Tractor trailers often cause serious damage and injuries when they collide. Depending on what the semi is carrying, the damage can increase dramatically. The federal government has created the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which is a set of laws that govern the trucking industry. The Regulations cover many topics, from hours of service to hazardous materials. Commercial motor vehicles (tractor trailers) transporting hazardous materials (hazmat) must carefully follow the Regulations to reduce the increase in damages from trucking accidents involving hazardous materials.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, through the Regulations it has created, details different classes of hazardous materials. Classes range from explosives and gases to radioactive material. The FMCSA requires certain practices for both shippers and carriers of hazardous materials. The following are some of the practices:
Hazardous Materials Shipper Responsibilities:
* Determine if a material meets the definition of “hazardous material”;
* proper shipping name
* Class Division;
* Hazard warning label;
* Packaging;
* Marked;
* Employee training;
* Shipping papers;
* Emergency response phone number;
* Certification;
* Compatibility;
* Security plan; Y
* Incident report.
Hazardous Materials Carrier Responsibility:
* Shipping paper;
* Sign and brand of the vehicle;
* Loading and unloading;
* Compatibility;
* Locking and bracing;
* Incident report;
* Security plan; Y
* Employee training.
A recent truck accident case in Missouri involved a fluid spill accident. Although the liquid that was spilled was not a flammable or radioactive material, the spill still created certain problems. The spill released 5,200 gallons of liquid asphalt. This was one of approximately 1,600 spill incidents reported to the Environmental Emergency Response department each year, some of which start fires and cause deaths and injuries.
When a tractor trailer accident occurs, it is necessary to contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible, especially if there was a spill. When products leak or spill in the course of an accident, it could be a sign of a federal regulation violation. When the Regulations are violated, the liability of the trucking company is often proven; which means that the transport company will probably be responsible for the resulting damage.
In the case of a tractor trailer accident, obtaining a personal injury attorney who is skilled in this niche area is one of the most beneficial things you can do. Experience is key when it comes to the legal process and an attorney with the technical knowledge will be able to navigate a tractor trailer accident claim with pinpoint accuracy.