What to Do After an Accident With a Hazardous Truck Spill

Your health, safety, and legal rights are immediately at stake when you are involved in an accident with a hazardous truck spill. These incidents can have devastating consequences, from severe injuries to long-term environmental damage. If you have been in a hazmat truck accident, here is the truth: what you do next could determine everything.

Accidents with hazardous materials can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to do next is key. If you have been hurt in a hazmat truck accident, Goldblatt + Singer is here to help you determine your next steps and make sure your rights are protected. 

Why Hazardous Truck Spills Are So Dangerous

Hazardous truck spills often involve chemicals, toxins, or flammable substances that can pose immediate risks to physical health and the environment. The dangers of a truck accident with hazardous waste extend far beyond typical collisions.

Some common risks include:

• Toxic Exposure: Breathing in or coming into contact with hazardous chemicals can seriously harm your health, from skin burns to long-term respiratory issues.
• Fire and Explosions: If the spill involves something flammable, it can turn the accident into a life-threatening disaster in seconds.
• Environmental Damage: Hazardous waste does not just vanish. It seeps into water supplies, wrecks local ecosystems, and leaves behind problems that can take years to fix.
• Dangerous Roads: Spills turn roads into a mess—slick surfaces, blocked lanes, and a whole lot of chaos for everyone trying to get through.

Understanding the dangers of these incidents highlights the importance of taking the proper steps immediately after the accident. 

Steps to Take After a Hazardous Material Truck Accident

If you have been in an accident involving a hazardous truck spill, here is what you need to do next:

Prioritize Safety First

If possible, move away from the spill. Hazardous materials can be invisible threats; even brief exposure may lead to serious health complications. Step back from the spill. Do not touch it or breathe it in. If you are near the spill, take a step back. I know it is overwhelming, but keeping your distance is the safest thing you can do now.

Call Emergency Services

Call 911 and report the accident. Even if you do not know what the material is, tell them there is a spill and describe anything you can—like strange smells, colors, or signs on the truck. The more details you share, the better they can respond.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay right now, exposure to hazardous materials can mess with you later. Get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible to catch anything early and to have a record of your injuries.

Document the Scene

Document everything. Get photos and videos of the crash site, your injuries, and any markings on the truck—placards, logos, whatever you see. Trust us, those details could make or break your case later.

Exchange Information

Gather contact and insurance information from the truck driver. If possible, note the trucking company’s name and the type of hazardous materials involved.

Avoid Discussing Fault

Keep quiet about fault. Here is why: anything you say can and will be used against you. Blaming someone—or even yourself—on the spot can complicate things later. Focus on collecting the facts and let the evidence do the talking.

Contact a Lawyer Immediately

Hazardous waste truck accidents often involve complex liability issues, including federal regulations and multiple responsible parties. An experienced attorney at Goldblatt + Singer can guide you through your next steps and protect your legal interests. 

Who Is Liable in a Hazmat Truck Accident?

Determining liability in hazardous material truck accidents can be challenging, as multiple parties may be at fault. Potentially responsible parties include:

• The truck driver: If they were speeding, distracted, or ignoring safety rules, they could be at fault.
• The trucking company: Companies are supposed to prioritize proper training, regular maintenance, and safe practices. If they cut corners, it is on them.
• The cargo loader: When hazardous materials aren’t secured correctly, it puts everyone at risk, and they need to be held accountable.
• The manufacturer or supplier: If the hazardous materials were mislabeled or defective, the responsibility could land on whoever made or provided them.

A skilled attorney can help identify all liable parties and build a strong case to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. 

How an Attorney Can Help After a Hazardous Truck Spill Accident

After a hazardous truck spill, you do not want to face this alone. Trucking companies and their insurers have teams ready to protect their interests, so you need someone in your corner who knows how to handle cases like this and fight for what’s right.

At Goldblatt + Singer, we will:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly to uncover all contributing factors.
• Consult with industry experts to assess liability and calculate damages.
• Handle negotiations with insurance companies to help you move forward confidently.
• Prepare for litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached. 

Common Injuries From Hazardous Waste Truck Accidents

Accidents involving hazardous materials often result in severe injuries due to the nature of the substances involved. Some common injuries include:

• Burns from fires or chemical exposure.
• Respiratory issues are caused by inhaling toxic fumes.
• Organ damage or long-term health problems from chemical exposure.
• Traumatic injuries from the collision itself, such as fractures or spinal cord damage.

These injuries often require extensive medical care and can affect your quality of life. 

Why You Need an Attorney After a Hazardous Truck Spill

Dealing with the fallout of a hazardous material truck accident is legally and medically challenging. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything they can to protect themselves, which often means downplaying their responsibility. That’s where Goldblatt + Singer comes in. We’ll make sure you are not drowning in questions, buried in medical bills, or carrying this fight alone. 

Contact Goldblatt + Singer Today

If you have been hurt in a hazardous truck spill accident, it is hard to know where to start. Call Goldblatt + Singer at (314) 231-4100 or contact us online. We’ll walk you through your options and help you get back on your feet.