Our Personal Injury FAQ

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.

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  • Do I Have The Right To A Jury Trial For A Car Wreck Case?

    In Louisiana, the parties to a civil lawsuit, like a car wreck case, have the right to a trial by jury if the amount in controversy is $10,000 or more.  However, if the amount at issue is less than $10,000, or if the parties agree, the case may be tried to a judge, without a jury. 

    Jury v. Judge Trials:

    In a civil case, including car wreck cases, it is possible that the case may be decided by a jury or by a judge (a bench trial).  This depends on a variety of factors, including the amount at stake.  Also, the parties can agree (or stipulate) to a judge trial and waive their right to a jury trial.  This is not uncommon and happens more often in smaller cases.  The advantage to a bench trial is typically that it is quicker and less expensive than a jury trial. 

    What Is The Jury Threshold?

    The jury “threshold” means the amount in controversy (the value) a civil case must reach for the parties to have the right to a trial by jury.  In Louisiana, the jury threshold is currently $10,000.  That means the parties to any civil case with a potential of damages of $10,000 or more may request a trial by jury. 

    In 2020, Louisiana’s jury threshold was reduced from $50,000 to the $10,000 noted above.  There is much debate as to whether a lower jury threshold is good or bad.  Without getting into a political argument regarding tort reform, there is little doubt that lowering the jury threshold has led to log jams in civil court and increased case delays.    

    Is A Jury Or Judge Trial Better For My Car Accident Case?

    A majority of the time when we file civil lawsuits involving car accidents, the amount at issue exceeds the jury threshold, meaning that the at-fault insurance company will typically request a trial by jury, even if we do not ask for one ourselves.  That means there may not be a decision to make regarding a jury versus judge (bench) trial. 

    If there is a choice to make between a jury or judge trial, the decision is based upon a number of factors unique to the case, including the venue (which court we are in), the facts of the case, whether liability is in dispute, the amount at issue, etc.  At Flattmann Law, we always make these decisions with our clients’ input and approval.

    Have You Been Injured In A Serious Accident And Want To Know Your Options?

    If you have been injured in a serious accident and want to know your options, 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.

  • Will I Be Followed By A Private Investigator If I File An Insurance Claim?

    Insurance companies sometimes hire investigators to spy on car accident victims who have filed car accident claims.  Typically, insurance companies only do this if the potential value of a car wreck claim is big enough, since the cost of hiring investigators can be pricey.  Most insurance companies have their own, “in-house” investigators whose job it is to gather information on accident victims, hoping to show that the claimant is engaging in physical activity contrary to their injury claim or doctor’s recommendations. 

    Why Insurance Companies Hire Private Investigators:

    Insurance companies hire private investigators to get information on a claimant in order to discredit them or devalue their claim.  If a car wreck claim involves a serious injury, investigators look online for social media posts showing our client participating in physical activities.  If a client is claiming that a car accident caused emotional distress, the investigator will look for Facebook posts where our client appears to be having fun or socializing. 

    Of course, a snapshot of a Tweet or a photo from Facebook, in themselves, can be taken out of context very easily.  And, that’s exactly what the insurance company relies on. 

    Example of Insurance Companies Spying On Accident Victims:

    The extent of an insurance company’s investigation or surveillance of an accident victim can range from simple online searches, including google and social media searches, to in-person spying. 

    Most of the time, the insurance company will not reveal whether they have done any surveillance on our client until they have to exchange “impeachment” evidence before trial (that is, evidence that someone is lying).  In our practice, in almost 20 years, we have received only a handful of surveillance videos from insurance companies, allegedly showing our clients doing something they shouldn’t have been doing. 

    For instance, one video was taken in the parking lot of a grocery store and showed our client lifting a case of water into his truck.  The insurance company argued that he was not following his doctor’s orders, which restricted lifting to 40 pounds.  We were able to prove that the pack of water weighed only 35 pounds and pointed out that at the time the video was taken, our client was frantically preparing for a hurricane which hit later that night.

    What To Do If You Think The Insurance Company Is Tracking You:

    First of all, we tell all our clients to expect the insurance company to search their social media posts.  Social media posts can be taken out of context very easily.  A simple statement like “I’m doing fine” can be misconstrued to diminish the fact that the person is going through severe pain from a car accident. 

