Driving on the highway can be nerve-racking, as you're in close proximity to a large number of fast-moving vehicles. Add in the fact that the roadways aren't always in the best condition, and it's natural to have concerns about being injured in an accident.

There are many highway driving tips you can follow to maintain your safety, with these five among the most important:

• Maintain a safe speed: Know the speed limit and follow it at all times. The faster you drive, the more likely you are to be part of an accident.
• Leave a greater following distance: Don't drive too closely to the vehicle in front of yours, as you want to have enough time to stop in an emergency. For example, if the driver in front of you slams on their brakes, a greater distance gives you time to stop before causing a rear-end collision.
• Stay in the right lane: With so many lanes to choose from, it's easy to set up shop in the passing lane and stay there for an extended period of time. This is a dangerous approach to highway driving, as the right lane is where you want to spend most of your time.
• Share the road with all other vehicles: For instance, if you're driving in close proximity to a commercial truck, stay out of the driver's blind spot and do your part in leaving them enough space to operate safely.
• Remain alert: When cruising on the highway, it's easy to become distracted. You check your cellphone for text messages, you pick up a bite to eat or you scan the radio for your favorite song. Failing to remain alert puts you in harm's way.

If you're injured in a highway accident as the result of another driver's negligence, seek medical treatment, file an insurance claim and then take steps toward protecting your legal rights.

Your health is your top priority, but you don't want to miss out on compensation that's owed to you. There are many ways to hold the negligent driver responsible for causing an accident that's negatively impacted your personal life, professional life and finances.