Why won’t the insurance company pay me what I’m owed? If the other driver was at fault, why do I have to pay my own medical bills? Who pays for my rental car after my car was totaled? We answer questions like these and many more in our personal injury FAQs. If your question is not covered here, give us a call at 985-590-6182.
Feeling Overwhelmed After Your Accident? One Call Can Change Everything.
You’ve been in a wreck. You’re hurting. You’re stressed. You’ve thought about calling a lawyer, but something’s holding you back. Maybe you’re not sure if it’s “worth it.” Maybe you don’t want to feel like you’re making a big deal out of something. Or maybe you just don’t want to deal with a personal injury lawyer.
We get it. But here’s what we tell people every day: Don’t wait. Just call. It’s not what you think.
This Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
You don’t have to be angry, aggressive, or lawsuit-minded to talk to us. You don’t have to come in guns blazing or have every detail figured out. You just need to call.
We’ll listen. We’ll ask a few questions. And in most cases, within 10 minutes, we can tell you whether you’re on the right track—or if you’re missing something important.
We’re Not What You’ve Seen on TV
If the phrase “personal injury attorney” makes you cringe, you’re not alone. We’ve built our firm specifically for people like you—honest, hard-working folks who don’t want drama, don’t want pressure, and don’t want to feel like they’re being taken for a ride.
No gimmicks. No hype. No hassling you after the call. Just straight answers and real help when you need it.
The Worst Part Is Usually Just Making the Call
Most of our clients tell us they felt better right after they finally picked up the phone. They’d been carrying the stress alone, not knowing if they were doing the right thing or if the insurance company was playing it straight.
Once we step in, they realize:
- They don’t have to deal with adjusters anymore
- They don’t have to chase paperwork or medical records
- And they don’t have to wonder if they’re being shortchanged
Let Us Change Your Mind About Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been putting it off, stop waiting. We’re here to give you peace of mind, not pressure. We’ll walk you through your options and give you real answers.
Call us today at (985) 590-6182 or send us an email for a free, confidential consultation. We’re ready when you are.
Flattmann Law serves clients on the Northshore, including Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Bogalusa, Franklinton, Folsom, Madisonville, Goodbee, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.
Why Is the Insurance Company Asking for My Past Medical Records?
You filed a personal injury claim after a wreck and expected the insurance company to ask about your current injuries. But now they’re asking for something else—your past medical records.
That might seem invasive and it should raise a red flag.
What Are They Really Looking For?
The insurance company isn’t just being thorough. They’re trying to build a defense by digging into your medical history. Their goal is to find anything they can use to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the wreck, or that they’re really just an old problem resurfacing.
Even if a past injury was minor or fully healed, they may try to use it to lower the value of your claim or deny it altogether.
Are They Allowed to See My Whole Medical History?
Not when your case is still in the claims stage. If your case hasn’t entered litigation, the at-fault driver’s insurance company doesn’t have the right to go through your full medical history. They’re only allowed to see what we choose to provide—and we make sure that anything we share is directly relevant to your injury claim.
That said, the insurance company isn’t required to settle your case. If they feel they don’t have enough information or that you are being evasive, they may stall or refuse to resolve the claim—potentially forcing you to file a lawsuit. At that point, their ability to request more information expands through the discovery process.
When prior medical issues might matter, we handle it ourselves. We gather the relevant records and evaluate how they relate to your new or aggravated injuries. That allows us to stay in control of your case and protect your interests.
It is important to note that things are a bit different with Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) claims. Because you’re making a claim against your own insurance company, your policy likely includes a duty to reasonably cooperate with their investigation. That’s why we tend to see more push for past medical records in UM cases.
Will a Pre-Existing Condition Hurt My Case?
Not necessarily. Louisiana law follows the “Eggshell Plaintiff Rule,” which means the person who caused the wreck is responsible for the injuries they caused, even if you were more susceptible to being hurt. If the accident made a previous issue worse or caused new pain in the same area, you can still be entitled to compensation.
Our job is to document the difference between your condition before the accident and after—and to make sure that difference is clearly connected to the crash.