    If you think you are being followed by a private investigator, be extra aware of your actions, including any physical restrictions from your doctor.  Keep notes on when you were followed and a description of the person following you, including their vehicle information.  If it is safe and you are able to do so, take photos and video of them!  Give all of this information to your attorney so that they can follow up with the insurance company and request surveillance information.

    If you don’t feel safe, or if the person following you invades your personal space or crosses the line by trespassing on your property, call the police and report them.

    Are You Wondering Whether The Insurance Company Is Investigating Your Car Wreck Claim?

     If you have been injured in a car wreck, and wondering whether the insurance comapny is investigating your car wreck claim, 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 I Spot A Dangerous Driver And What Steps Should I Take To Avoid An Accident?

    Knowing how to spot a dangerous driver in front, behind, or around you, can greatly reduce your chances of being involved in a serious wreck, especially if you know what to do when you spot them.  

    Red Flags Of A Dangerous Driver:

    “You know it when you see it.”  Typically, spotting bad drivers is pretty easy, and at least for me, when I do, I automatically try to distance myself from them.  So, what are some of the warning signs of a bad driver near you?

    Excessive speeding.  Ever have a car fly past you on the causeway, obviously going way over the speed limit?  These drivers usually have overinflated confidence in their driver ability and can get in trouble quickly when unexpected obstructions appear in front of them.

    Going way below the speed limit.  From one extreme (excessive speeding) to another (driving too slow).  Everyone wants to slow down and take in the scenery at times, but driving on the highway is not one of those times.  Whether it is on Hwy 21, Military Rd., Hwy 25, or Hwy 190, these drivers usually believe (incorrectly) that driving slow decreases the chance of accidents.  In fact, slow driving can be just as dangerous as speeding. 

    Riding the brakes.  Ever drive behind someone whose brake lights keep coming on, even on straightaways where there are no red lights in site?  These drivers are typically unsure of their own driving abilities, don’t know where they are going, or both. 

    Not going when the light turns green.  A tell-tale sign that someone is not paying attention (and probably looking at their phone) is when the light turns green, and seconds go by without them going.  What’s really bad is when there are two lanes and NEITHER driver goes when the light turns green because BOTH are on their phones.  Yikes!  

    Weaving in and out of traffic.  I’m sure you have seen drivers on Hwy 190 weaving in and out of traffic, acting like they are in the Indy 500!  What’s funny is when you come to the next red light and that driver is no further along for his efforts.  While this driver may have the skills of Mario Andretti, he is likely not accounting for the unpredictable actions of the motorists around him, leading to an accident.

    Riding too close.  I love that bumper sticker: “If you are close enough to read this, you are too close.”  This driver has obviously disregarded the two or three-second rule (leaving enough distance between you and the driver ahead of you to allow 2-3 seconds to go by).  Unfortunately, a human’s typical reaction time (the time it takes from perceiving a threat to braking) is about 1.5 seconds, so the tailgater is bound to get into trouble sooner or later.

    Steps To Take When You Spot A Dangerous Driver:

    So, what do you do if you encounter any of the dangerous drivers listed above?  There are several steps you can take in order to help avoid an accident.

    First, distance yourself.  If you spot a dangerous driver around you, do as you would with a bad relationship and start distancing yourself (literally) from the bad driver.  This doesn’t mean slamming on your brakes.  Instead, if the driver is in front of you, slowly allow distance to build up between you so that you won’t be a part of any accident they may cause in front of you. 

    If you are starting to get annoyed with a slow driver or someone riding their brakes, use extreme caution if you choose to pass them.  Remember, they may be lost or looking to turn.  If you find yourself getting really frustrated, maybe it is time to safely pull over and allow that set of vehicles to go by before getting back on the road. 

    If a driver is following you too closely, don’t slam on your brakes to prove a point!  Nothing good will come of that.  Instead, if you are on a multi-lane highway, put your turn signal on and change lanes, allowing them to pass.  If you can’t change lanes and you are worried that they are really getting too close, pull over at the nearest exit.  Even if this slows you down, a brief delay is better than getting in an accident.

    Finally, if you see a driver whom you suspect is drunk or is driving erratically, call 911 and report them.  Hopefully the police can intervene and prevent a serious accident.

    Have You Been Involved In A Wreck Caused By A Dangerous Driver?

