The devastation that a commercial truck accident can cause is difficult to comprehend until it happens to you or someone you know. For many drivers, large trucks are now so common on our streets and highways that it is easy to get used to their presence and even get a bit too comfortable with them.

While there is no need to drive in constant fear of a truck accident, it is wise to remain alert and aware of these dangers whenever a large truck shares the road with you. Of course, if you’re reading this, then you probably already understand just how important it is to remain alert around commercial trucks.

If you recently experienced a large truck accident and are now attempting to build a property damage or personal injury claim, make sure that you put your full attention towards your claim and give it the time and resources necessary to craft a strong claim that can keep your rights secure while you negotiate a fair resolution and work towards recovery if you suffered injuries.

Be sure to check the driver’s log

One of the most important distinctions between a commercial truck accident and an accident that occurs between two consumer drivers is that commercial drivers must operate within strict guidelines in order to comply with the law and keeps themselves safe and alert.

However, drivers often face pressure to meet aggressive deadlines from employers or others may attempt to drive for longer than they are legally allowed in a given day. In some cases, drivers who must cover significant distances may depend too heavily on stimulants to keep them alert on the road, which can easily backfire if the driver comes down from the stimulant while still behind the wheel.

A driver’s log is where they document how many miles they drive in a given day and how long they go between breaking to rest. Consulting these logs is a good place to begin when building your claim, to identify any anomalies that may indicate the driver was overworked or driving on too little rest. This may prove crucial when it comes time to negotiate compensation for the accident.

Protect yourself first

Pursuing a truck accident claim is not always a simple matter. There are many factors that may contribute to a truck accident, and the cause of the accident may mean naming a number of separate defendants in the claim. Be sure that you address your claim with all the legal resources and tools available to keep your rights and priorities protected throughout the process, and to ensure that you can focus on your own physical and financial recovery.