Tanker Truck Accidents in Tennessee

Legal Guidance and Representation

At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we provide strategic legal advocacy for individuals and families affected by serious truck accidents, including those involving dangerous and complex tanker truck collisions. Led by veteran trial attorney John Day, our firm represents clients across Nashville, Davidson County, and communities throughout Middle Tennessee with compassion, attention to detail, and a strong command of trucking law.  In fact, John’s first jury trial involved a case against a tanker truck company involved in a wreck in Trousdale County, Tennessee.

Tanker truck crashes are particularly catastrophic because of the size of the vehicles and the hazardous materials they often carry. These accidents frequently result in severe injuries, environmental harm, and in some cases, loss of life. Fires, chemical spills, and explosions are all common consequences of a tanker truck collision. Victims may suffer life-altering injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Our team has the experience and resources necessary to manage these challenging cases and pursue the full measure of compensation our clients deserve.

The Risks Associated with Tanker Trucks

Tanker trucks are specialized commercial vehicles designed to transport liquid and gaseous materials. These include fuel such as gasoline, diesel, and propane; industrial chemicals like acids and solvents; pressurized gases such as anhydrous ammonia or liquefied petroleum gas; and food-grade liquids including milk and juice. Because of the dangerous nature of many transported materials, tanker truck accidents pose significantly greater risks than typical vehicle collisions.

In accidents involving these vehicles, chemical spills can cause respiratory damage, chemical burns, or long-term illness. If the tank contains flammable material, there is a high risk of ignition and explosion, often with little or no warning. Rollovers may also occur due to the liquid cargo sloshing inside the tank, creating a destabilizing effect, especially when the truck takes a turn or maneuvers suddenly. The high center of gravity and dynamic movement of liquid contents increase the likelihood of a rollover or jackknife accident. When these incidents occur on highways, an initial crash can cause a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles, compounding the danger.

Common Causes of Tanker Truck Accidents

Although tanker trucks are heavily regulated, many of these crashes result from preventable mistakes or violations. Driver error is a leading cause. Fatigue from long hours, distracted driving, excessive speed, or impairment due to drugs or alcohol can all lead to disaster. Drivers may lose focus or fail to respond appropriately to changing traffic or road conditions. In some cases, they may lack proper training or certification to handle hazardous materials safely.

Improper loading practices also play a significant role in tanker truck accidents. Overloading or underloading the tank, or failing to secure the liquid cargo properly, can create instability that contributes to rollovers and loss of control. Liquid movement inside the tank can amplify during braking or sharp turns, pushing the vehicle off balance.

Mechanical failure is another contributing factor. Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, steering system defects, or other critical maintenance issues can arise when vehicles are not properly inspected or serviced. Poor road conditions, including potholes, narrow shoulders, and weather-related hazards, can also make an already dangerous situation worse.

Regulatory violations further increase the risk. These may include exceeding permitted driving hours, operating without appropriate hazardous materials endorsements, or failing to comply with maintenance standards and inspection schedules. Any of these failures can become the basis for a negligence claim following an accident.

Regulatory Framework Governing Tanker Trucks

Tanker truck operations are governed by a detailed and often overlapping framework of federal and state regulations. At the federal level, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the primary regulatory body overseeing interstate trucking.

The FMCSA’s Hours of Service rules, contained in 49 C.F.R. § 395, limit the number of hours a driver may operate a commercial vehicle without adequate rest. These rules are designed to reduce fatigue-related crashes. Regulations found in 49 C.F.R. §§ 393 through 396 establish requirements for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of commercial vehicles. 49 C.F.R. § 177 focuses specifically on the transportation of hazardous materials and includes strict standards for tanker design, labeling, routing, and driver training.

Determining Liability in Tanker Truck Cases

Assigning fault in a tanker truck accident can be a complex and highly technical process. Multiple parties may share legal responsibility for the incident. The truck driver may be liable for negligent behavior such as speeding, distraction, or operating without adequate rest. The trucking company may be responsible for negligent hiring practices, lack of supervision, or failure to maintain the vehicle properly. If a shipper or loader failed to secure the cargo correctly or provided incomplete hazard information, they too may bear some blame.

Maintenance providers can also be implicated if defective repairs or overlooked safety issues contributed to the crash. In cases involving defective parts or equipment, the vehicle or tank manufacturer may be held accountable under product liability law. Establishing liability requires a comprehensive investigation, including (as appropriate) accident reconstruction, engineering analysis, and a review of compliance with both state and federal regulations.

Our Approach to Tanker Truck Accident Cases

At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we take an aggressive and detail-oriented approach to tanker truck litigation. Our team acts quickly to secure evidence, conduct site inspections, and preserve vehicle data. We send formal notices to the trucking company and any other potentially responsible parties instructing them not to destroy maintenance logs, electronic logging device (ELD) records, and other key documents.

As appropriate, we engage expert consultants, including accident reconstructionists, mechanical engineers, toxicologists, and hazardous materials professionals, to help us understand how the crash occurred and who is at fault. We review our clients’ medical records and coordinate with treating physicians to document injuries, recovery needs, and long-term medical expenses. If necessary, we retain economists and vocational experts to calculate lost income, diminished earning capacity, and the cost of future care.

Our attorneys engage in negotiations with insurers while fully preparing each case for trial. If the responsible party or their insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are ready to present a strong, evidence-supported case to a jury. This level of preparation helps ensure our clients are never pressured into settling for less than what they are owed.

Wrongful Death Representation

When a tanker truck accident results in a fatality, we represent surviving family members in filing a wrongful death claim under Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-5-106 through § 20-5-113. These claims allow families to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, emotional suffering, and the loss of companionship and guidance provided by the deceased. Our attorneys handle these claims with the care and gravity they deserve, working closely with families to ensure their loved one’s story is heard and justice is pursued with respect and determination.

What to Do After a Tanker Truck Accident

Victims of tanker truck accidents should take several key steps immediately following the incident. First and foremost, they should seek medical attention, even if injuries appear minor. Some conditions, especially those related to chemical exposure or internal injuries, may not be immediately noticeable. It is important to avoid speaking with insurance representatives until consulting an attorney. Statements made early on may be used to limit or deny compensation.

Documenting the scene can be helpful. If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the vehicles, skid marks, debris, and road conditions. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Keep a journal of your symptoms, medical visits, and the impact the accident has on your daily life. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible will help ensure that critical evidence is preserved and that your rights are protected from the start.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

Tennessee law sets a strict statute of limitations for filing personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Under T.C.A. § 28-3-104, most claims must be filed within one year of the date of the accident. . Failure to meet this deadline can permanently bar your right to recover compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be. Taking timely legal action is crucial, not only to preserve your claim but also to prevent the loss of vital evidence and witness testimony.

How We Serve Clients Across Tennessee

The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. is proud to serve injury victims throughout Middle Tennessee. With offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, we are accessible to clients in Davidson County and neighboring counties, including Williamson, Rutherford, and Wilson. We also represent truck accident victims and their families in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties. 

Our firm offers free consultations for all truck accident and wrongful death cases. There are no upfront costs. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We also advance all litigation expenses, including expert witness fees and court costs, so that financial concerns do not prevent you from seeking justice.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a tanker truck accident, or if you have lost a family member due to another party’s negligence, we are here to help. Call The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. at (615) 742-4880 or contact us online at www.johndaylegal.com to schedule your free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and provide the guidance you need to begin your recovery.