In April, a tractor-trailer carrying hazardous materials struck a passenger vehicle, causing a chemical spill that closed the downtown connector where the accident occurred. The chemical, benzoyl chloride, is harmful, with the potential to cause severe injury, burns or death if ingested or if it encounters skin or eyes.
The blame in the truck accident went to both parties. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not supposed to be driving within a certain perimeter, per DOT restrictions. As such, he was cited. The driver of the passenger car was cited with improper stopping on a roadway, driving on a suspended license and improper lane change. He made an illegal U-turn in the middle of the road. This put him in the tractor-trailer’s path and contributed to the hazmat accident.
Hazmat Accidents in Georgia
Hazardous material transport is a highly-regulated industry in the United States. When ships or trucks carry hazardous materials, the people involved in transporting them should be competent and trained to transport these materials. However, because of the inherent risks, drivers must still take proper precautions.
The nature of hazardous materials means that even people who are not involved in a hazmat accident could suffer harm. Hazardous materials can be flammable, explosive, corrosive, poisonous, infectious or even radioactive. Spilling these chemicals can pose a danger to anyone nearby – sometimes, people miles away could suffer. If you are exposed to hazardous materials due to an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Then, discuss the incident with an attorney.
