Semi Crash Causes Nitric Acid Spill on I-94 Near Ann Arbor
A semi accident on I-94 led to a hazardous material spill early around 12:10 a.m., Thursday, May 28, near Ann Arbor.
The Ann Arbor Fire Department said that the semi crashed through the median wall sending concrete debris flying into the eastbound lanes, causing several smaller crashes. Several hazardous materials spilled from the semi, including a 55-gallon drum containing 38% nitric acid.
The Washtenaw County Hazardous Materials Response Team responded to the scene to conduct an assessment and atmospheric monitoring. The nitric acid drum was confirmed to have fully ruptured, spilling its contents onto the shoulder of the freeway. Crews utilized sodium bicarbonate to safely neutralize the acid.
Both the eastbound and westbound lanes were closed for several hours as officials cleared the scene. All lanes of traffic have since reopened.
Michigan Department of Transportation, Washtenaw County Road Commission, Michigan State Police, Pittsfield Township Fire Department, Huron Valley Ambulance and HART assisted on scene.
Officials have said there is no risk to the public and no injuries were reported. Preliminary information indicates that the driver of the semi may have fallen asleep prior to the crash.
Semi crashes legal issues
Semi-truck crashes in Michigan are considered motor-vehicle crashes and are also included in no-fault system rules when it comes to determining possible benefits after a crash. This means that people injured in auto accidents may qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
These benefits may be able to cover economic damages such as medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services or attendant care.
Other claims that a crash victim might pursue include noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering. This would require a qualifying injury such as death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.
Crashes involving semi-trucks can be more complicated, because as commercial vehicles, they are also subject to federal motor carrier safety regulations. Violating these regulations may support a negligence claim that wouldn’t be relevant in non-commercial crashes.
Liability could also possibly land on the motor carrier itself in cases where there were:
- vicarious liability for the driver’s negligence while working
- negligent hiring, retention, training, or supervision
- pressuring the driver to violate hours-of-service rules
- poor maintenance practices
- failure to inspect or repair known defects
- unsafe scheduling or dispatch
- or failure to preserve safety records after the crash
Chemical spilling legal issues
Chemical spills have their own set of laws surrounding them to ensure proper containment during transport and clean up following accidents.
The Michigan Compiled Law MCL 29.471–29.480 codifies the state’s Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. This law changes what safety requirements companies must adhere to depending on the type of material being transported. This includes registration, permitting, enforcement, penalties and financial responsibility requirements for covered motor carriers.
For example, drivers of hazardous material require a hazardous materials endorsement on their operator’s or chauffeur’s license. Some of the most immediately relevant laws surround the timeframe which certain authorities need to be notified of a spill.
Chemicals which are considered to be hazardous by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, must be reported within 24 hours to the National Response Center if a certain amount is spilled. Extremely hazardous materials must be reported immediately to the State Emergency Response Commission and Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Get Help From Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and grieving families across Michigan with work-zone crashes, car accidents, No-Fault claims, wrongful death cases, third-party lawsuits, insurance disputes and serious injury claims.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan work-zone crash or another serious crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a consultation.
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Note
Our firm used outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified every fact regarding this crash. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Michigan Legal Center immediately so we can correct the post. This post can be removed upon request.
Disclaimer
This post is for general information only and is not legal or medical advice. If a photograph is used with this post, it was not taken at the actual accident scene unless specifically stated.