Client Review by Trucker Injured in 3 Semi CrashWhen a tanker truck accident leaves you or your loved one injured, you need a lawyer with focused expertise that understands the unique dangers these huge vehicles present. Tanker truck crashes aren’t ordinary accidents. They often involve hazardous materials, complex federal regulations, and devastating consequences that can affect entire communities.
Lawrence Flick of Flick Truck Accident Law, has been fighting for truck accident victims in Kansas City since 1993. Our focused experience with commercial vehicle accidents and proven track record make us well qualified to handle these complex cases and secure the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with a tanker truck, call Flick Truck Accident Law today at (816) 221-0501.
The Special Danger of Tanker Truck Accidents
Tanker trucks transport some of the most dangerous loads on our highways every day. From gasoline and diesel fuel to poisonous chemicals and corrosive materials, these vehicles can carry cargo that can turn a typical traffic accident into a fatal or life-threatening mass disaster.
Recent data shows the alarming scope of this problem. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that between 1975 and 2024, hazardous materials transportation by truck resulted in 396 deaths which is over 16 times higher than the 23 fatalities from rail transport of dangerous goods. Even more concerning, CBS News analyzed 10 years of incident data from the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). It shows that for every hazardous materials incident involving a train, there are 33 hazmat incidents involving big rigs on our roadways.
The data reveals a troubling trend: NHTSA statistics show over 1,300 cargo tank rollovers happen annually nationwide with an average of four of these dangerous incidents occurring each day.
Why Tanker Truck Accidents Are More Dangerous
Tanker truck accidents present unique hazards that set them apart from typical commercial vehicle crashes:
Hazardous Cargo Risks Hazardous material (HAZMAT) transported in tanker trucks can lead to fires, explosions, or toxic spills. These can impede rescue efforts, preventing first responders from reaching trapped victims quickly.
Increased Rollover Risk Tanker trucks have a high center of gravity and liquid cargo that can shift during transport. FMCSA research shows that a high percentage of cargo tank rollovers happen when the tanks aren’t completely full, primarily because of the liquid cargo’s “slosh and surge” movement. This liquid movement makes drivers more likely to lose control, especially during turns or sudden maneuvers.
Widespread Environmental Impact Unlike most typical truck accidents, tanker crashes can affect large areas through spills and contamination. Emergency response teams may need to evacuate entire neighborhoods when hazardous materials are involved.
Complex Federal Regulations Tanker trucks, particularly those transporting hazardous materials are subject to additional regulations beyond those governing regular commercial vehicles. These rules cover driver qualifications, cargo handling, vehicle maintenance, and route restrictions. Drivers are required to have one or more special “endorsements” on their driver’s license to operate them.
Multiple Liable Parties Tanker accidents can involve a number of potentially responsible parties: the truck driver, trucking company, shipper, loading facility, maintenance providers and potentially others.
Leading Factors in Kansas City Tanker Truck Crashes
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration research found that human error contributed to 78% of cargo tanker rollovers. Driver fatigue and inattention accounted for 20% of these incidents. However, the study also discovered that brake defects were present in more than half of the tanker trucks that rolled over.
The leading causes include:
- Driver fatigue from long hours without adequate rest
- Mechanical failures, particularly brake and tire defects
- Improper loading that affects the vehicle’s center of gravity
- Inadequate driver training for handling liquid cargo
- Speeding and unsafe driving for road conditions
- Poor vehicle maintenance by trucking companies cutting corners
- Hazardous road conditions not suitable for large tanker trucks
Devastating Injuries from Tanker Truck Accidents
The combination of size and weight, hazardous cargo, and high-impact forces can make tanker truck accidents particularly devastating. Victims can suffer:
Severe Burns Chemical exposure and fires can cause second and third-degree burns that require extensive treatment and leave permanent scarring or may be fatal.
Respiratory Injuries Toxic fumes and smoke inhalation can cause immediate breathing problems and long-term organ damage.
Traumatic Brain Injuries The violent impact often causes serious head trauma that can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes and more.
Spinal Cord Damage Back and neck injuries from these high-force collisions can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
Multiple Fractures The tremendous impact force can break numerous bones throughout the body simultaneously.
Internal Injuries Organ damage and internal bleeding occur due to the severity of these crashes.
Long-term Health Effects Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause health problems that don’t appear until months or years later.
Proving Fault in Kansas City Tanker Truck Accidents
Establishing responsibility in tanker truck accidents requires investigation and specialized knowledge. Top rated truck accident lawyer Lawrence Fick, founding attorney of Flick Truck Accident Law, knows what evidence to preserve and how to build a compelling case.
Important Evidence We Go After:
- Dashcam video can show exactly how the crash happened
- Engine or Electronic Control Module (ECM) data can contain truck speed and more
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data showing driver hours and vehicle operation
- Driver qualification records and training documentation
- Inspection Reports and vehicle maintenance records
- Cargo records detailing what hazardous materials were transported
- Federal compliance records showing regulatory violations
- Accident scene evidence including photos, debris patterns, and skid marks
- Witness statements from other drivers and bystanders
Understanding Missouri’s Pure Comparative Fault Law
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system that can work in your favor even if you bear some responsibility for the accident. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 537.765 states that “Any fault chargeable to the plaintiff shall diminish proportionately the amount awarded as compensatory damages but shall not bar recovery.”
