One of the most terrifying experiences that any automobile driver can experience is an auto accident with a truck, tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, or semi-truck. A significant number of these accidents result in the driver being severely injured or killed. Unfortunately, these types of collisions are all too common on our roads and interstates today.

The severe, debilitating and permanent injuries that arise from accidents with trucks result in significant financial losses to the individuals involved and their families. The law provides an injured person with the right to recover his or her damages from the responsible party.

The company for the responsible party and their insurance company will start an investigation immediately. The trucking company and its insurance company will try to limit the recovery of the injured person to the lowest possible amount. Accordingly, these companies have established elaborate procedures for handling trucking accident claims, especially in the early stages of the claim.

During this time, the company or its insurance carrier will take recorded statements, examine the vehicles, take photographs, obtain the police report, and try to establish the extent of the injuries. The insurance company will usually accomplish all of these tasks within the first week, and many of them within the first 24 to 48 hours after the accident.

It is important to have an attorney with considerable experience dealing with insurance companies on your side. Your attorney must be prepared to institute litigation on your behalf if the insurance company is unwilling to settle your claim for a fair value.