     If you have been involved in a wreck caused by a dangerous driver, 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 Is A Deposition And How Are They Used In A Car Wreck Case?

    A deposition is the process of giving sworn testimony.  In a civil car wreck case, depositions are typically taken of the parties involved in the lawsuit and of witnesses.  It is a process where one or more attorneys get to ask questions of the deponent, who must answer truthfully and to the best of their knowledge and ability. 

    It is important to note that depositions are typically NOT done during the process of a car wreck insurance claim (ie. when an insurance claim has not yet become a lawsuit).  

    When Are Depositions Done?:

    Once a lawsuit is filed, the parties (usually through their attorneys) can begin taking depositions.  The parties will try to schedule a date, time, and location convenient for everyone expected to attend.  If the Court has set a deadline for conducting depositions or has set a “discovery cutoff,” depositions will take place prior to that deadline. 

    Why Are Depositions Useful?:

    Depositions provide the parties with a chance to uncover evidence from witnesses concerning how an accident happened and to dig deeper into the Plaintiff’s injuries and medical treatment.  Expert witnesses may also testify at a deposition regarding the damages the Plaintiff has incurred or will incur in the future. 

    For defense attorneys, depositions provide them with the opportunity to ask questions of the Plaintiff, since they are not allowed to contact the Plaintiff directly during the lawsuit. 

    What Should I Expect During A Deposition?

    At Flattmann Law, we make sure to put our clients at ease when it comes to preparing for their deposition.  If our client’s deposition is requested by the insurance company’s attorney, we coordinate with our client to make sure it is scheduled at their convenience.  Then, prior to the deposition, we will meet with our client to answer any questions they have regarding the deposition and what to expect.  Typically, we will also go over our client’s case with them so that they are as comfortable as possible with the process.

    On the day of the deposition, a court reporter will be present to type down all of the questions asked of the deponent and all of the deponent’s answers.  We sit next to our client while they are being questioned, and while we can’t answer questions on their behalf, we may raise objections if a question is improper. 

    A deposition may last several hours or more, depending on the case.  After the deposition, we typically reserve the right to have our client read the transcript of the deposition once it is ready, so that they have the opportunity to correct any errors. 

    How Are Depositions Used During A Trial?:

    Depositions can be used during a trial if a witness is trying to change their story from what they had testified to earlier.  This is called “impeachment.” 

    Sometimes, the rules allow depositions to be used if a witness is unable to testify live at trial.  This is particularly common for the testimony of doctors and some out of state witnesses.

    Have You Been Seriously Injured And Have Questions About The Legal Process?

     If you have been seriously injured and have questions about the legal process, 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 Duties Do My UM Insurer Owe Me During The UM Claims Process?

    UM insurance stands for “uninsured motorist” coverage.  As discussed in several other articles, UM insurance is optional in Louisiana and not required by the State in order to be “legal.”  UM insurance comes into play when the at-fault driver doesn’t have liability insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to adequately cover you for your personal injury losses.  In those cases, you make a claim with your own insurance under your UM coverage. 

    Your UM insurer owes you a direct contractual duty:

    Unlike the other driver’s insurance company, your UM insurer (your auto insurance company) owes you a direct duty pursuant to your insurance contract with them.  As with most contracts, that means both you and your insurance company have certain obligations and duties to each other. 

    Your UM insurer must treat you fairly during the claims process:

    One of the duties your UM insurer has is “fair dealing.”  That means the insurance company should not try to trick you during the claims process.  For example, a UM should not threaten you during the claims process, or try to get you to settle quickly by saying things like, “this is your last chance,” or “if you don’t accept this now, you can’t later.” 

    Another obligation your UM insurer has to you is to handle your claim in “good faith.”  That means a few things.  First, it means that they have an obligation to properly evaluate your claim.  Second, it means that after they are provided with “adequate proof of loss,” they must adjust (evaluate) your claim within a reasonable time.  Finally, it means that they must make “unconditional tenders” to you of the amount(s) they believe your claim is worth. 

    What is an “unconditional tender?”:

    An unconditional tender is a payment your UM insurer should make to you after they are provided with adequate proof of your losses.  For example, say you have proven to your UM insurer that the other party caused your wreck and are uninsured.  You have also provided proof of your medical bills and injuries in the way of medical bills and doctor notes.  If, after evaluation, your UM insurer believes that your personal injuries (including doctor bills and general damages) have a value of $5,000, they must “unconditionally tender” that amount. 

