Texas Tanker-Truck Accident, Explosion Sends Drivers to Hospital
A recent East Texas truck accident sent the driver of a Ford Taurus to the hospital while firefighters dealt with the multi-alarm aftermath of a tanker explosion and grass fire. A Department of Public Safety Trooper told the Mineola Monitor that the car struck the truck after the truck driver ran a red light at a controlled intersection.
The tanker truck tipped over on its passenger side, and the driver escaped by climbing out of the driver door and jumping through flames that erupted from the cab's fuel tanks. He was taken to Quitman's East Texas Medical Center Hospital by ambulance.
The driver of the Taurus received emergency treatment at a hospital in Tyler, but despite the severe impact and explosion, neither driver suffered fatal injuries.
Responding to Truck, Tanker Accidents
In the aftermath of any accident, it's important for drivers and passengers to act quickly and follow a few tips to mitigate any problems in the future:
- Seeking medical attention: The first priority of anyone involved in a car or truck accident must be to submit to or seek out emergency medical care for themselves and anyone else harmed in the accident. Aside from leaving the scene due to emergency medical reasons, those involved in an accident should always remain on the scene to speak with police, assess property damage, exchange insurance information and secure information from available witnesses. If it doesn't seem safe to remain on the scene for any reason, getting to a safe place and phoning the police is advised.
- Avoiding insurance companies: Although auto insurance companies will play a big part in any truck or tanker accident, it's important to avoid speaking with another driver's insurance company. Talking with your insurance carrier or Texas car accident lawyer is recommended first so all your rights and options can be assessed.
- Understanding your injuries: Ensuring that any and all potential injuries are fully evaluated by a medical professional is key. Some accident victims do not experience injuries right away and do not seek proper medical attention until it's too late. Selling injuries short can result in the prohibition against pursuing compensation for those injuries at a later date.
Understanding these essential tips can help alleviate potential problems down the road in any truck accident. Due to the nature of the state's oil and gas industry-it's not doubt more tanker, truck accidents will occur.