Texas Accident & Injury News
Chemical spills on highways are more common than you might think.
18-Wheeler Accident on I-10 West Causes Laundry Detergent and Oil to Spill on the Highway
According to a KSAT News report, an 18-wheeler crashed and dumped cargo on I-10 West this week.
Police reported the accident occurred yesterday on I-10 West from FM 775 to FM 465/Linne Road, east of San Antonio, near Seguin. An 18-wheeler rolled over in an accident for unknown reasons. Police did not say how the crash occurred, if any injuries were involved, or if any other vehicles were involved in the accident. The rollover caused the big rig to spill its cargo, which was laundry detergent and oil, onto the highway, causing it to be closed as crews worked to clean it up. It is unclear if the highway has since reopened. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Did You Know?
4,737 members of the general public across the United States were injured in acute chemical accidents between 1999 and 2008, according to data from the CDC.
Auto Accidents and Chemical Spills: What to Do When Hazardous Chemicals Spill in an Auto Accident.
Texas highways facilitate the transportation of many hazardous materials, usually with no incident. But what happens if an 18-wheeler accident ends in a chemical spill?
18-wheeler accidents often end in severe injury, but the chances of that are increased when chemicals spill at the scene.
What to Do If Chemicals Spill During an Auto Accident
If you’re in an accident where chemicals spill onto the road, the procedure is slightly different than a normal auto accident.
- Get to Safety — If you’re able to move, get out of range of the chemical spill. Don’t go too far, though — you will still need to remain near the scene for the police.
- Call 9-1-1 — Inform police of the accident and the spill, and seek medical attention for anyone who is injured. Make sure you get a police report for the accident before leaving, if possible.
- Exchange Information — Get the name, address, phone number, and insurance information from any driver’s involved.
- Document the Scene — Take photos and/or video of the scene, any damage, and any visible injuries.
- Inform Your Insurance Company — As soon as you’re able, report the accident to your insurance company.
- Call Carabin Shaw 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys — to protect your claim.
Remember: never speak to representatives from the trucking company. They are not calling to help you and can use what you say against you in court.
Why HAZMAT Accidents Are More Dangerous
Chemical spills make an already dangerous situation much worse.
Toxic chemicals make their way into the air, the soil, and the water when spilled. This presents a danger for:
- You,
- The Truck Driver,
- Nearby Businesses, and
- The General Public Near the Accident Site.
Additionally, the most common injury from highway chemical spills is inhalation injuries that burn the lungs and throat. These don’t always show their effects until well after the accident, leaving people vulnerable to missing it entirely.
Always go to see a medical professional if you have been in an accident involving a chemical spill.
Injured in a Chemical Spill Accident? Call Carabin Shaw.
Our team will help you set up an appointment with a Carabin Shaw 18-wheeler/commercial vehicle accident attorney for free at 800-862-1260 or via the live chat feature.
Don’t face the trucking company alone. Our attorneys have more than 30 years of experience serving accident victims across Texas. Call the team that puts their clients first today. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.