A crude oil tank explosion caused a three-alarm blaze at a biodiesel plant in Galveston, Texas. Boiling crude oil fed the fire and required 35 firefighters to contain the flames. The accident produced dense smoke leading to the closure of nearby roadways for over four hours.
Smoke on the roadways is just one way the oil industry can create dangers on U.S. highways. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, there were almost 15,000 incidents related to transporting hazardous materials in 2011. The incidents ranged from improper loading to rollover accidents and totaled over $100 million in damages.
Common Causes of Transportation Accidents in the Oil and Gas Industry
These statistics included commercial truck accidents, which often resulted in explosions causing severe injuries. In fact, a recent oil tanker crash and explosion caused burn injuries and severely damaged property. Another similar accident caused over $400,000 in damages.
Firefighters on the scene of such accidents have stated that oil tanker trucks are like “bombs on wheels” and create a dangerous situation for anyone involved in a collision. Many factors can contribute to the oil and gas industry trucking accidents, including:
- Limitations in the performance capabilities of the large vehicles, such as acceleration, braking, and visibility
- Faulty fuel tanks
- Overloading tanks
- Muffler defects that result in cargo ignition
Those injured in these types of accidents may be eligible for compensation to cover medical and rehabilitative expenses as well as pain and suffering. Collisions with vehicles carrying hazardous substances can result in exposure to dangerous chemicals potentially leading to respiratory and other health problems.
If you or a loved one is injured in an oil tanker accident, it is important to contact an experienced Corpus Christi personal injury attorney to ensure all legal rights and remedies are protected.
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