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.
Can I Post About My Wreck on Social Media?
Can I Post About My Wreck on Social Media?
You’ve just been in a car wreck, and the first thing you want to do is update friends and family that you’re okay. Maybe share a photo of your car, or even vent a little about what happened.
But before you hit “Post,” take a breath—because social media can hurt your injury claim more than you think.
Yes, Insurance Companies Check Social Media
If you’re filing a personal injury claim, assume the insurance company (and their lawyers) will look you up online. That means:
- Scanning your Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn
- Reading comments
- Watching videos
- Taking screenshots of anything that could hurt your case
And they don’t just stop with your public posts—they may dig through friends’ pages, tagged photos, and even older content.
During my conversations with insurance adjuster, it is becoming more and more common for them to mention pictures and videos they discovered on social media showing my clients doing things like going to the beach, picking up groceries, or checking in to the gym.
And guess what? With AI getting better and better, it is now SO EASY for insurance companies to instantly gather incriminating data about you from social media.
What Could Go Wrong?
Even something totally innocent can be taken out of context:
- A smiling selfie could be used to argue you’re “not really in pain”
- A weekend trip post could imply you’re not as injured as you claim
- Jokes, memes, or sarcastic comments could be twisted to make you look dishonest
We’ve even seen photos of damaged vehicles used to suggest a wreck wasn’t that serious—even when the injuries were.
What If Your Profile Is Private?
“Private” doesn’t mean invisible. Courts can—and do—allow access to private content during litigation. Plus, someone in your network could unknowingly make things visible.
The safest bet? Avoid posting anything related to your wreck, your health, or your case.
Here’s the Deal: Your personal injury case should be based on facts, not Facebook.
Have You Been In A Car Wreck and Unsure What To Do Next?
If you’ve been in a wreck, let us protect your rights from day one—both in court and online, 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.
What Should I do If The Other Driver Leaves The Scene?
Hit-and-run accidents are frustrating and frightening. You’ve just been in a crash, possibly injured, and now the other driver has taken off.
What now? Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Louisiana.
First, Stay Safe and Call 911
Even if the other driver is gone, your first step is the same as any other accident: make sure you’re safe and call the police. Reporting the crash right away creates an official record, which is critical for your insurance claim and any investigation.
Gather What You Can
If you saw anything about the other vehicle—make, model, color, license plate, or even a bumper sticker—write it down. Tell the police.
If anyone saw the crash happen, ask them to stay and give a statement. Witnesses can help law enforcement track down the driver and support your version of events.
Check for Cameras
This tip has helped several of our clients. Nearby businesses, traffic lights, or even home doorbell cameras might have caught the crash on video. Let the investigating officer know. Also, make a note so your attorney can follow up later.
Can I Still Get My Medical Bills and Car Repaired?
Yes—if you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage, it can kick in for a hit-and-run. In Louisiana, UM coverage often includes medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
If you have Collision coverage, that can be used to cover the damage to your vehicle. You may have a deductible, but that’s a small price to pay for having insurance in this situation.
UM and Collision are not required in Louisiana, but it’s something we recommend for exactly this reason. Make sure to talk with your insurance agent about it.
Do I Still Need a Lawyer?
In hit-and-run cases, even though the at-fault driver may never be found, you may still need help dealing with the insurance company on your UM claim. It helps to have an experienced personal injury lawyer who can:
- Help you file and pursue your UM claim
- Make sure your treatment is properly documented and covered
- Make sure you are being treated fairly by your insurance company
Have You Been Hurt In A Hit-and-Run Car Wreck and Unsure What To Do?
A hit-and-run crash can leave you shaken and confused—but you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. If you were hurt by a driver who left the scene, 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.
How Does Flattmann Law Change The Way People Think About Personal Injury Lawyers?
How Does Flattmann Law Change The Way People Think About Personal Injury Lawyers?
In a conservative area like ours, we understand that just hearing the words “personal injury lawyer” can make people skeptical. We get it. You’re tired of the loud commercials, the ridiculous billboards, and the over-the-top promises. Honestly? So are we.
That’s Not Us
At Flattmann Law, we’re different—and we work every day to prove it. We like to say we’re changing the way people think about personal injury attorneys, one client at a time.
We don’t chase headlines or crank out hundreds of cases each month. We focus on real people with real injuries—honest, hard-working folks who want someone they can trust to guide them through a tough time.
Reputation Matters Around Here
We live in the same community as you. That means accountability matters. When your case is done, we don’t just disappear—you’re likely to run into us at the grocery store, at a ballgame, or at church.
We don’t take that lightly. We treat every case the way we’d want a member of our own family to be treated—with compassion, honesty, and respect.
We Rely on Satisfied Clients—Not Gimmicks
Big law firms spend millions on advertising. We don’t. Our practice grows because of the trust our clients place in us—and the referrals they send our way. We aim to exceed expectations, not just meet them—so our clients walk away not only satisfied, but confident enough to recommend us to others.
Have You Been In A Car Wreck and Unsure What To Do Next?
If you’ve were injured in a car wreck and are unsure about calling a lawyer because of everything you’ve seen on TV, we invite you to call us. We think you’ll quickly see we’re not like the rest, 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.
How Do You Know What Your Claim’s Worth?
How Do You Know What Your Claim’s Worth?
We talk to a lot of people in our community who are conservative, hard-working, and private. They don’t like to make a fuss, and they certainly don’t want to be seen as the type of person who would “sue someone.”
But here’s the thing: getting hurt in a car wreck isn’t about making a fuss—it’s about making things right.
You Might Have a Significant Claim and Not Even Realize It
The cost of an accident adds up fast. Emergency room visits, follow-up care, physical therapy, time missed from work—all of these things are part of what the law calls “damages.”
