Every day, millions of shipments of hazardous materials are transported across the country by railways, airplanes, and trucks. Most of these shipments reach their destinations without incident. But when hazardous materials do spill, the results can be catastrophic.

A hazardous materials truck accident poses serious dangers to human health and can result in substantial damage to the environment. The release of hazardous materials into the environment can result in widespread exposure to toxins that can lead to serious health problems when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Spilled hazardous materials can contaminate the air, soil, and water supplies and cause long-term chronic health problems for people who were exposed.

When a hazardous material truck accident causes injuries, Muth Law, P.C., can help. Our lawyers have over 40 years of experience helping people in Michigan recover compensation for personal injuries. Our law firm has been recognized by Best Lawyers: Best Law Firms, and our attorneys have been individually recognized for their outstanding work in Personal Injury Litigation. Benjamin Muth was recognized as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch and in Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of the Class of 2022 Hall of Fame, Up & Coming Lawyers.

Contact Muth Law today to schedule a free, confidential appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help. Call us anytime at 734-481-8800, email info@muthlawpc.com, or complete our online form.

What Are “Hazardous Materials”?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), “hazardous materials” (“hazmat”) are substances that are “capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property.” They are often flammable, poisonous, or otherwise likely to cause serious, even deadly harm if they are misused or improperly released into the environment.

Hazardous materials are classified into nine categories:

• Class 1: Explosives - materials that can trigger explosions or are materials with a projection hazard, blasting agent, or detonating device
• Class 2: Gasses - flammable gasses, non-flammable compressed gasses, and toxic gasses
• Class 3: Flammable Liquid and Combustible Liquid - diesel fuel, gasoline, kerosene, motor oil, ethanol, and others
• Class 4: Flammable Solid, Spontaneously Combustible, and Dangerous When Wet - materials like matches, sulfur, activated charcoal, aluminum powder, and magnesium
• Class 5: Oxidizer and Organic Peroxide - chemical and organic compounds that enhance the combustion of other materials
• Class 6: Poison (Toxic) and Poison Inhalation Hazard - poisons and biological hazards
• Class 7: Radioactive - any materials that are considered radioactive
• Class 8: Corrosive - acids and bases that burn or corrode
• Class 9: Miscellaneous - any other dangerous substance that does not fall into the other classes, such as lithium and dry ice

To prevent spills and other dangerous conditions, the USDOT has passed rules regulating the classifying, packaging, labeling, handling, and storage of hazardous materials.

Why Are Hazardous Materials Accidents So Dangerous?

When a truck hauling hazardous materials is involved in an accident, the results can be catastrophic and may result in:

• Fires and explosions
• Air contamination
• Contamination of local water and sewer systems, which can pose a health risk to workers and local residents
• Environmental damage that can harm plants, animal, lakes, and shorelines
• Increased risk of severe injuries to other motorists

When a truck hauling hazardous materials is involved in an accident, conditions can quickly become extremely dangerous. Because of the potential for widespread catastrophic consequences, drivers who haul hazardous materials must undergo specialized training to obtain a hazardous materials endorsement on their commercial trucking license. Hazmat trucks can only travel during certain times of day and are limited to certain roads to avoid proximity to population centers.

Personal Injury Claims After a Hazardous Material Truck Accident

When a hazmat truck is involved in an accident, the results can be catastrophic. If you were injured or someone you love was killed in a hazardous materials truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for hospital and medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other damages.

Under Michigan no-fault insurance laws, your insurance company may be responsible for paying first-party benefits. However, you may need to file a lawsuit to obtain full compensation for your injuries. If someone you love was killed in a hazardous materials truck accident, your family may need to file a claim for wrongful death to recover the compensation you deserve.

How Muth Law Can Help

When a hazardous materials truck is involved in an accident, victims often suffer severe injuries that are more extensive than injuries suffered in a typical automobile accident. Securing the compensation you deserve is complicated by the fact that hazardous materials accident claims often involve multiple parties who may be responsible for causing the accident that resulted in your injuries.

The truck accident injury lawyers at Muth Law will work to identify all responsible parties and fight to hold them accountable for the harm they caused.

Contact Muth Law Today

Muth Law has over 40 years of experience representing people injured in Michigan truck accidents. Call 734-481-8800 or contact us online to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.