Trucks Carry the Largest Percentage of Hazardous Materials Shipped in the U.S.

After a train carrying hazardous materials derailed in Ohio earlier this month and made national news, state and federal officials immediately made plans to correct the toxic spill as quickly as possible.

Like most accidents that have widespread impacts on the water, ground, and air quality for those who live nearby, the government proposed new regulations for rail traffic carrying hazardous materials, to keep these dangerous incidents from occurring going forward.

While the train derailment and its far-reaching consequences are tragic, and still not fully known,

according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, commercial trucks carry the largest percentage of hazardous materials shipped across the country — about twice as much as trains. Federal data shows truck accidents involving hazardous materials represent more fatalities and property damage, and there are thousands more of them every year.

At Charles J. Argento, our Houston truck accident attorneys represent individuals and families throughout Texas whose lives have been impacted by hazardous material accidents, so they can get the financial help they need to move forward with confidence.

What is Considered Hazardous Materials?

Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials. These substances are most often released because of transportation accidents or because of chemical accidents in plants.

Today, trucks carry the largest percentage of hazardous materials shipped in the U.S., about twice as much as trains when measured in ton-miles — one ton shipped for one mile — according to the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ latest data.

The Texas Department of Transportation states an individual cannot be issued a Texas commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a hazardous materials endorsement (HME) until the individual completes the security threat assessment and obtains clearance from TSA.

Unfortunately, security clearance does not exempt hazmat truck drivers from being involved in collisions caused by driver negligence — whether it is that of the truck driver, or another motorist — or other accidents that cause chemical spills, fires, or explosions.

Hazardous materials in various forms can cause death, serious injury, long-lasting health effects, and damage to buildings, homes, and other property. If this has happened in your family, we want to help.

Contact Our Houston Commercial Truck Accident Attorney for Help

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a commercial truck accident in Texas, contact our experienced personal injury attorney in Houston at Charles J. Argento today to schedule a free consultation by calling 713-225-5050 or by contacting us online.

Our law firm does not get paid until we obtain a settlement or verdict for your unique case.