Am I Owed Compensation After a Hazmat Truck Accident in Chicago?

 Posted on August 17, 2022 in Truck Accidents

An accident involving motor vehicles should not be taken lightly, more so if one of those vehicles is a hazmat truck. Since hazmat trucks pose a greater risk to those they share the road with, there are various federal regulations they must adhere to. Truck drivers and affiliated companies are responsible for accidents caused by equipment failure, unsecured cargo, reckless or distracted driving, as well as driving under the influence. If you have been involved in a hazmat truck accident, you may be in need of a personal injury lawyer.

FMCSA Truck Regulations 

It is important to note the danger a hazmat truck presents to the road. This additional level of danger can be credited to the obvious, hazmat trucks carry hazardous materials. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has defined 9 classes of hazardous materials a hazmat truck may be carrying; explosives, gasses, flammable liquid, flammable solids and spontaneously combustible materials, oxidizers and organic peroxides, toxic materials and infectious substances, radioactive materials, corrosive materials, as well as miscellaneous hazardous materials that are not included in the other categories. When materials such as gasoline and other combustible substances are spilled onto the road it may lead to slippery driving conditions or explosions. Incidents involving hazardous spills can result in car pile-ups, untreatable injuries, and fatalities. Even if you are not directly involved in the accident, airborne hazardous toxic gasses can travel miles away from the site of the leak, and exposure to these gasses can lead to lifelong respiratory ailments and neurological conditions. 

Filing a Personal Injury Claim 

The good news is that there is help available in the event of injury. Physical, emotional, and vehicular damages may entitle you to compensation. With the help of a lawyer, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed. Because legal processes can be confusing, a personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, determine liability, and file a personal injury lawsuit if deemed necessary. It’s vital to do so in the timeframe of two years following the accident, as the Illinois statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is just two years.

Contact a Chicago Hazmat Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have sustained a serious injury recently and want to pursue compensation for medical bills, loss of income, or pain and suffering compensation, schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Hyde Park personal injury attorneys. At no obligation, contact our office at phone number 312-229-0050 today. 

Source:

https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts/circuit-court/illinois-pattern-jury-instructions-civil/