Given the large number of trucks that rely on Ohio’s roads to transport goods, it should come as no surprise that truck accidents and cargo spills are a common occurrence in the state. Among the various ways in which truck accidents can occur, cargo that spills from trucks has the potential to cause serious accidents. While it is a wise idea to exercise caution while driving on Ohio’s roads, this cannot completely eliminate the risk of being involved in a truck accident. The following outlines some of the important things that you should understand about truck cargo spills in Ohio.
Types of Cargo
When cargo spills occur as a result of an accident, clean-up is often critical and can, fortunately, be quickly completed when the cargo is not hazardous. In situations in which hazardous or toxic chemicals are involved, however, there are serious health and contamination issues present to cleanup crews as well as people in the surrounding areas. While it might not seem that accidents involving the spill of hazardous or toxic chemicals are particularly common, they occur much more often than you might expect. Trucks carry chemicals that can hurt you simply by breathing the air around a spill. You will probably not know what a truck is carrying, therefore, you should be safe and assume that there may be something hazardous onboard until you find out otherwise.
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How to Respond to a Cargo Spill
If you are near the scene of an accident in which a cargo spill occurs, call 9-1-1 right away. It is often best to move to a safe distance away to avoid being harmed by any debris. Do not leave the area if you have been harmed in a cargo spill accident, but make sure to stay clear of the debris. You should also take measures to help anyone who appears to have been harmed by the accident and to make sure that the individual is kept away from hazardous conditions. Await emergency assistance. Cases involving truck accidents can take years. Therefore, as soon as you can, notes should be taken so that you do not forget important details before your memory fades.
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Common Causes of Cargo Spills
Truck cargo spills are often the result of some type of negligence. Overloading a vehicle greatly increases the chances that the vehicle will become unsteady and ultimately tip over under its own weight. Driver fatigue is another common cause of truck accidents and cargo spills, which is why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has regulations regarding how many hours a week a truck driver is allowed to operate a vehicle. Sometimes the truck driver is not at fault and the accident is cause by another driver. However, anytime a truck carrying cargo is involved the crash and cleanup must be handled with great care.
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Speak with an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
When truck companies ignore safety regulations, they put everyone on the road at risk. As a result, they can be held liable for any injuries or damages that result from truck cargo spills. If you or a loved one has been harmed as a result of a truck accident or cargo spill, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact Kruger & Hodges today to schedule your initial free consultation.
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