Seattle Fuel Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer
Fuel tankers transport fuel and other liquid materials around Washington and the rest of the United States. Any tanker carrying fuel is flammable, and thus an accident with one of them can result in catastrophic damage and even death. Because of the contents of fuel tankers, damage can often occur in a matter of seconds, leaving very little time to remove yourself from the scene of the accident to get to safety.
If you’ve been injured in a fuel tanker accident or if a loved one has died due to an accident with such a vehicle, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your damages. A Seattle fuel tanker accident lawyer at Herschensohn Law is ready to assist you as you recover from your injuries and obtain the financial compensation you deserve.
Reach out to us at (206) 588-4344.
Don’t worry about whether you can afford to hire one of our Seattle truck accident lawyers to work on your case—you can. At Herschensohn Law, we take fuel tanker crash cases on contingency, so we don’t require any upfront or out-of-pocket fees. We will only get paid if you receive compensation.
Under this payment structure, we will offer the following legal services:
- Collecting evidence
- Requesting black box data, employee records, and other information from the trucking company
- Obtaining a copy of the crash report
- Establishing who was responsible for the accident and your damages
- Speaking to the insurance company on your behalf
- Filing your lawsuit within the deadline that RCW 4.16.080 sets
- Taking your case to trial
You may recover various damages after getting hurt in a fuel tanker accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Medical expenses for past and projected care
- Mental anguish
- Vehicle repair costs
- Scarring and disfigurement
Compensation can help you through treatment and cope with your injuries without additional financial worry.
Wrongful Death Damages
Because of the nature of fuel tanker accidents, victims could die as a result of the crash. When this happens, the surviving family members have a right to recover compensation as a result of their loss.
When you file a wrongful death case, your attorney can work with you to list out damages you may recover, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future income
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
The surviving members of the estate will want to recover compensation, but they will also want to mourn the loss of their loved one. The lawyers of Herschensohn Law have helped families recover compensation in wrongful death claims and lawsuits, and we can work on your behalf to make sure that you receive what you need.
People we’ve helped
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Herschensohn Law worked by my side for almost four years when I was in an auto accident and were outstanding in everything they did! They went above and beyond to make my lawsuit as easy and stress free as possible for me while consistently showing genuine care for my wellbeing. They even recommended amazing health care professionals for my injuries! Anything/everything I may have been confused/concerned about was addressed/explained so I felt comfortable with each move made in my lawsuit. Professional, courteous and attentive are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm and although I hope to never be in a similar situation again - if I do, Herschensohn Law will be my first call!”
“Zach and his team performed beyond my expectations! I couldn't have had a better firm in my corner!”
“This was such a great experience.”
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
In Washington, severe weather can have an impact on roadways, which can lead to a higher chance of accidents. However, like with most motor vehicle accidents, fuel tanker accidents generally occur due to driver error, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Some common causes of these crashes are:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers tend to work long hours, which can lead to fatigue. Many drivers operate vehicles tired at some time or another. While this state is always dangerous, it is particularly dangerous in large, heavy, and flammable vehicles.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, such as texting and driving or daydreaming, can lead the fuel tanker driver to make a sudden movement, which can cause a rollover. Rollovers occur when the contents of the tanker move with enough momentum to cause the vehicle to tip over on its side.
Speeding
Truck drivers should generally drive slower than other drivers. It takes them a long time to come to a full stop, and they must be extra careful when operating a vehicle with heavy cargo.
If truckers are driving too fast for conditions and need to stop unexpectedly, they may rear-end other drivers. What’s more, an abrupt stop could shift the cargo and have the contents leak, potentially leading to serious property damage and injuries.
Other Causes of Fuel Tanker Accidents
In addition to these common causes, fuel tanker inspections may not be as thorough as necessary, which can lead to dangers on the road. All tankers must undergo safety inspections to ensure that their parts are up to date and in good working order.
If someone misses anything that causes the tanker to be involved in an accident, the tanker company could be responsible for the accident.
Because of the contents of their cargo, fuel tankers can cause devastating damage. Common results of tanker accidents include:
- Fire
- Explosion
- Leaks and spills that can lead to explosions
Depending on the nature of the accident, a fuel tanker could burst into flames immediately, or it could spill contents onto the road, which can result in dangerous road conditions. If you were hit by a fuel tanker, the impact itself can cause serious damage to you and your vehicle, but the damage can get even worse if the tanker tips or is punctured in some way.
Fuel tankers that explode on roadways can sometimes send flames into nearby neighborhoods or businesses, which can cause serious property damage.
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
After a Seattle fuel tanker accident has upended your life, you should not have to suffer financial hardship. You deserve to recover compensation for any damages you sustained as a result of the other party’s negligence.
At Herschensohn Law, our team of Seattle fuel tanker accident attorneys is ready to work on your behalf to recover the compensation you deserve while you recover from your injuries.
When you’re ready to seek legal assistance following an accident with a fuel tanker, contact our firm at (206) 588-4344. We give free consultations to all prospective clients.
Our results speak for themselves
After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.