Hazardous Material Transportation Accidents

The transportation of hazardous materials is one of the most highly-regulated aspects of the trucking industry. Government agencies responsible for ensuring that the transport of hazardous material is conducted in the safest and most efficient manner possible have established strict rules and regulations in order to ensure the safe transport of these materials.

The most common hazmat materials are those that are considered a danger to one’s health if handled improperly. The following materials are considered hazardous:

• Explosives
• Gases
• Solids
• Flammable and combustible liquids
• Any other material that poses a threat when transported

Accidents involving trucks that transport hazardous material are especially dangerous. If you or a loved one has been involved in this type of accident, we urge you to speak to an attorney who is well-versed in handling these types of claims. our attorneys may be able to help you file a claim in order to seek compensation for any losses incurred in the accident.

To begin exploring your legal options, contact our hazmat accident lawyers today by completing the Free Case Evaluation form on this page.

Hazmat Transport

In order to protect Florida drivers as well as the environment, the government has outlined specific regulations about the material, the risk of transportation and the best means in which to safely navigate roads and highways. Placards, which serve as warning signs used to specify types and quantity of materials, are required for all commercial vehicles that transport hazardous materials.

Beyond having a current commercial driver’s license (CDL), Florida truck drivers must follow all training and testing before being permitted to engage in hazardous material transportation.

There are three main components of hazmat transportation: the shipper, the carrier and the driver. It is the shipper’s duty to ensure that the products being transported are properly packaged, marked and labeled prior to the shipment leaving its original location. The carrier is then required to take the hazardous materials to the proper destination. If the shipment is not properly packaged, labeled or marked, it is the carrier’s responsibility to refuse the shipment.

The driver is responsible to follow all of the regulations of the hazardous material in congruence with the government’s requirements. If there are any issues or dangers involved in the transportation process, it is up to any of these people or entities to refuse shipment. Any of these three can be held liable in the event of a hazardous material transportation accident.

Dangers of Hazmat Transport

The loading and unloading of hazardous materials is a very intricate and dangerous process. It is critical for all those involved to undergo each process with extreme caution and due diligence. Hazardous materials are broken into classes to identify between the various types and to differentiate between extremely hazardous and minor risks.

Some of the common ways to identify the differences between hazardous materials include the following classifications:

• Corrosive
• Radioactive
• Poison
• Oxidizers
• Spontaneously Combustible
• Flammable Solids
• Flammable Liquids
• Flammable Gas
• Explosives

All of the above materials require very specific regulations and shipment procedures. Neglecting to adhere to the state’s requirements in the hazmat transportation is crucial to preventing injury. When any of these items are not cared for properly, every person in close proximity to the material is placed at a severe risk for injury and harm. Therefore, it is essential for all commercial vehicle operators to be aware of these rules and how they apply to the shipments that they carry.

Contact a Knowledgeable Hazmat Truck Accident Lawyer Today

There are many factors that need to be taken into account when seeking compensation for any damages that were sustained following a Florida hazmat truck accident. It is critical that injury victims seek legal consultation after being involved in a collision.

At Gordon & Partners, our team understands the intricacies involved in litigating an accident claim when a large commercial vehicle is involved. our lawyers have the expertise and resources available in order to hold the at-fault parties accountable for any damages that can result from a collision.

There is often many different people and entities that could be at-fault in a crash. In order to receive fair compensation, a victim must be able to prove that he or she was not to blame for the accident.

With offices in Palm Beach Gardens, Stuart and Pembroke Pines, we are committed to fighting for the rights of Florida residents who have suffered harm at the hands of another, whether through negligence or malicious intent.

To make sure that our clients are able to afford representation in their pursuit for justice, our personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that if you hire our attorneys, there is never any cost to you until we are able to successfully obtain a favorable outcome for your claim. If we fail to do this, you do not owe us any fees.

For more information on the legal rights which may be available to Florida hazmat truck accident victims and their families or to schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys, contact Gordon & Partners today by completing the Free Case Evaluation form on this page.