    An unconditional tender means that the insurance company must send you a check for the undisputed amount of your claim, without any strings attached.  For instance, they should not require you to sign a release in order to get your money. 

    What happens if I think my UM insurer owes me more money?:

    In many situations, you may think that your UM claim is worth more than your insurance company is tendering.  For instance, if you think your claim is worth $10,000, but the UM insurer only tenders $5,000.  In those cases, it is important to remember that you still retain the right to pursue the remainder of your claim, even if a tender has been made.

    Have You Been Injured In An Accident And Need Help Handling Your Personal Injury Claim?

    At Flattmann Law, we handle UM claims and hold UM insurers to their obligations.  If you do not think you are being treated fairly by your UM insurer 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, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.

     

  • What Does “Adequate Proof of Loss” Mean And Why Is It Important?

    We often get calls from people complaining that the insurance company is not treating them fairly or responding to their personal injury claim.  Digging deeper, we inquire as to the information and documentation the person provided to the insurance company to support their claim.  A common response is that the person signed all the requested authorizations and may have submitted one or two medical bills. 

    Unfortunately for them, a few medical bills and a verbal report of injuries do not constitute “adequate proof of loss.”  The insurance company is ignoring them because the claimant has not triggered their obligation to respond under the law.

    What is Adequate Proof of Loss?:

    A claimant has the burden of providing adequate proof of their loss to the insurance company.  This means the claimant must prove (1) the other party’s fault for the accident and (2) their damages and injuries. 

    Proving the other party’s fault for causing the wreck can be as simple as sending the insurance company a copy of the police report, if the report clearly shows that the other person was responsible for causing the wreck.  If it doesn’t the claimant must submit other evidence of the other person’s fault, like video evidence, photographs, witness statements, etc. 

    Most people fall short in proving their injuries and damages.  Just telling the insurance adjuster that you are hurt doesn’t cut it.  Instead, it is best to provide copies of your medical bills and records, which document your injuries, medical treatment, and medical bills in black and white. 

    Certified Mail?:

    Do people still use certified mail?  YES.  While email is great, it is still good practice to follow any important emails (especially those providing proof of loss) with certified letters to the insurance company, with copies of the documents.  That way, you establish a clear record of your attempts to provide adequate proof of loss.

    Have You Been Injured In An Accident And The Insurance Company Is Not Treating You Right?

    If you are getting frustrated with your insurance claim 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, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.

  • Why It Is Important To Accurately Report Injuries To A Medical Provider After A Car Wreck?

    I get it.  After a car wreck, you may be shaken up and achy, but you just don’t have time to go to the doctor.  “I’ll just take some Motrin and rest.”  You have a full-time job, kids to pick up from school, and just not enough time to deal with your own injuries.  “Hopefully I’ll feel better after a few days.”  If this is you, I understand.  But just know that if you don’t take time to properly document your injuries soon after an accident, the insurance company probably won’t give you credit for them later, even if you are really hurt and things get worse later.   

    Insurance companies don’t take your word for it.

    If your injuries are not documented in black and white in a medical provider’s records, the insurance company will not consider them in the adjustment of your insurance claim.  It doesn’t matter if you have been dealing for months with persistent back pain.  As the insurance company sees it, if your injuries weren’t bad enough to cause you to seek medical treatment, they aren’t serious enough to compensate. 

    When you go to the doctor’s office, urgent care, the chiropractor, or to the emergency room, you will have several opportunities to document your injuries.  First, you will likely be asked to fill out patient forms, including a review of your current symptoms.  It is important to accurately complete these forms and list ALL of your current symptoms. 

    When you meet with the medical provider or their staff, it is also important to describe ALL of your injuries, even if some seem minor in comparison. 

    When the insurance company reviews your medical records, they should evidence all of the injuries you are claiming were caused or aggravated by the wreck.  The medical records will corroborate your reported injuries and help prove your claims. 

    Make sure to list everything bothering you.

    It is human nature to downplay our own injuries.  It is also typical for us to leave out what we may think to be minor symptoms when other, more major problems are bothering us.  For instance, if you suffer a right shoulder dislocation, your focus will be on that and you may fail to mention that your left ankle is also swollen. 

