A "big rig" is also known as a tractor-trailer or a semi-trailer truck and can be a heavy opponent in a highway crash. They can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and be as long as 75 feet. In fact, there are over 5,000 deaths each year due to truck accidents in this country. Some of those are caused by the truck drivers, but many more are caused by the negligent driver of a smaller car. However, many big rig crashes are caused by driver-fatigue. Many companies have high demands and financial incentives that may make them liable for accidents as well. In addition, many of these trucks have a "black box" with data that can explain the accident. An experienced attorney can help uncover all the facts and discern the real cause of big rig crashes.