If you've ever been on an interstate road trip, you've probably noticed the highway absolutely littered with large cargo trucks. Truly, tractor-trailers are a mainstay on our nation's roads. It makes sense, then, that approximately 104,000 people were injured in accidents involving trucks in 2012 alone. 

That's why every motorist should know what to do if they've been involved in an accident with a large truck. There are some important considerations that you might miss if you're approaching the accident in the same way as a typical motor vehicle crash. Fortunately, if you remember a few simple steps, you can come away from any unfortunate accident with the information you need to pursue your legal rights.

Step 1: Record Your Pertinent Information

The best time to record information regarding an accident is as soon as safely possible. Once you've determined that you and your passengers do not need immediate medical attention, you should begin noting important facts about your driving behavior. These include:

• The time of day and direction of travel
• Your estimated speed at the time of the accident
• Your position in relation to the truck in question
• Details about any environmental stimuli (other motorists, animals) that influenced your driving behavior

The most important thing to remember is that you should perform this reflection, if possible, prior to speaking with any other motorists. Everyone involved in the accident may have a slightly different take on the events that transpired. By recording your thoughts first, you ensure that your perception of the event is preserved for future use.

Step 2: Obtain All Information From The Truck

In an auto accident, all you'll really need is the license plate number of any other vehicles, along with the driver's name and phone number. An insurance policy number is also nice to have. These items are, for the most part, found on the police report -- so missing any of them isn't a critical mistake.

When you have an accident with a truck, this changes dramatically. To begin with, you have no way of knowing whether the truck driver is an owner-operator or someone contracted to work for a larger corporation. That makes the process of determining liability difficult. You'll want to have easy access to all of the available information in the future.

Start with the obvious markings on the truck. For example, you'll want to take down the truck's:

• License plate number
• Company logo/placard information
• Color and number of tires/axles
• State license numbers displayed on the door

This information should be easily spotted with a simple walk-around investigation. In fact, states often have rules regarding the exact way that this information should be displayed. If you are in doubt about what a certain marking is, note it anyway. A professional will be able to help you determine what you need -- and it's always better to err on the side of caution at this step.

You should also consider documenting the truck and your vehicle by taking photographs. Any damaged areas should be shot from multiple angles. Since these types of claims can take a very long time, your photographs will serve as a permanent record of the extent of your damages.

Step 3: Contact An Attorney

While many automobile accidents can be resolved without professional help, a trucking accident almost always requires an attorney. The main reason for this is the sheer volume of rules and regulations that govern truck operation and liability. Also, interstate trucking often has different rules than the intrastate variety. 

Another reason that a lawyer is critical is that liability is often difficult to determine. Is the driver liable for your injuries? The owner of the vehicle? The company that contracted the driver? Only an expert in this type of law can help you find answers to these questions. Contact a lawyer from a firm like Gabrielson Law Offices, Ltd if you have specific questions about a case and the laws that surround being involved in a trucking accident.

By following these steps in order, you'll place yourself in the best possible position to receive due compensation after your accident. Even though the situation is much more complex than with a simple auto accident, that doesn't mean your rights should be compromised.