Chemical Spill Causes Crash on I-10

 

I-10 Temporarily Closed After Accident Caused by Chemical Spill

According to a KSAT News report, an 18-wheeler lost containers of chemicals on I-10, causing two vehicles to collide and the highway to be temporarily closed on June 21, 2023.

An 18-wheeler transporting chemicals used for fracking lost two of its containers while traveling on I-10 Westbound at around 6:30 p.m., according to police. The containers ruptured, causing two other vehicles to collide, though no injuries were reported as a result of the crash. The TxDOT was able to clean up the spill fully after several hours, and traffic was redirected to the Warzbach exit during that time.

Did You Know?

According to the EPA, there are about 150 serious chemical spills every year in the United States.

Chemical Spills on the Highway

Tractor-trailer chemical spills on Texas highways are on the rise. A recent report by CBS found that instances of dangerous chemical spills in the United States have increased by 155% over the past 10 years. Most of this increase is a result of big rig accidents, with 64% of all chemical spills recorded caused by tractor-trailers on highways. This resulted in:

1. Nearly $512 million in damages,
2. 160 injuries
3. and 5 fatalities during the ten-year time period.

While the most common item to spill is paint, combustible materials and flammable liquids used for fuel for homes and home heating are increasingly common chemicals being carelessly dumped on our highways.

Injuries from Chemical Spills

According to data compiled by the CDC, the most common type of injury from chemical spills is respiratory injuries from inhalation of toxic substances. However, chemical spills on highways present a much greater risk of combustion, potentially causing severe burn injuries in addition to the injuries incurred from auto accidents which frequently occur as a result.

Why Do Chemical Spills Happen So Frequently?

The number one cited reason for chemical spills on highways, according to the PHSMA, is driver error. Driver error accounted for 1 in 5 of all chemical spills on highways recorded in the ten-year period between 2013 and 2022. This is a concerning figure, especially considering that though the population has significantly increased in North Texas, the hazardous materials routes have not been updated to match the population shift for nearly 40 years.

What Kind of Compensation is Available for Highway Chemical Spill Accident Victims?

Being in an accident with an 18-wheeler is scary enough without adding hazardous materials to the mix. If you were injured in a trucking accident involving toxic chemicals, there are two kinds of compensation an 18-wheeler accident attorney at Carabin Shaw would seek for you:

1. Economic Damages – These cover the financial cost of the accident, including medical bills, lost work, funeral expenses, and other financial burdens caused by the accident.
2. Non-economic Damages – These are meant to compensate for injuries such as mental anguish, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of consortium.

18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serving Texas

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a trucking accident involving a chemical spill in Texas, contact Carabin Shaw. We have thirty years of experience representing those injured or bereaved in 18-wheeler accidents, and we care. Contact Carabin Shaw’s attorneys today at 800-862-1260 or fill out this form to get started. We look forward to working with you.