Every day thousands of tractor-trailers crisscross Oklahoma’s highways. A surprising number of those trucks are carrying hazardous materials. To the causal observer, the only indication that a truck is carrying hazardous cargo is the warning placard required by federal law. Due to their size, accidents between tractor-trailers and cars are usually catastrophic for the individuals …
Every day thousands of tractor-trailers crisscross Oklahoma’s highways. A surprising number of those trucks are carrying hazardous materials. To the causal observer, the only indication that a truck is carrying hazardous cargo is the warning placard required by federal law. Due to their size, accidents between tractor-trailers and cars are usually catastrophic for the individuals in the car. If the truck is carrying hazardous material, the dangers and injuries can be greatly magnified if a tractor trailer accident occurs in Oklahoma.
Commercial Trucks Hauling Hazardous Materials
There have been 6,017 accidents this year involving trucks hauling hazardous materials. Eighty-one of those have been in Oklahoma. Both federal and Oklahoma statutes heavily regulate the transportation of hazardous cargo. Commercial truckers hauling hazardous material have limits on the numbers of hours they may drive in a day, as well as abide by weight restrictions. Despite these guidelines, trucking companies and individual truckers often push the bounds of what is reasonable and safe. When a tractor-trailer hauling hazardous cargo is involved in an accident, it may not just be the occupants of the car that are affected. If the hazardous material escapes the shipping containers during an accident, landowners and nearby residents may also be harmed.
Oklahoma Tractor Trailer Accident Attorneys
While following the safety requirements for transporting hazardous cargo will reduce injuries, the unfortunate reality is that accidents will still occur. If you or someone you love has been harmed in an accident with a tractor-trailer, you need to seek the help of an Oklahoma trucking accident attorney who has handled a great deal of these cases. Contact Oklahoma Legal Center today to schedule a free initial consultation.