Tankers and trucks carry many types of cargo, but when drivers are transporting dangerous goods, they have a special obligation to act reasonably to prevent injuries. If you find a truck or car collision on your Hollywood property has caused a hazardous spill of materials, you and your household could be at risk and your property may be seriously damaged.
If you find yourself in this situation, contact a Hollywood car collision injuries attorney for a case consultation.
Types of Hazardous Spills in Hollywood
Tankers and commercial trucks can carry many types of dangerous cargo, including:
- Irritants such as butyl acrylate
- Flammables and combustible materials
- Explosives
- Gases
- Radioactive materials
- Pesticides
- Biological materials
- Oxidizer
- Organic peroxide
- Corrosive goods
However, even a passenger car and other vehicle can contain dangerous materials, such as gasoline, motor oil, and other products. In a collision on your property, any dangerous material can expose you and your household to toxic fumes and chemicals
Toxic Spills in Hollywood
When a toxic spill happens as a result of a traffic accident on your property, there are several risks to you and your property:
- Toxic materials can sink into the soil and building materials, and cleanup of this site can be complex and toxic
- There is a risk of explosion or fire
- You may breathe in toxic fumes or come into contact with dangerous materials
- There may be long-term exposure to a hazardous material if it is a substance which cannot be cleaned up easily
Getting Help After a Toxic Spill
If a truck is carrying dangerous or hazardous cargo, all four sides of the truck must have signs indicating this and the driver must have a Hazardous Materials Safety Permit (HMSP) and documentation detailing what materials they are carrying. If a truck has crashed into your property with such signs, contact emergency services at once and follow their directions.
If any truck or car has crashed onto your property and you notice a leak, contact emergency services. You may be at risk and the spilling material could be flammable. Stay well clear of the scene until emergency responders determine it is safe.
The cleanup after a hazardous materials spill is complex, especially if the material is a gas or has seeped into the ground. You will need to work with a hazardous material cleanup professional to keep your property safe, and the cleanup process may involve removing and replacing walkways and other parts of your property. In some cases, you may need to stay at a hotel until your home is safe again. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may help cover some of the costs, as can the insurance for the driver who has caused the spill.
You may also want to work with a Hollywood car accident injury claims attorney to ensure you get fair compensation from the insurance company and can pursue a legal claim, if you qualify. An attorney can negotiate the complex process of filing a claim.
If you’d like to find out how much your claim may be worth and to determine whether you might have a claim, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a Hollywood car accident injury claims attorney.