    In a personal injury case (like a car wreck), it is important to list ALL of your symptoms to a medical provider, even if they seem minor.  That’s because if minor symptoms get worse over time, the insurance company may not believe that they are related to the car wreck if those symptoms were not documented soon after the accident.  For instance, if you report low back pain for the first time six months after an accident, the insurance company will have a hard time relating it to the wreck since it wasn’t documented soon thereafter.  This is the case even if you had low back pain immediately after the wreck and either didn’t see a doctor or failed to report it. 

    Take pictures of your injuries.

    It is true that a picture can say a thousand words.  If you have visible injuries, such as bruises, bumps, scrapes, road rash, stiches, or other wounds, take as many pictures and videos of them as necessary.  Do this during your entire healing process so that you can have a record of your injuries.  In some cases requiring wound care, photos can be important to prove the amount of effort that went into cleaning and dealing with your injuries, and any permanent scarring you may have. 

    Keep a diary.

    We provide a diary to all of our clients so that they can document their injuries, treatment progress, doctor appointments, missed work, and general wellbeing during their recovery.  Keeping a diary is a good idea, as it is important to memorialize how you are feeling in the moment, rather than trying to remember those details months or even years later.

    Have You Been In An Accident And Not Sure What To Do?

    If you were shaken up because of an accident and not sure what to do 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, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.

     

  • Does Flattmann Law Accept Every Case?

    At Flattmann Law, we accept about 8% of the calls we receive.  That means, for every ten phone calls we get inquiring about a car wreck or personal injury, one of those callers may become our client. 

    Why so few?  We take pride in the quality of representation we provide in each and every case we accept.  We make sure the cases we take have merit, are serious, and result in good relationships with our clients. 

    Does the case have merit?

    The key factor in any personal injury case is liability, or who is responsible for causing an accident or incident.  Sometimes this is straightforward, like when a car is sitting at a red light and gets rear-ended by a driver who is texting.  But sometimes, liability is not as straightforward, like when a crash happens at an intersection and two people both swear that they had the green light.  Sometimes, a caller may not understand that their own actions caused or contributed to an accident and that they may be liable. 

    When we consider a case, evidence regarding liability plays a huge role in our decision whether we can represent a client.  Even if we can’t take a case, we make sure to let the caller know the reason.

    Does the case involve injuries?

    At Flattmann Law, we represent clients who have suffered serious injuries as a result of car wrecks, including family members of loved ones who have died as a result of major accidents.  One thing we discuss during a potential client’s phone call is whether the person was injured because of the car accident.  If the answer is yes, we discuss their medical history, including any future treatment. 

    If a caller has not suffered a legitimate injury, we will not be able to represent them.  However, in those cases, we still try our best to point that person in the right direction concerning their rights against the at-fault insurance company.

    In some cases, the caller may not realize just how badly they are injured.  They may say that they are “okay” and then go on to describe how they have been suffering with all kinds of injuries they didn’t have prior to the accident.  Something is definitely wrong and the last thing they want to do is resolve their car wreck claim before getting checked out by their doctor. 

    Our Firm Is About Quality, Not Quantity

    At Flattmann Law, we take pride in the way we handle each and every one of our clients’ cases.  Unlike many larger firms, our success does not depend on taking and settling as many cases as quickly as possible.  Through the course of our representation, we form close relationships with our clients.  If we take a case, that means we will do everything we can to obtain a favorable outcome for our client.  We will exceed the expectations of our clients

    We review cases BEFORE taking them:

    Some large law firms have a very low bar when it comes to accepting cases and will “sign up” nearly every call they get.  It’s only after they get around to reviewing the substance of the case a few weeks later when they conclude that the case does not have merit and end up dumping (terminating) the case.  At Flattmann Law, we have even gotten calls from clients whose cases were dumped by accident by another firm.  Yikes!  At our firm, we do our research before entering into a contract with a client to handle their case.

    Have You Been In An Accident And Need An Attorney That Values Quality Over Quantity?

    If you are looking for a personal injury firm that values quality of representation over quantity of cases 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, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.

  • How Do I Know If It Is Worth It To Call A Personal Injury Lawyer About My Car Wreck Case?

