Hazardous Cargo Makes Atlanta Truck Accidents More Dangerous
Truck accidents are dangerous under any circumstances, but when a commercial vehicle carries hazardous cargo, the risks escalate dramatically. Flammable liquids, toxic chemicals, and pressurized gases can turn a traffic crash into a regional health emergency.
Interstates such as I-285, I-75, and I-20 in Atlanta are major transport routes for these goods. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain the dangers of hazmat crashes and who can be held liable in a claim.
What Makes Hazardous Cargo Truck Accidents In Atlanta So Dangerous?
While dangerous, hazardous materials play a significant role in our daily lives. They are pertinent to industrial processes and used in everything from fuels to certain foods.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes strict regulations regarding transporting hazardous materials designed to protect public safety. However, truck accidents involving these materials are common and pose risks to other drivers and the surrounding communities. Dangers include:
- Explosions or fires caused by flammable materials like gasoline, propane, or chemical agents.
- Chemical burns and respiratory injuries from inhaling or touching corrosive substances.
- Secondary collisions are common as other drivers panic or swerve to avoid toxic spills.
- Evacuations can delay emergency response and prevent accident victims from getting medical care.
- Groundwater and soil contamination can affect long-term public health.
In Atlanta, hazardous materials are frequently transported on heavily traveled highways, increasing the risk for local motorists.
Who Is Liable When an Atlanta Hazmat Truck Crash Happens?
Crashes involving hazardous cargo are always complex. Multiple entities are often involved, from the shipper to the trucking company to the container manufacturer. Identifying who is liable requires an immediate investigation and deep familiarity with both state and federal hazmat transport rules.
Parties who may be responsible if you are injured in a hazmat truck accident in Atlanta include:
- The truck driver, for speeding, fatigue, or failure to follow hazmat handling procedures.
- The trucking company, if they failed to properly vet, train, or supervise the driver.
- The shipper, for mislabeling cargo or failing to follow packaging regulations.
- Maintenance contractors, if vehicle failure contributed to the crash or cargo leak.
- Manufacturers, if defective containers or pressure valves caused the release.
Under Title 46, Chapter 11 of the Georgia Code, hazmat carriers must follow specific labeling, placarding, and routing requirements. When an accident happens, they can be held liable for reckless behavior and violations of these rules by injured drivers and anyone else involved.
To Protect Your Rights To Compensation, Consult Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents in Atlanta involving hazardous materials can impact motorists or anyone in the area. At Shiver Hamilton, LLC, we understand the complex nature of these cases. Our legal team works with experts in hazmat handling, accident reconstruction, and environmental testing to build strong claims for victims and their families.
Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers represent clients throughout the area, including Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Roswell, Johns Creek, Marietta, and all of Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties. If you were hurt in a hazardous cargo truck accident, contact us today and request a consultation.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hazardous-materials
rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/672-10