What You Should Remember
When the insurance company asks for your old medical records, it’s not just paperwork—it’s strategy. They’re looking for a way to pay less, not more. That’s why you should never sign broad medical releases or hand over full access without legal guidance.
Call us today at (985) 590-6182 for a free consultation. We’ll help you navigate your claim, protect your privacy, and push back when the insurance company steps out of line.
Flattmann Law serves clients on the Northshore, including Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Bogalusa, Franklinton, Folsom, Madisonville, Goodbee, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.
Can I Recover Damages If I Wasn’t Wearing a Seatbelt?
If you were in a car wreck and weren’t wearing a seatbelt, you might be wondering: Can I still file a personal injury claim? And will it affect my compensation?
The short answer is: Yes, you can still recover damages—but a recent change in Louisiana law means that not wearing a seatbelt could reduce your payout.
Louisiana’s Law on Seatbelts Just Changed
Until recently, insurance companies and defense attorneys couldn’t use your seatbelt non-use against you in court. That’s no longer the case.
As of 2024, Louisiana law allows them to introduce evidence that you weren’t buckled up—and argue that your injuries were worse because of it. That doesn’t mean you lose your case, but it does mean:
- You might receive less money for your injuries
- The insurance company may fight harder to lower your compensation
- Your case could become more complicated
Can I Still File a Claim?
Yes. Not wearing a seatbelt does not cancel out your legal rights. If the other driver caused the wreck, you can still seek compensation for things like medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damage. The key is proving that the other driver was at fault. Your lack of a seatbelt is a factor—but it doesn’t erase their responsibility.
Will It Always Hurt My Case?
Not necessarily. Insurance companies have to prove that your injuries were worse because you weren’t wearing a seatbelt. In many wrecks, especially serious ones, the injuries may have occurred either way. We work to push back on those arguments and make sure they don’t take advantage of this new law to deny you fair compensation.
Here’s the Deal
Even with the law change, not wearing a seatbelt doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. But it does make things trickier—and that’s why having an experienced attorney matters.
Call us today at (985) 590-6182 for a free and confidential consultation. We’ll fight to make sure you’re treated fairly—seatbelt or not.
Flattmann Law serves clients on the Northshore, including Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Bogalusa, Franklinton, Folsom, Madisonville, Goodbee, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.
What Happens If I Was in a Company Vehicle During the Wreck?
Accidents are stressful enough—but when they happen while you are “on the clock,” the questions multiply fast.
- Who pays for the damages?
- Does this count as a workers’ comp claim?
- Can I file a personal injury case too?
Here’s what you need to know if you were driving (or riding in) a company vehicle during a wreck in Louisiana.
First, Who Was at Fault?
If another driver caused the wreck, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against them—just like in a normal car accident. It doesn’t matter that you were in a company vehicle at the time.
Second, Were You “On the Clock”?
If the wreck happened while you were performing your job duties—like making deliveries, traveling to a work site, or running errands for your boss—you may also have a workers’ compensation claim.
That means:
- Your medical treatment may be covered through workers’ comp.
- You may qualify for wage benefits if you miss work.
- You still might have a separate injury claim if a third party caused the wreck.
If you were off-duty (like driving the company car to lunch or commuting), you might not qualify for workers’ comp—but the at-fault party’s insurance may still apply.
Can You Have a Workers’ Comp and Personal Injury Case?
Yes. If you were injured in a company vehicle by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file both: (1) a workers’ compensation claim through your employer; and (2) a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
In these cases, it’s crucial to coordinate both claims carefully. The wrong move could jeopardize your benefits—or cost you money down the road. For both, there are deadlines, like reporting your injuries to your employer and filing suit against the person who caused the accident.
What If You’re an Independent Contractor?
If you’re not technically an employee (think gig workers, delivery drivers, etc.), your options may be different. You might not be eligible for workers’ comp, but you could still pursue a personal injury claim depending on who was at fault.
Bottom Line
Company vehicle accidents add extra layers of insurance and liability questions. The good news? You don’t have to sort through it alone.
Were You Injured In A Company Vehicle During A Car Wreck?
If you’ve been injured while in a company vehicle during a car wreck, contact us online or call our Covington office directly at 985.590.6182 to schedule your free consultation today.