    “I don’t want to waste anyone’s time, but I just don’t know if I need to hire you or not.” We hear this from potential clients on a consistent basis. 

    How do you know if your case is “worth hiring an attorney?”

    If you are wondering if you need an attorney for your car wreck case, they answer is “most likely, yes.”  We have an inherent sense of knowing if we are getting in over our heads, and a car wreck claim is no different.  It may start out simple enough – calling the insurance company to report claims, getting the police report, going to the doctor.  But it can soon become overwhelming and confusing.  Medical bills start coming in, your health insurance company is asking about the accident, insurance adjusters want to take your “recorded statement,” and your car repair and rental are not going as smoothly as you thought. 

    All the while, you are trying to go about your normal life, but you have this nagging car wreck claim to deal with, sooner or later.  If this sounds familiar, you probably need to hire a skilled personal injury lawyer to help.      

    Were you injured or “still don’t feel right” due to an accident?

    If you were injured or received medical treatment because of a car accident, things like medical bills and insurance coverage can get complicated quickly.  Understanding the types of insurance claims you have and your rights to recovery are also important. 

    Sometimes an insurance company will offer a quick settlement, typically along the lines of “medical bills” and a certain amount of additional money.  Here’s the problem:  Are they talking about your full medical bills, your out-of-pocket deductibles/copays, or how much your health insurance paid?  Also, what about future medical bills that might pop up?  How do you know how much they may cost?  If you have any of these concerns, it may be a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer. 

    A quick call can help answer your questions.

    Believe it or not, in the first 30-seconds of a conversation with a potential client, we can usually tell if we would be of service to them.  A quick phone consultation can typically help answer important questions about your case, even if you don’t end up hiring us.  “Is this right?”  “Is the adjuster being reasonable?”  “How long does that normally take?”  “Why are they being so difficult?”  These are all common questions we can likely answer during a short initial phone call. 

    We are 100% not pushy.

    It is okay if we are not the right law firm for you or if you end up not needing our services.  If we can provide assistance with a quick call or consultation to help you navigate your car wreck claim yourself, that would be great!  While we may follow up with you to check on your progress, we will NEVER be pushy.  Quite simply, we want clients who hire us to be completely comfortable in our representation of them.   

    Have You Been In An Accident And Don't Know If You Need A Personal Injury Attorney?

    At Flattmann Law, we are not pushy.  If we are not right for you, or if you don’t need us, we will tell you! If you have been in an accident and have questions about your car wreck claim 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, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.

  • Why Are Google Reviews Important When Choosing An Attorney?

    Hiring the right attorney, especially in a major personal injury matter, is a very important decision.  It can mean the difference between the monetary outcome of your case, the length of time your case will take, and your experience throughout the process.  You want to make sure you are choosing an attorney who is qualified and has experience in the type of law you require.  If you want real feedback from real people, be sure to check out the attorney’s reviews before making that call!

    Advertisements are put out by marketers. 

    Google reviews are from real people!

    Ever see the fine print disclaimers on the bottom of Lawyer advertising: “paid spokesman” or “dramatization.”  Lawyer advertising is targeted (by the law firm’s advertising department) to catch your attention and embellish results and outcomes. 

    By contrast, google reviews are from real clients who are sharing their experience with the attorney or law firm.  At Flattmann Law, we take great pride and are humbled by all of our reviews. 

    Reviews can reveal the type of cases the attorney handles.

    Detailed reviews can be especially helpful in choosing the right attorney.  If a lawyer’s reviews all talk about how great of a family law attorney they are, and mention nothing about car wrecks, then he or she may not be the right personal injury attorney for you. 

    Reviews can give you a sense of whether the attorney’s personality is right for you.

    Lawyers can have strong personalities.  Some clients want an attorney who seems angry and out for blood.  Some would rather an attorney who is calm and under control.  Some want someone in-between.  A major personal injury case can take a long time.  That means a long relationship with your car wreck attorney, and just like in any relationship, making sure you are comfortable with your lawyer is important.  Reading reviews can give you a sense of the attorney’s personality and whether you will be comfortable with them throughout the course of your case.

    Are You Searching For A Car Wreck Attorney Who Is Right For You?

    If you have been in an accident and searching for a car wreck attorney who is right for you, check out our google reviews. When you are ready  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, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.