A truck driver was killed in an accident on I-10 near Tucson recently when his tractor-trailer overturned. In the rollover, nitric acid spilled onto the roadway and released red and yellow vapor into the air. Authorities identified the victim as Ricky Immel, 54.
The wreck triggered the evacuation and shelter-in-place orders due to the hazardous nitric acid. Authorities closed the freeway. They also ordered residents within a half-mile of the crash to leave their homes and those within one mile to shelter in place.
The deadly truck accident occurred in mid-February. Winter weather conditions delayed cleanup efforts for two days. State troopers say they tested the air near the site soon after the wreck and determined it was free of nitric acid.
Common Injuries After a Truck Accident Involving Hazardous Materials
Thankfully, no one else appears to have been injured by the recent HAZMAT truck accident in Tucson. Traffic wrecks involving large semis carrying hazardous loads have the potential to cause devastating truck crash injuries, such as:
- Burns from exposure to caustic, reactive, or flammable chemicals
- Respiratory problems from inhalation of toxic fumes
- Traumatic injuries from the impact with the truck itself
- Physical injuries from contact with flying debris or shattered glass
- Infections and diseases, depending on the nature of the hazardous cargo
Long-Term Consequences After an Accident with HAZMAT
The long-term consequences of a HAZMAT truck accident vary depending on the severity of the crash, the types of hazardous materials involved, and a victim’s exposure to the materials. Possible long-term health consequences include:
- Increased risk of certain cancers and other diseases
- Chronic respiratory problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Neurological problems like chronic headaches, seizures, and neuropathy
- Reproductive issues like infertility and a higher risk of birth defects or miscarriage
- Immune system damage, increasing the risk of infections and diseases
- Psychological injuries such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Compensation for HAZMAT Truck Accident Injuries
If the truck driver, the trucking company, or someone else caused the accident, they could owe you compensation for the harm you suffered. A successful insurance claim or lawsuit against the liable parties could provide you with money for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Lower quality of life
- Property damage
Discuss your case with a HAZMAT truck accident lawyer today to learn more about your options.
Contact Our Arizona Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys for Help
Were you or a loved one hurt in a HAZMAT truck accident in Arizona? Then don’t wait to reach out to Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. You deserve full compensation for the injuries, expenses, and other losses you suffered – and you may have several options for pursuing it. Our team can identify all possible sources of recovery, investigate the circumstances of the truck accident, and demand the money you need to be made whole.
Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial case review with our Arizona truck accident attorneys.
