San Antonio Oil & Gas Truck Accidents Lawyer
Dedicated help from our San Antonio oil and gas truck accidents attorney
The oil and gas industry here in Texas is booming, with the industry needing more and more truck drivers every day. Transporting water and sand for fracking efforts can be dangerous, with many oil and gas workers killed in accidents every year. At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, we understand the complexities and challenges that accompany accidents involving commercial vehicles in the oil and gas industry. We are here to help when you’re injured on the job and will guide you through the legal process with confidence and tenacity.
HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED IN AN OIL OR GAS TRUCK ACCIDENT IN TEXAS? CALL SAN ANTONIO ATTORNEY PAT MALONEY TODAY.
What is the leading cause of oil and gas worker deaths?
A recent CDC study reveals that vehicle-related accidents and incidents contributed to more than a quarter of worker deaths in the oil and gas extraction industry over a recent six-year period, making it the number one cause of death for oil and gas workers.
Safety & Health Magazine reports, “In all, 470 oil and gas extraction workers died, with contractors comprising about three-quarters of the total. The most frequent cause was vehicle-related incidents (26.8%), followed by contact injuries (21.7%) and explosions (14.5%). Around 20% of the fatalities involved lone workers.”
What are water and sand haulers?
Water and sand haulers are commonly found on the oil field, typically with hydraulic fracking. Haulers are specifically used to transport sand or water to fracking sites where it is injected into wells under high pressure to help extract oil and natural gas from underground rock formations. Sand haulers come in various sizes and configurations depending on the specific requirements of the job and the amount of sand that needs to be transported. Water haulers are similar vehicles, except they carry water instead of sand.
Water and sand haulers often operate in rugged terrain or on unpaved roads, where road conditions may be challenging. Drivers of water and sand haulers may be required to work long hours, especially during peak demand periods. In the event of a truck accident, drivers can suffer severe injury or death. In addition, in areas where water and sand hauling are prevalent, increased truck traffic can contribute to traffic congestion and road wear, potentially affecting the safety and condition of roads for other motorists.
To mitigate these dangers, companies and drivers operating water and sand haulers need to prioritize safety through proper training, maintenance of vehicles, adherence to regulations, and implementation of best practices for cargo handling and transportation. Other road users should be aware of the presence and potential risks associated with these large commercial vehicles to help prevent accidents and ensure safer roadways.
What are the dangers of leased roads?
Many workers in the oil and gas industry, like water and sand haulers, use leased roads to move their cargo back and forth. The difference between public and leased roads is that leased roads are owned and maintained by private companies rather than the government. The benefits of leased roads are that they are typically less congested than public roadways and offer quicker transit times to and from the oilfield. However, they also have a variety of disadvantages, including:
- Lack of regulation and oversight, which can lead to inconsistent road conditions
- Inadequate maintenance, leading to issues like cracks, potholes, and deteriorating road surfaces
- Lack of safety measures, unlike traditional roads which feature signage, guardrails, and marked lanes
- Variable road quality, meaning some roads may be well-maintained while the next road is in disrepair
- Limited emergency services, as access to towing or medical help may be limited on leased roads
- Increased risk of accidents, because of poor road conditions or the absence of safety features
- Navigational challenges, as leased roads may not be well-documented on a GPS or maps
If you are involved in an accident on a leased road due to bad road conditions, the party responsible for maintaining the road is generally responsible for your accident. Our San Antonio personal injury attorneys can determine who should be held accountable for your accident and protect your rights.
What types of injuries happen in San Antonio oil and gas truck accidents?
various types of injuries can occur due to the size and weight of commercial trucks involved. Some common injuries resulting from these accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries: Severe accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site.
- Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from the force of impact, leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe brain damage.
- Broken bones and fractures: The impact of a collision can cause fractures and broken bones in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from a collision can cause internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or injuries to the abdomen or chest.
- Lacerations and bruising: Occupants of vehicles involved in truck accidents may sustain cuts, bruises, and abrasions from broken glass, flying debris, or impact with interior surfaces.
- Burn injuries: In accidents involving fires or explosions, occupants may suffer burn injuries ranging from minor burns to severe third-degree burns requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Psychological trauma: Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic accident can lead to psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
Victims of oil and gas truck accidents often require immediate medical attention and long-term rehabilitation to recover from their injuries. If you’re involved in a oil and gas truck accident, seek medical care promptly and consult with the San Antonio legal professionals at Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney to understand their rights and options for seeking compensation for their injuries and losses.
Do you have a San Antonio oil and gas truck accident lawyer near me?
Yes. Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney is located in downtown San Antonio, at 239 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205. We are the owners of one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in San Antonio. There’s plenty of parking nearby. If you cannot travel, we can arrange a phone or video conference, or an in-hospital visit.
San Antonio oil and gas truck accident attorney working for you
If you or a loved one have been involved in an oil and gas truck accident in San Antonio, get legal help immediately. A seasoned oil and gas truck accident attorney can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve. At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, we will meticulously investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather crucial evidence, and advocate tirelessly on your behalf. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary, our attorney will be your advocate every step of the way. Please call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney.