Nobody likes to think about being in an accident with a commercial vehicle, mostly because commercial vehicles are so massive that you are not likely to survive. If you do survive the accident, you should probably consult commercial vehicle wreck attorneys. There are too many factors in play in these accidents not to consult an attorney. Here are just some of those factors. 

The Location of the Accident

The location of your accident does play a part, whether you realize it or not. There are certain intersections, "dead man's curves," and interstate crossings where trucks are constantly in accidents with smaller vehicles. If your accident occurred in a location where it is common knowledge that trucks and cars are frequently colliding, it may have a lot more pull in terms of a lawsuit for you. 

The Driving Record of the Truck Driver

You cannot get the driving record of the truck driver, but your lawyer can. If this particular driver has been in more than one accident in the last three years, it could signal that there is something else going on here besides a poor choice in where to turn. It may be that the driver frequently drives when he/she should be taking a break and resting, or it may be that he/she has drinking or drug problem. The more accidents and the more recent the accidents on the driver's record the more likely that there is something really wrong going on here, and it needs a closer look. 

The Time of Day

Truck drivers are on the road all day, every day. There are more of them on the road very late at night and very early in the morning, but those that are on the road very early or very late may not be driving with their eyes wide open. These factors can affect driver response time, driver reaction time, and all-around general alertness. Your lawyer will take a look at the time of day, the police reports, and the severity of the accident to make a determination about what was going on and what should have been happening right before the accident. 

Mechanical Failure

Truck drivers cannot stop on a dime. They are driving vehicles that weigh several tons. Their air brakes still need time to stop, and they can stop if given enough time and enough distance. However, it does not exclude the possibility of mechanical failure in the accident, and that factor has to be ruled out before determining if the driver had enough time and distance to stop before hitting you.