Cars share New Jersey city streets and highways with trucks, trailers, semis and other commercial vehicles. And some of these vehicles carry flammable liquids, dangerous substances and other things that can make a car crash much more dangerous.

Last week, a fatal accident set fire to Jersey's Route 1 and Route 9, after a car ended up underneath a gasoline tanker. Though it is unclear who had the right of way, the car reportedly drove through an intersection and collided into the gasoline tanker as it was making a turn. The car went underneath the large tanker, and the tanker exploded.

The driver of the car died instantly, and the driver of the tanker survived though he did sustain injuries. He was pulled out of the burning truck by first responders.

After such a tragic accident, police officers and other officials typically conduct investigations to determine exactly what conspired and who may be at fault.

Following accidents like these, someone who was injured, or the surviving loved ones of someone who was killed, may also work with personal injury attorneys who can conduct an independent investigation and pursue civil litigation. If it turns out that the negligence of another driver or involved party contributed to the accident, the victim or victims can often obtain compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages and pain and suffering. The specifics of recoverable damages depend on the particulars of the accident.

Again, it is unclear what caused last week's tragic accident on routes 1 and 9. It is not yet known whether either driver or another involved person or organization holds responsibility for the collision.

Source: ABC 7 Local, "Deadly tanker crash sends fireball into the sky," Anthony Johnson, Jan. 24, 2012