Tractor Trailer Fire Forces Closure of I-85 in Coweta County
Recently, two tractor trailers collided on a portion of I-85 located southwest of Atlanta, according to WSB TV. The Coweta County accident forced the closure of the interstate for some time while investigations ensued and debris was removed. The tractor trailers were apparently traveling approximately 39 miles southwest of Atlanta when an accident ensued. One tractor trailer overturned and both caught fire. All northbound lanes were closed for two hours while traffic was diverted onto Highway 27 and three people were reportedly treated at the scene for injuries.
A Look at Tractor Trailer Fires
A fire is possible in any tractor trailer accident when certain conditions exist. When a fire does occur, it is often a catastrophic event that causes serious injury or death to truck drivers, motor vehicle passengers or anyone in the area. Thousands of lives are lost each year to tractor trailer accidents, many of which involve fires.
Some risk factors for tractor trailer accidents include the transportation of flammable products, fuel tank rupture and the battery box. In fact, when a tractor trailer is carrying flammable material, there is a far greater risk of a fire in the event of a crash. This material can quickly catch fire if the fuel tank ruptures or battery box ignites and their flammable nature can create a massive fire.
Trucks are actually less likely than cars to catch fire due to a fuel tank rupture, though it does sometimes occur. Trucks use diesel gas which resists ignition more than regular gasoline. When the gas does ignite, however, the fire can be colossal due to the hundreds of gallons of diesel gas used on the truck.
When a fuel tank rupture combines with a damaged battery box, fire is likely to occur. The location of the truck's battery can impact the likelihood of a serious tractor trailer fire. If the battery is placed behind the cab near the fifth wheel or inside the frame rails, a fire is more likely to occur in the event of a rollover or collision. All batteries should be placed within a heavy steel box and should be placed in a safe location, away from areas of likely damage, in order to reduce the risk of tractor trailer fires. Truck drivers or manufacturers should be held accountable in the event of a serious tractor trailer fire that can be traced to negligence.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Case!
The Georgia Truck Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, offer representation to truck accident victims across Georgia and in the Southeast. Our firm brings 30 years of experience to your truck accident case and fight diligently for the rights of our clients. Prompt action is vital to the success of your truck accident action. As such, do not delay in seeking legal assistance, as your time to file a claim after the accident is limited. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Sources:
http://www.cbs46.com/story/29547428/tractor-trailers-catch-fire-force-interstate-to-close
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/tractor-trailers-crash-coweta-county/nmynr/
http://www.onlinelawyersource.com/truck-accidents/tractor-trailer-fire/