Flattmann Law serves clients on the Northshore, including Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Bogalusa, Franklinton, Folsom, Madisonville, Goodbee, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.
Can I Get Legal Advice Without Causing a Hassle?
After a wreck, many people hesitate to reach out to a lawyer, not because they aren’t hurting, but because they’re afraid of what calling an attorney might lead to.
They worry that they’ll be dragged into a lawsuit they didn’t want… That they’ll lose control of their case… Or that once they call, they’ll be pressured into something they didn’t ask for.
We get it—and we don’t blame you for being cautious.
We’re Not the TV Lawyers
You won’t find us yelling in day-time commercials or chasing clients after a crash. That’s not who we are. At Flattmann Law, we believe in respect, honesty, and no gimmicks. We don’t hassle or hound people. We don’t pressure anyone to sign up. And we certainly don’t try to “make a case” out of nothing.
If you have a valid case, we’ll tell you. But, if you’re better off handling things on your own, we’ll tell you that too.
Calling Us Doesn’t Mean You’re Filing a Lawsuit
Reaching out doesn’t “open a can of worms.” It just gives you peace of mind. Most people who contact us aren’t filing lawsuits. They are simply trying to understand their rights and make sure they’re being treated fairly by the insurance company.
With over 20 years of experience, we’ve helped hundreds of people make sense of their situation and avoid costly mistakes, often in just one phone call.
Our Consultations Are Free and Confidential
There’s absolutely nothing to lose by talking to us. You can:
- Call and schedule a free phone consultation
- Email us with your situation
- Or stop by and speak to us in person
In just 10 minutes, we can usually tell you whether you’re on the right track or if something seems off.
What You Should Remember
You don’t have to be litigious or dramatic to want honest advice. If you’ve been hurt and just want to know where you stand, we’re here to help—with zero pressure, zero gimmicks, and zero obligation. Call us at (985) 590-6182 for a free and confidential consultation.
Flattmann Law serves clients on the Northshore, including Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Bogalusa, Franklinton, Folsom, Madisonville, Goodbee, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.
I Had Surgery After My Car Wreck—Do I Really Need a Lawyer?
You’re not the type to rush out and hire a lawyer. You’ve been trying to handle things on your own. But now, after a serious wreck, you’ve had neck, back, or shoulder surgery, and you’re still struggling with the insurance claim.
If that’s where you are, something’s not right.
Surgery Means It’s a Serious Injury
If your injuries were bad enough to require surgery, this isn’t a minor case. You’re dealing with something that changed your life, physically, financially, and emotionally. And if you’re still trying to work through the claim on your own, you’re probably not getting the full picture of what you’re owed.
“I Had Back Issues Before the Wreck, So I Didn’t Think I Had a Case…”
We hear this all the time from good, honest people. Maybe you’ve had back pain before. Maybe you’ve dealt with stiffness or soreness off and on. But here’s the thing: if you didn’t need surgery before the wreck, but now you do, it’s very likely related.
Louisiana law recognizes this. You’re still entitled to compensation if the accident made a preexisting condition worse. In fact, insurers love to lean on “prior issues” as a way to avoid paying full value. That’s exactly why it’s so important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can connect the medical dots and fight back with real evidence.
You Might Be Leaving a Lot on the Table
We talk to folks all the time who are dealing with:
- Tens of thousands in medical bills
- Time off work they can’t afford
- Chronic pain they didn’t have before
And yet, they still don’t realize how much their claim could be worth because no one’s explained it to them. If an insurance company has made you an offer and it doesn’t even begin to address your long-term recovery, you need someone who knows how to evaluate a real injury claim.
What You Should Remember
If you’ve had surgery after a wreck—even if you had some back or neck issues before—you likely have a much stronger claim than you think. And if you’re still floundering with the insurance company, that’s a clear sign it’s time to get professional help.
We’ve helped countless people in your position get the support they need and the compensation they deserve. Call us today at (985) 590-6182 for a free, no-pressure consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you figure out what’s fair.
Flattmann Law serves clients on the Northshore, including Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Bogalusa, Franklinton, Folsom, Madisonville, Goodbee, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.