A section of US Highway 20 was closed for over eight hours recently, after two 18-wheelers collided. They leaked many gallons of chemicals on the road. The accident occurred when one semi truck rear-ended the other, while both were heading east. The first semi then smashed into the median barrier, which damaged the highway and the cabin of the truck.

Almost 100 gallons of diesel road fuel and 300 gallons of paint were in the truck that crashed, and this leaked onto the highway. The local township fire department brought in diking and damming materials, to keep the fluids from entering the drains, and to stop the leaking. A private contractor will be called in to clean up the remainder, according to fire department spokesmen.

In an accident like this, the semi driver who caused the accident is responsible for the injuries of the second semi driver, and the damage to his rig. If you are involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you may be seriously injured. After you receive medical care, you should contact a truck accident lawyer, so you know what rights you have.

Be sure that you do not sign any documents other than those requested by the police. If an attorney for the trucking company shows up at the scene, it’s important that you do not give him or her any statements about the accident.

Once you have attended to your immediate medical needs, you will want to contact a truck accident lawyer like Kirkendall Dwyer LLP, to determine your next course of action. You will need time to recover from your physical and mental injuries, and it may be a long time before you can go back to your career. These should be compensated for by the trucking company, and a truck accident lawyer will be able to make sure you receive all the funding you deserve after a collision like this.