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Virginia tanker truck accident attorneys


We win big for tanker truck accident victims in Virginia

In Virginia, we’re fortunate to have a vibrant economy, which is why our population continues to grow as people move here from around the country. Of course, more people means more traffic, and this creates safety concerns for Virginia drivers.

A major hazard for drivers and commuters traveling along routes I-77, I-79, I-81, I-66, I-85, and I-84 is accidents involving tanker trucks. These large, unwieldy vehicles may also be carrying dangerous materials. It’s crucial for trucking companies to hire safe drivers and take all the necessary precautions to prevent dangerous tanker truck crashes.

If you or a loved one was injured in a tanker truck accident, contact GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys right away. This isn’t just a job for us — we consider our work to be our calling.

When you put your trust in GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, you don’t pay anything unless we win. We call it our Zero Fee Guarantee.

Call our Virginia truck accident lawyers at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to schedule a free consultation today.

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What is a tanker truck?

Tanker trucks have large tanks for carrying liquids, gases, and other materials. These trucks frequently transport flammable, corrosive, hazardous, radioactive, or noxious materials such as:

  • Gasoline
  • Ethanol
  • Liquid nitrogen
  • Propane
  • Diesel fuel
  • Crude oil
  • Industrial chemicals
  • Ammonia
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Sulfuric acid
  • Commercial solvents
  • Pesticides
  • Acetone

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What causes tanker truck accidents?

When fully loaded, a tanker truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and might be hauling more than 11,000 gallons of liquid. Like all semi-trucks, tanker trucks take much longer to brake than regular passenger vehicles. When traveling at highway speeds and carrying a full load, a well-maintained tanker truck requires about 200 yards to stop — that’s two consecutive football fields!

Tanker trucks must be well-maintained and meet strict engineering guidelines to function properly. The shifting weight in the tanks makes tanker trucks extremely difficult to maneuver, especially when traveling around curves. Factors that contribute to tanker truck crashes include:

  • Poor truck maintenance
  • Inadequate safety inspections
  • Lack of driver training
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Fatigued driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Unsafe maneuvers
  • Improper braking techniques
  • Defective vehicle components

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Why are tanker truck accidents so dangerous?

Tanker truck accidents cause serious safety issues. These trucks could be carrying flammable materials, and fires and explosions may result when they are exposed to heat or collide with objects with sharp edges, such as forklifts.

A major concern is the spilling of flammable or toxic materials. When poisonous substances or noxious fumes are released, a hazmat team will be called to protect the surroundings and clean up the mess. If toxic liquids seep into local groundwater, it may lead to an environmental disaster.

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What types of injuries are caused by tanker truck crashes?

Tanker truck accidents cause catastrophic injuries for drivers and their passengers. Accident victims are subject to serious injuries, including:

  • Severe burns
  • Bone fractures
  • Breathing ailments
  • Whiplash
  • Chemical burns
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Crush injuries
  • Organ failure
  • Radiation poisoning
  • Nerve damage
  • Smoke inhalation
  • Lacerations
  • Broken hips
  • Back and neck injuries

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How can your Virginia tanker truck accident lawyer help?

To win you a fair settlement after a tanker truck accident, your attorney might have to go up against a high-priced law firm. Fortunately, Ken Gibson and John Singleton are experienced litigators and former members of the U.S. Marines. We have your back.

GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys will investigate the accident and file a claim or lawsuit against anyone whose negligent actions contributed to your injuries. This includes careless truck drivers and trucking companies that commit negligent hiring by allowing unsafe drivers to operate tanker trucks.

When GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys files a truck accident claim or lawsuit, it includes the following types of damages:

  • Lost wages
  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Medications
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Medical devices
  • Loss of earning potential
  • Disfigurement
  • PTSD
  • Assisted living care
  • Wheelchair ramps for your home

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Which Virginia tanker truck attorneys bring you big-city experience with small-town care?

Ken Gibson and John Singleton have extensive legal experience, including working for a large law firm and the federal and state governments. But they are fulfilled now by getting justice for their friends and neighbors in Virginia who have been injured by the negligent actions of others. That’s why one of our firm’s mottos is “big city experience, small town care.”

Give us a call at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to learn more today. We treat all clients with empathy and excellence.

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Call our Eastern Virginia office today for a free consultation
at (804) 413-6777 or toll free (855) 781-6777.

Zero Fee Guarantee

It costs you nothing for our firm to represent you. We only get paid when you do. Learn more

Community Service

Prevention, empathy, and diligence are hallmarks of everything we do at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys. Our community can see these ideals lived out in our work to prevent personal injuries from happening.

  • Safety Education
    GibsonSingleton launches “Texts=Wrecks” campaign to reduce the number of people injured or killed by distracted drivers.
  • Annual Coat Drive
    During the fall, our team works to distribute coats to people in need in our community.
  • Hands-on Service
    John and Ken join the Gloucester Point Rotary Club in cleaning up the community.
  • Supporting Local Schools
    The Gibson family participates in Gloucester’s Botetourt Elementary Shuffle fundraiser.