Tanker Truck Spills Liquid Nitrogen Near Norwich
Driving through Norwich, it’s likely that you’ve occasionally seen a cargo truck with the warning “toxic material” displayed on the tank. Most people will drive a bit more carefully and take extra caution around these trucks, understanding that the materials they are carrying could be incredibly hazardous in the event of a spill. Although a truck rollover is not a common occurrence when trucks are driving in the summer on smaller roads at lower speeds, accidents can happen anywhere.
Recently, a tanker truck flipped over and spilled liquid nitrogen on Route 32 near Norwich, which resulted in the Connecticut State Police closing the road and rerouting traffic to avoid the dangerous chemical for several hours. The spill caused a fire and a loud explosion that alarmed nearby homeowners and businesses. Experts on the scene mentioned that the liquid nitrogen wasn’t toxic, but could cause a serious burn to those who came in contact with it.
While a toxic material spill is one of the most dangerous scenarios in a truck accident, there are many common injuries that can come out of a truck rollover. These are typically the largest vehicles on the road, and any collision has the potential to cause severe damage to those involved. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Severe burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
Even an accident that doesn’t result in a serious physical injury can be emotionally traumatizing.
You’ve Been Injured, Now What?
If you’ve been
injured in a truck accident, first call the police and tell them where you are located. The will arrive and can help to assess the damage. They will call you an ambulance, if necessary. The police will also gather information from you and any other drivers that were involved in the accident.
It is also essential to seek immediate medical attention after a truck accident. Even if you don’t think you are seriously injured and would prefer to monitor your symptoms, go to see a doctor. An experienced medical professional can check for injuries that you might not be able to identify on your own. For example, if you have a mild concussion, it’s possible that you are not fully aware that you’ve been hurt. A doctor will help to review your injuries and advise best next steps for recovery.
We like to imagine that the commercial drivers in Connecticut take precaution on the roads and take their responsibility for driving safely seriously. Still, a roadside accident can happen at any time, and when a cargo-carrying truck is involved, the potential for damage is much higher. If you have been injured in a tanker spill or other truck-related accident, the devastation can be difficult to deal with.
The skilled truck accident attorneys at Polito & Harrington are here to help you work through the claims process. We offer a free consultation to review the details of your case. Call us today at (860) 447-3300 or
contact us online to learn more.