial responsibility laid out in federal regulations.
• Having a driver or a vehicle out-of-service rate that is at least 50 percent higher based upon inspections.

Did the Truck Driver Who Hit You Break the Rules?

This is what Denver truck accident attorney D.J. Banovitz will work to uncover. If you’ve suffered serious injuries in an accident with a hazardous materials truck, don’t let another day go by. You deserve to be compensated for your losses including medical bills, lost wages, and possibly pain and suffering. Take advantage of the firm’s FREE case review and get the answers you seek and the legal protection you ought to have. Call 303-300-5060 today!