Rutherford County, Tenn. – A truck accident in the Murfreesboro area forced evacuations from local homes due to concerns about hazardous materials.
Hazardous materials spilled on large stretch of highway
Police responded to the accident scene on Interstate Highway 24, where two tractor trailers collided early in the morning. One of the trucks was from a pool supply company, and it tipped over, caught on fire, and spilled numerous chemicals nearby. Chlorine tablets were discovered in the area, but emergency crews were concerned that other hazardous chemicals and materials might also be present in the area.
Residents of over 70 homes nearby were told to stay inside and turn off all ventilation systems, but they were later evacuated as a precaution. Rescue workers had to go door to door in the area and verbally warn the occupants of all the affected homes.
While the chlorine tablets were not expected to ignite and they are generally not flammable, chlorine can give off toxic fumes or explode when it comes into contact with gasoline. Workers from the fire department were watching for smoke and vapor from the chemicals nearby, which can damage a person’s skin, lungs, and eyes.
The local schools in Rutherford County remained open during and after the incident, however, buses that travel through the affected area did not run as normal. Police had to close down a five mile stretch of highway to keep the area contained while the cleanup took place. Traffic had to be re-routed through other streets. Drivers were also advised to stay in their cars at all costs while in the area to minimize their risk of exposure. The cleanup process was expected to take about six hours altogether.
The drivers of both trucks involved were taken to local hospitals, but no information was released about the extent of their injuries. No exact cause of the accident was included in the initial report.
Are hazardous materials relevant to the legal analysis?
If a trucking company or any other business accidentally spills hazardous chemicals and causes injuries, they are certainly responsible for such a major mistake. In fact, there are regulations set by both the federal and local government which are put in place to prevent accidents like this from happening. In addition to being sued for injuries and property damage, the trucking business may face fines and sanctions from the government.
A lawsuit against a business that transports hazardous materials will consider the fact that such workers and companies are held to a higher standard of care than similar businesses who do not deal with such compounds. This higher standard is generally more favorable to plaintiffs who need to bring a case against a business at fault. Burn injuries caused by chemicals are especially problematic, because they may cause permanent damage to the skin and organs or require multiple treatments.
Contact a truck accident attorney in your area
If you have been injured due to the fault of a truck driver or business that transports dangerous substances, there is help available from local lawyers in Rutherford County and throughout the state of Tennessee.
USAttorneys.com is a referral service that has a listing available of lawyers all over the country. You can choose your local state and county to find a legal professional who can assist you with advice and guidance.
