Truck driver accidents involving "big rigs" or tractor-trailers occur every 16 minutes in this country. That can be frightening, since these trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, more than 40 times as much as a passenger car. It is not surprising to hear that most injuries in such crashes happen to those in smaller cars. Many truck driver accidents are caused by drowsiness on the part of the driver. There are laws requiring drivers to get 10 hours of rest for every 14 hours behind the wheel, but some drivers don't maintain accurate logs. And some trucking company owners may knowingly overlook such inaccuracies and be liable for accidents, as well. However, a good truck accident lawyer can often investigate those factors and get to the truth. They should be sure to request orders of protection to preserve that information before it is destroyed or overwritten so it can be used in your defense.