Hazardous Material Spills

Hazardous material spills involving large trucks seriously threaten public safety, often causing injuries and long-term environmental damage. These accidents frequently occur when tanker trucks carrying chemicals, fuel, or other dangerous substances are involved in collisions or experience equipment failure. In Prince George’s County, such incidents can result in fires, toxic exposure, or road closures, leaving victims with life-altering consequences. A Prince George’s County hazardous material spill lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and hold the negligent parties accountable.

Foran & Foran, P.A. is equipped to handle the complex issues in hazardous material spill cases. Our team investigates every detail, from truck maintenance records to safety violations, to determine who is responsible for the harm caused. Whether your case involves chemical exposure or injuries from a resulting crash, we are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for justice.

Hazardous material spills often occur during crashes involving tanker trucks or vehicles transporting dangerous substances like fuel, chemicals, or radioactive materials. Driver behaviors, including fatigue, distraction, speeding, and violations of safety protocols, are leading causes. Studies show that these risky actions increase the likelihood of severe injury or fatal crashes by as much as 70.45%. Poor road conditions, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading errors frequently contribute to these incidents. Unique roadway locations, such as ramps, intersections, or bridges, are particularly high-risk areas, as are roads with speed limits exceeding 66 mph.

Spills resulting from collisions often lead to fires, explosions, or the release of harmful substances, endangering public health and the environment. If you or a loved one has been affected by such an incident, a Prince George’s County hazardous material spill lawyer can help identify the cause of the accident and seek justice on your behalf. 

Hazardous material spills result from various crashes, each carrying unique risks. Head-on collisions account for the highest probability of severe injury, increasing fatal crash risks by 222.5%. These accidents typically occur when drivers lose control, cross the centerline or speed on narrow roadways. Rear-end crashes involving tankers often rupture containment units, releasing dangerous substances into the environment.

While less severe, sideswipe and single-vehicle crashes can still cause spills if the vehicle overturns or strikes roadside structures. Additionally, multi-vehicle pileups increase the likelihood of severe outcomes by 141.7% when four or more vehicles are involved. Fires and explosions following these accidents escalate the danger, raising the probability of fatalities by 93.3%. Each type of crash presents unique challenges for victims, underscoring the importance of legal representation.

Several factors make hazardous material crashes more likely, with many tied directly to driver actions or environmental conditions. Fatigue among drivers plays a significant role, particularly on long-haul routes where operators exceed federal hours-of-service regulations—speeding compounds this issue, reducing the driver’s ability to react and increasing the severity of crashes. Distraction from in-cab devices or other sources further elevates the risk.

Environmental conditions, such as adverse weather, poor lighting, or improperly maintained roadways, also contribute. Crashes at night or during early morning hours (12:00–5:59 a.m.) are more likely to cause severe injuries due to reduced visibility and slower emergency response times. By working with a Prince George’s County hazardous material spill lawyer, victims can uncover all contributing factors and hold those at fault accountable.

Hazardous material spills create risks beyond those of typical motor vehicle accidents. Victims may suffer severe burns, respiratory injuries, chemical exposure, or long-term health effects such as organ damage. Inhalation of toxic fumes during spills can cause immediate medical emergencies or chronic conditions requiring ongoing care. Fires and explosions often result in catastrophic injuries, including permanent disfigurement or loss of mobility.

Property damage and environmental harm are also typical. Homes, businesses, and vehicles near the spill site may become contaminated, requiring costly cleanup and restoration. Environmental damage, such as soil and water contamination, can have long-lasting effects on local ecosystems. Victims facing these unique damages need experienced legal guidance to navigate complex claims and seek comprehensive compensation.

Bystanders injured in hazardous material spill accidents often face unique challenges when filing claims. Exposure to toxic chemicals or injuries caused by explosions and fires can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Pedestrians, nearby residents, or employees working near spill sites may experience direct harm from the incident.

Trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, or third-party cargo contractors may all be at fault. A Prince George’s County hazardous material spill lawyer will investigate the incident thoroughly, gathering evidence such as maintenance records, cargo logs, and accident reports to build a strong case for affected bystanders.

Accidents involving hazardous material spills can cause severe injuries and long-lasting health effects. Whether the spill resulted from a tanker truck collision or improper containment, the attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. As trusted Prince George’s County truck accident attorneys, we work closely with experts to establish liability and build a strong case on your behalf. Our firm advances all costs, so you can focus on recovery without worrying about upfront expenses. Contact us at 301-441-2022 or reach out via our secure online contact form for a free consultation.