HAZMAT-Related Commercial Truck Accidents Increase on Michigan Roads

Every day, 1.2 million shipments of hazardous materials are transported across the country by railway, airplanes, barges and trucks. While most of these shipments reach their destination without incident, hazmat spills are costly and dangerous. Furthermore, for the past 10 years, highway accidents involving hazardous materials have steadily increased in Michigan and other Midwest states, creating serious consequences for truck drivers, motorists and nearby residents.

Here is an overview of hazmat-related commercial truck accidents and how to protect your rights if you are injured in a crash.

WHAT DOES THE TERM “HAZMAT” MEAN?

“Hazmat” is an industry abbreviation for hazardous materials, defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as all substances “capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce.” In other words, substances that are flammable, poisonous or otherwise likely to cause serious harm if misused or improperly released into the environment are considered hazmat.

To prevent dangerous mishaps, there are specific rules for classifying, packaging, labeling, handling and storing these materials as they are moved from one destination to another.

Hazardous materials can be gases, liquids or solids. The Department of Transportation classifies hazmat materials into nine categories:

• Class 1: Explosives
• Class 2: Gases
• Class 3: Flammable Liquid and Combustible Liquid
• Class 4: Flammable Solid, Spontaneously Combustible, and Dangerous When Wet
• Class 5: Oxidizer and Organic Peroxide
• Class 6: Poison (Toxic) and Poison Inhalation Hazard
• Class 7: Radioactive
• Class 8: Corrosive
• Class 9: Miscellaneous

Recommended reading: The Latest Michigan Car Accident Statistics: What Drivers Should Know

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT HAZMAT COMMERCIAL TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN THE MIDWEST

Accidents involving vehicles transporting hazardous substances across the Midwest have been rising steadily since 2013, according to a report by USA TODAY. Researchers analyzed 10 years of data from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration about the transportation of hazardous substances across five Midwest states: Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.

Here are the significant points revealed in the study:

• All six hazmat accident fatalities were truck drivers
• Close to 400 others were injured in hazmat accidents
• Commercial trucks were involved in 93 percent of all hazmat accidents
• The most serious hazmat accidents in Michigan involved tanker trucks
• 20 percent of all hazmat incidents in the country occurred in the five Midwest states mentioned above
• More than 46,000 hazmat accidents occurred in the Midwest region since 2013

Recommended reading: Why Michigan Car Accident Victims Need Unlimited Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits

WHY ARE HAZMAT-RELATED COMMERCIAL TRUCK ACCIDENTS SO DANGEROUS?

Unlike most automobile crashes, accidents involving hazardous materials often have widespread and long-lasting consequences. Although trains carry larger quantities of these substances, all the hazmat-related fatalities over the last decade involved commercial trucks.

Here is some of the collateral damage that can result from a hazmat accident:

• Fires and explosions
  Any motor vehicle collision can cause serious injury to the people involved, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists. However, when a truck transporting flammable materials overturns or crashes, the fuel can ignite quickly, causing a powerful explosion or rapidly-spreading fire. This poses a danger to anyone in the near vicinity, including other motorists and first responders.
• Danger to local residents and workers
  A major hazmat spill or explosion can cause toxins to pass into local water and sewage systems, causing serious illness and other long-term consequences that can last for years.
• Environmental damage
  Toxic chemicals can impact the surrounding environment in a variety of ways, causing harm to plants, animals, lakes and shorelines.
• Increased risk of injuries to the truck driver and other motorists
  In general, commercial truck accidents are more dangerous than crashes involving smaller vehicles. A fully-loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs., while an average passenger car weighs around 4,000 lbs. Therefore, the occupants of an automobile that collides with a truck are more likely to be killed or seriously harmed, a risk that is multiplied when hazardous materials are involved.

WHO IS AT FAULT FOR A COMMERCIAL TRUCK ACCIDENT?

These cases are typically more complex than those entailing only passenger cars. Determining liability and receiving compensation for a commercial truck accident is challenging because multiple parties are often involved. In addition to the driver, a lawsuit may include the individual truck owner, the trucking company or the truck manufacturer. And, if the accident was caused by faulty maintenance or equipment, the mechanic or parts manufacturer may also be liable.

Therefore, it is wise to consult an experienced commercial truck accident lawyer to ensure the best financial outcome for you and your family.

ARE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HIDING IN YOUR HOME?

Many everyday household products contain hazardous materials. While it is legal to store these items and transport them in your own vehicle, this should be done with extreme care. In general, if a label says “warning,” “danger,” “corrosive,” “irritant,” “toxic,” “caution” or “flammable,” the item is considered hazardous and should be treated accordingly.

Here are some examples of household hazardous waste (HHW):

• Aerosol spray cans
• Beauty products - essential oils, nail polish, perfumes/colognes, hair color and straighteners
• Paint - liquid and spray paints, stains, thinners, removers
• Dry ice
• Motor oil
• Lithium batteries
• Cleaning products - aerosol sprays, bleach, disinfectants
• Swimming pool chemicals
• Home and garden products - weed killers, fertilizers, insecticides
• Pressure containers and refrigerants - fire extinguishers, liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide
• Explosives - fireworks, ammunition, gun powder
• Gasoline or diesel fuel
• Fuel-powered equipment
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Lighters and matches

In addition, these products must be disposed of according to local regulations. Some municipalities schedule hazmat collection days throughout the year. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has more information about hazmat storage and disposal, including where to find drop-off locations.

Recommended reading: Do You Need A Lawyer For A Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault?

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED COMMERCIAL TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY

If you or a loved one is injured in a Michigan truck accident, we can help. Our experienced lawyers have the skills, knowledge and resources to win the compensation you and your family deserve.

Semi-truck accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan commercial truck accident attorney is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. Start your case today by clicking on the link below or calling 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.