Why Oil Tanker Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

Oil tanker trucks are commonplace throughout Oklahoma. Oil exploration, development, and distribution are the lifeblood of the state economy. The transport of oil is especially dangerous for many reasons, starting with the fact that cargo is combustible and hazardous. Cars and even many trucks are no match for the size, weight, and larger dimensions of oil tanker trucks.

In addition to the sheer force of the contact with an oil tanker, fuel truck accidents are also dangerous for the following reasons:

• Explosions. Tanker trucks can carry over 10,000 gallons of flammable gasoline or oil. If the tanker crashes into a vehicle or into a pole, the resulting explosion can kill or seriously injury any vehicle occupants or people near the tanker.
• Fires. Even if there is no explosion, the collision can cause a fire due to the accident or due to a defective tanker part.
• Rollovers. While oil tankers are generally less likely to roll over than semis and 18-wheelers, if tanker does roll over (due to speeding around a curve too quickly or for other reasons), the results could be catastrophic. The rollover will likely cause an explosion or fire. The driver will likely be killed. Vehicles will have to scurry to hope to avoid the tanker.
• Cargo movements, spills, and leaks. If the cargo isn’t loaded properly or the oil/gas sloshes around, the driver can lose control of the vehicle. If the tanker collides with another vehicle or rolls over, the oil spill can create havoc all over the roadway.

When fuel truck accidents occur, the drivers and those companies who are responsible for the driver deserve to be held accountable. Accountability includes payment for all your medical expenses, your lost income, your pain and suffering, any disfigurement caused by limb loss or burn injuries, and the damage to your vehicle. In many cases, oil tanker accidents affect multiple vehicles.

Why do oil tanker accidents occur?

In addition to improperly loaded cargo, there are many reasons drivers can lose control of a fuel tanker such as:

• Driver fatigue
• Driver distraction
• Speeding
• Taking a turn too fast
• Not turning properly
• Not being trained to drive a large heavy tanker
• Failure to properly maintain the vehicle
• Failure to follow the local traffic laws
• Tailgating
• Not understanding how to drive when the weather is too sunny, wet, snowy, or there are other inclement weather conditions

At Biby Law Firm, we understand how important the oil economy is to the state. We also understand that oil companies, truck owners, and truck drivers have a duty to drive safely and to protect other drivers and pedestrians from harm while they transport oil, gas, and fuel products throughout the state. Our Tulsa oil tanker lawyers hold responsible parties liable for your injuries through the litigation process and through strong negotiations with insurance companies. If you were injured in an oil tanker truck accident or a loved one was killed, call us at 918-574-8458 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.