Can You Get Compensation After a Food Truck Injury?

 Posted on August 07, 2024 in Personal Injury

20On July 20, 2024, a food truck in Whittier, CA exploded, causing five injuries. Two of the injured victims had critical injuries. An issue with the truck’s propane tanks may have been responsible.

Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular, but hungry customers may get more than they bargained for if an explosion or other type of accident occurs. Are food truck owners liable to compensate you for a personal injury they caused? Our experienced Southern California lawyers from Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. explain.

What Kinds of Injuries Can Food Trucks Cause?

Accidents can happen for many reasons, and any of them can cause injuries. Because food trucks are mobile, they have multiple risks.

Propane Tank Explosions

Food trucks typically use propane tanks for cooking. Almost 70 percent of food truck fires happen because of propane tank structural issues or leaks. Because they are hazardous, propane tanks are subject to various safety regulations that include:

• Inspections to ensure structural integrity

• Requalifications

• Properly functioning pressure relief valves

• Not filling them past the fixed maximum level, measured by a gauge on the tank

• Securing them to prevent movement

Excessive heat, too much pressure, and faulty valves are some of the things that can cause propane cylinders to explode. Explosions can cause catastrophic burns, and the tank itself may become a projectile.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Mobile food vendors may use box-type trucks or pull a trailer behind another vehicle. Even food carts need to be moved. While traveling, the truck’s driver can cause a motor vehicle collision that injures or kills others. Depending on the circumstances, a secondary propane tank explosion might happen as a result of the crash, potentially inflicting even more harm.

Food Poisoning

Storing, preparing, and serving food from a truck is often more difficult than in a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Temperature variations and flying insects are more common in a food truck setting. These and other factors can lead to food contamination and cases of food poisoning.

Are You Eligible for Compensation If You Are Injured or Become Ill Because of a Food Truck?

Multiple parties may be liable for your food truck illness or injury, but you will need evidence to support your claim. These can vary depending on the nature of your accident, injury, or illness. Your food truck case might involve a motor vehicle accident, product liability, premises liability, or personal injury claim. If you are an eligible survivor of someone who died as a result of a food truck incident, you might be able to file a wrongful death claim. You may be able to obtain compensation from:

• Food truck owners, drivers, or managers

• Vehicle maintenance providers

• Parts or equipment manufacturers

• Food suppliers

Your attorney from Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. will investigate your accident or illness, gather evidence, and work to hold all guilty parties accountable. You may receive compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other eligible damages.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Knowledgeable Los Angeles County, CA Personal Injury Lawyers

Handling a personal injury claim alone can be challenging, especially with so many variables. Let Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. do it for you so you can focus on your recovery. We offer free consultations, and someone is available to speak with you 24/7. Call us at 818-242-8201 today to speak with a skilled Glendale, CA personal injury attorney.