You can still obtain compensation even when you share some responsibility for the accident. Missouri is among only eight states using pure comparative negligence laws, which permit accident victims to recover partial damages even when they are 99% responsible for the incident.
To illustrate, if your total damages equal $1,000,000 and you’re determined to be 20% responsible, you could still receive $800,000 in compensation. Part of our job is to eliminate or minimize your percentage of fault while maximizing the compensation you receive.
Types of Compensation Available
Tanker truck accident victims may be entitled to comprehensive compensation including:
Economic Damages:
- All medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Specialized medical equipment needs
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium for spouses
Punitive Damages: Available in cases involving aggravated negligence or willful misconduct by the trucking company or driver.
Why Choose Lawrence Flick for Your Tanker Truck Accident Case
Specialized Expertise That Makes the Difference
Attorney Lawrence Flick, brings over 40 years of legal experience and is laser focused on truck accident cases. The National Trial Lawyers have recognized Lawrence as a Top 100 Trial Attorney, and the Trucking Trial Lawyers Association has named him a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer. Lawrence Flick established Flick Truck Accident Law to focus his law firm on truck accidents and other commercial vehicle cases.
Specialized Education and Professional Credentials:
- Attorney Lawrence Flick has successfully completed comprehensive U.S. Department of Transportation training covering Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, plus advanced truck accident litigation training through the program “Litigating Truck Collision Cases” at Advanced Trial Advocacy College.
- Attorney Lawrence Flick graduated from the University of Kansas Law School with his J.D. degree and holds active licenses to practice in Missouri, Kansas, and District of Columbia (inactive), as well as before the U.S. 8th and 10th Circuit Courts of Appeals and the U.S. District Courts for the Western District of Missouri and District of Kansas
- Attorney Lawrence Flick is an active member of the Academy of Truck Accident Lawyers and also belongs to the Association of Plaintiff’s Interstate Trucking Lawyers
- Lawrence Flick maintains a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating on the legal review website Avvo
Documented Success for Clients
Since 1993, Lawrence Flick of Flick Truck Accident Law has dedicated his practice to cases related to truck and car crash cases and has delivered outstanding outcomes for clients. Some recent case results of Flick Truck Accident law include:
- $900,000 – Tanker collided with commercial truck on Interstate 70.
- $650,000.00 – Nighttime 3 semi crash on Kansas Turnpike caused multiple injuries.
- $600,000.00 – 18 wheeler rear-ended pickup truck on Interstate 435.
Federal Court Experience From 1999 forward, Attorney Lawrence Flick has successfully represented injured clients in federal courts in Kansas and Missouri when appropriate. This experience is very important in complex tanker truck cases that often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court.
The Flick Truck Accident Law Comprehensive Approach to Your Case
Fast Action Flick Truck Accident Law moves quickly to collect and preserve important evidence. Electronic data from the truck’s systems, driver logs, and maintenance records can be lost if steps are not taken promptly to preserve them.
In-Depth Investigation Flick Truck Accident Law gathers evidence from law enforcement, U.S. government, medical providers, courts and other sources to build strong cases. When necessary we also work with accident reconstruction, truck safety and other experts.
Federal Regulation Expertise Flick Truck Accident Law understands the complex web of federal motor carrier safety regulations governing tanker trucks and knows how to identify violations that contributed to your accident.
Medical Knowledge Truck accident cases can involve complex medical issues, but law schools and continuing education programs typically don’t provide attorneys with sufficient medical knowledge. To gain this important expertise, Attorney Lawrence Flick has had training in anatomy, medical history, physical examination, radiology, orthopedics, pain, medications, spinal conditions, and other key medical subjects.
Aggressive Negotiation Insurance companies should know we will take cases to trial. This reputation helps Flick Truck Accident Law secure better settlements for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the deadline for filing a lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including tanker truck crashes, is typically five years from the accident date. There is usually a seperate 3 year time limit for death claims. However, don’t wait. Critical evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance companies may try to settle for less if you don’t have legal representation early.
Can I recover compensation if I share some blame for the accident?
Missouri’s pure comparative fault law means you can still recover damages even if you bear some responsibility. You can still obtain compensation unless you bear complete responsibility for what occurred. Our job is to minimize your percentage of fault while maximizing your compensation.
Who can be held responsible for a tanker truck accident?
Multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading facility, maintenance providers, tanker manufacturer and others.
What makes tanker truck crashes different from typical car accidents?
Tanker truck cases can involve federal regulations, hazardous materials, specialized insurance coverage, environmental concerns, and often multiple defendants. These complexities require an attorney with specific experience in commercial vehicle accidents.
Contact Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Lawrence Flick Today
Don’t let insurance companies minimize the severity of your tanker truck accident. These cases require prompt action and specialized expertise to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Why Choose Lawrence Flick of Flick Truck Accident Law:
- Over 30 years experience with truck crash cases
- Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer recognition
- Federal court experience
- Millions recovered for truck accident victims
- No fees unless we win your case
Tanker truck accidents can change your life in an instant. Let our experienced team fight for the compensation you need to rebuild.
Call (816) 221-0501 to talk to an experienced lawyer at Flick Truck Accident Law.
Flick Truck Accident Law serves clients throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, including Independence, Lee’s Summit, Overland Park, and all surrounding communities in both Missouri and Kansas.