Drunk Driver Blamed for $36,000 Fuel Spill
Updates on the fuel tank tipping incident: According to Los Angeles Times, the driver of the Camry that hit the fuel tanker was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. The crash turned over a Kenworth tractor tank trailer that was transporting about 9,000 gallons of fuel. At an average price of $4.00 per gallon, the tanker lost about $36,000 of fuel.
It is reported that Twenty-five Rialto firefighters were called to the accident scene. Authorities closed all westbound 10 lanes west of Riverside Avenue. Prompt action and quarantine were needed to reduce the chance of a severe fire and damage to the surrounding areas.
The truck driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
All westbound lanes were closed from about the same time the crash occurred, from 2:40 a.m. until about 11:00 a.m., when the fuel was cleared.
Firefighters and hazmat team operatives spent their time preventing further spread of the fuel. They were able to successfully clean the spill without having it ignite. Part of their success was based on their ability to handle the matter in a strategically effective way.
Motorists intending to take the highway were forced to find alternative routes. Some had to sit in traffic burning more fuel increasing the waste of gasoline until the highway was gradually opened.
According to various resources, they removed approximately 7,000 gallons of fuel from the San Bernardino freeway.
As reported in the San Bernardino Sun, witnesses claim that it was the 2007 Toyota Camry who instigated the accident. It was traveling on the far left lane and made an “unsafe” lane change that hit the tanker on the right side. California Highway Patrol officials say that then, the tanker rolled and landed on the right shoulder. The fall ruptured the tanks which released copious amounts of fuel onto the road.
The driver of the Camry suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. He was then arrested by the CHP on suspicion of driving under the influence.
If you are in a situation where your vehicle is hit by a drunk driver and rolls over, you are urged to contact a car accident lawyer. The cost of an accident goes beyond the material cost of getting the current vehicle fixed or needing a new one. Costs that you also need to be aware of include medical and time missed at work or loss of employment, these costs are often undermined and undercompensated by the insurance companies.
A Riverside personal injury lawyer has many years of experience with insurance companies and can serve as your personal advocate so you get the compensation you deserve, so call today!
Reviewed by Chris H. in 2012.