We meet people all the time who don’t realize just how valuable their claim may be. They think that because they didn’t break a bone or weren’t rushed into surgery, their injuries “aren’t that bad.” But serious soft tissue injuries, ongoing pain, or even post-traumatic stress can have a major impact on your health, your job, and your everyday life.
Even if you’re not the type to make a claim, you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table if you don’t protect your rights. The insurance company certainly isn’t going to volunteer to pay you fairly out of the goodness of their heart.
You’re Not “Suing”—You’re Standing Up for Yourself
Most of the time, personal injury claims are handled directly with the insurance company, not by dragging anyone to court. And in nearly every case, the other driver’s insurance—not the driver personally—is who pays.
It’s not about being greedy. It’s about being smart. It’s about making sure you can pay your medical bills, support your family, and recover fully.
This is Not a DIY Project You Want To Take On
We know a lot of folks around here are capable, independent, and used to handling things themselves. But here’s the truth: dealing with a car accident claim isn’t a good DIY project.
Insurance companies handle thousands of claims a year. They know the system inside and out—and they know where people make mistakes. From how you describe your injuries to what you say on the phone, small missteps can cost you big.
At Flattmann Law, we deal with this every single day. We know what traps to avoid and how to make sure you’re being treated fairly. You wouldn’t perform your own surgery—and when it comes to protecting your rights after a wreck, it’s smart to let a professional handle it.
We don’t exaggerate claims or create drama—we present the facts, back them up with evidence, and make sure our clients are taken seriously and treated fairly.
At Flattmann Law, we understand that our clients want to handle things the right way. We do too. That’s why we bring experience, strategy, and professionalism to every claim—so our clients don’t have to navigate it alone.
Have You Been Hurt In A Car Wreck and Unsure Whether You Have A Claim?
If you’ve been hurt in a wreck and are usure whether you have a claim or you’re simply wondering what claim might be worth, 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.
Do I Need a Lawyer If the Other Driver’s Insurance Accepts Liability?
Do I Need a Lawyer If the Other Driver’s Insurance Accepts Liability?
If the other driver’s insurance company accepts fault for the accident, you might be thinking, “Great! That means I don’t need a lawyer, right?” Well… not so fast. Just because the insurance company accepts liability doesn’t mean they are going to treat you fairly or pay you what you deserve.
Every Case Has Two Parts: Liability and Damages
At Flattmann Law, we always explain that every car wreck case has two major components: liability—who was at fault for the wreck—and damages, meaning the injuries and losses caused by the wreck.
So even if the insurance company accepts liability (meaning they admit their driver caused the wreck), there’s still a second part of your case to resolve—and that’s often where the real fight begins. The insurance company likely doesn’t see the value of your damages the same way you do.
They Accept Liability, But…
Accepting liability just means the insurance company is saying, “Yes, our driver caused the wreck.” That’s an important first step, but it doesn’t mean your work is done. The insurance company still controls how much they are willing to pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment. And remember, their goal is to pay out as little as possible.
How They May Try to Cut Corners
Insurance companies have a variety of ways they may try to reduce the value of your claim. They might offer a quick settlement before you’ve even finished treatment. They often dispute medical expenses by labeling them as “unreasonable” or “unrelated,” ignore or undervalue pain and suffering, and refuse to consider any future medical needs. They may even try to settle your case while you’re still actively hurting.
How We Help
At Flattmann Law, we make sure your case is handled the right way. We track your treatment from start to finish and gather complete medical records and billing documentation. We talk directly with your doctors to obtain reports and future care recommendations. When necessary, we bring in expert witnesses—such as life care planners to outline the cost of future medical needs, and economists to calculate long-term wage losses or other financial damages. Then, we present all of this in a clear and compelling way to the insurance company to prove the full extent of your damages—not just what the insurance company is willing to acknowledge.
No Pressure. Just Help.
Have You Been In A Car Wreck and Unsure What To Do Next?
Even if liability is accepted, having an attorney can help make sure you’re not missing out on thousands of dollars or getting stuck with unpaid bills. Want to know if you really need a lawyer? 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 Use My Own Doctor After a Car Wreck?
Can I Use My Own Doctor After a Car Wreck?
One of the most common questions we get after a car wreck is: “Can I use my own doctor?” The answer is yes, and in many cases, you should.
You’re In Control of Your Own Medical Care After an accident, you don’t have to wait on the insurance company to tell you where to go. In fact, most of the time, they won’t. They’ll say something like, “Just get whatever medical treatment you think you need,” which sounds helpful, but really just puts the burden on you.
You’re in charge of your medical care. If you have a primary care physician, chiropractor, or specialist you already trust, you absolutely can and should see them.
Why Using Your Own Doctor Might Be Better
- They know your medical history, which helps when comparing your condition before and after the wreck.
- You trust them to look out for you—not the insurance company.
- They’re often more thorough with documentation, which is important for your injury claim.
Who Pays the Bills?
This is where people get caught off guard: The at-fault driver’s insurance company will not pay your medical bills as they come in. That’s right—even if the other driver admits fault and their insurance accepts liability, they don’t pay your doctors directly. Instead, you are still responsible for your medical bills as they are incurred.
That’s why it’s important to use your health insurance whenever possible. It can drastically reduce your out-of-pocket costs and help avoid medical collections. Later, if your health insurer has a right to reimbursement (called subrogation), we’ll work to make sure they’re repaid fairly out of the settlement—not out of your pocket.
If you don’t have health insurance, that’s okay. We can work with you on a treatment plan that works for you.
Have You Been In A Car Wreck and Unsure What To Do Next?
If you’ve were injured in a car wreck and aren’t sure where to turn for medical care, 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.