7,000 Gallons of Gasoline, Diesel Spill Over VA Highway | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Tractor trailers are some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road, due to their size compared to other cars and trucks on the road. These tractor trailers become even more deadly when they carry hazardous materials. When drivers fail to properly protect their cargo, they put other drivers and residents of the area at risk.

A truck driver is dead after a dangerous crash in Bedford County, Virginia. Police say the tractor trailer contained up to 9,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel, thousands of which leaked onto highway U.S. Route 460. The driver, sadly, was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. He had to be cut out of the cab of his truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The eastbound lanes of the highway were closed for hours and 50 nearby homes had to be evacuated. A HAZMAT team worked for several hours to clean up the spill while the highway was closed to eastbound traffic.

Tractor trailer drivers must follow very specific rules concerning their cargo. When it leaks or falls into the roadway, drivers can be held liable for the damage caused. Drivers are subject to strict federal regulations, and when an accident involves a fuel spill, the danger becomes even more heightened. With highly flammable material like gasoline and diesel spreading in every direction, the potential for chaos increases dramatically.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer, consider a free consultation with one of our expert VA car accident victims attorneys. We have experience dealing with accidents involving fuel spills.

CD