Posted On: August 4, 2011 by Jeffrey R. Kooi

DELPHI, INDIANA MAN DEAD AFTER TANKER TRUCK CRASHES IN INDIANAPOLIS

A 47-year old man from Delphi, Indiana is dead following a Tanker Truck Crash in Indianapolis. Deadly accidents can unleash many legal challenges for the victims' families, and the Indiana Truck Accident Lawyers at Crossen Kooi are experienced in helping victims' families receive the benefits they deserve.

In this recent truck crash, the tanker was carrying gasoline, and it was the truck's driver, Shawn Sullivan, who was killed. If he was, indeed, on the job when the truck collision occurred, his family and/or dependents could be entitled to Workers Compensation benefits. However, it is not yet clear if Work Comp issues are involved.

As for how this Vehicle Accident happened, Indiana investigators say Sullivan's truck veered off the right side of the Crawfordsville Road ramp as the truck was heading to United States Interstate 465. The truck then hit concrete barriers in a construction zone and flipped. The impact of the crash caused thousands of gallons of gasoline to spill out of the truck.

Additionally, officials with the Indiana Department of Transportation say the asphalt near the ramp was damaged in the Tanker Truck Accident. Thus, the Crawfordsville ramp was still closed at last check as crews work to clean up the spill and figure out how to move traffic away from the affected asphalt.

Gasoline is, obviously, considered a hazardous material, and according to the United States Department of Transportation, each day, more than 800,000 shipments of hazardous materials in trucks are made. Unfortunately, about 200 hazmat trucks each year find themselves in deadly collisions, and 5,000 are involved in non-deadly accidents. Because of the dangers associated with carrying hazardous materials, the drivers of these trucks face a high risk of injury and death if they crash.

Thus, truck drivers carrying hazardous materials should be aware of their employer's Workers' Compensation benefits. Work Comp refers to the insurance an employer or company carries to care for a worker if that employee is hurt while on the job. The laws and benefits surrounding Workers Compensation vary by state, but the Worker's Compensation Lawyers at Crossen Kooi are well-versed in the Indiana and Illinois Work Comp laws and codes.

And, it is important to note, that in the event that the worker is killed while in the course and scope of employment, that worker's family may very well be entitled to certain Work Comp benefits. However, an injured worker or the family of a deceased worker must take specific actions to ensure they receive proper care and the benefits they deserve.

Experienced and honest Indiana Workers Compensation Lawyers are very knowledgeable in how to handle Work Comp situations and how to help the victims and their families. The Indianapolis Work Comp Attorneys at Crossen Kooi realize how devastating a work related injury can be -- from lost wages to medical bills to pain and suffering. If you or someone you love was hurt while on the job, the Indiana Work Comp Lawyers can offer solid advice. Contact the attorneys at Crossen Kooi for a FREE consultation.