When I was 8 years old, my mom was involved in a devastating accident on Interstate 10 near Slidell, Louisiana. She suffered serious injuries including a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, and a ruptured spleen. She was lucky to survive.
As a single mom trying to raise a young child, I know that she faced substantial hardship in the months following her accident while trying to recover from her injuries. She was missing work, her car was totaled, bills were piling up, etc. We got through, but only because of her determination.
Through that experience, and from years of representing many single moms, here are a few tips for single moms who have been involved in car wrecks:
Transportation:
Your totaled or damaged car may have been your only source of transportation for bringing you to work and for bringing your kids to school and extracurriculars. If this is the case, you need a rental car, and fast!
Even if the other party is responsible for causing the wreck, if you have collision coverage on your own insurance policy, this may be the fastest route for getting your car damage adjusted. Relying on the other person’s insurance may take some time, especially if they require the police report (which may take 7-14 days in some cases). However, your own insurance company will only cover your rental expenses if you have “rental” coverage. If you do have rental coverage, using it will be the fastest way to get a rental vehicle.
If your car is a total, you should start coming up with a plan for long-term alternative transportation as soon as possible (ie. purchasing a new vehicle). This is because once the insurance company deems your car a total loss and offers you a payout, they will soon stop paying for the rental vehicle. Have a plan in place beforehand!
Caring for Your Own Injuries:
Moms seem to always put their own needs behind those of their kids and family. After a car wreck, however, it is important to take care of yourself by going to the doctor and following their instructions. If you need physical therapy or chiropractic treatment for an extended time, following those orders will help you get better faster and will hopefully help avoid long-term problems. Many physical therapists and chiropractors work with your schedule to accommodate your needs.
Pay Attention to Your Insurance Claim:
Insurance adjusters know that you are busy and are not familiar with the claims process. They also know that since you have so much on your plate, you are unlikely to know whether they are treating you fairly. Knowing this, they will bombard you with documents to sign, allowing them access to your medical records and get you to make a recorded statement. This may not even be required for your claim!
Insurance adjusters may offer you a quick settlement or make you a low-ball offer to settle your claim. They may say that they will pay your medical bills up to a certain point. These statements should be red flags. In reality, they are trying to get rid of your claim fast... and cheap.
Are You A Single Mom And Have Been Injured In An Accident And Need Help Dealing With Your Car Wreck Claim?
We know how hard it is to be a single mom, especially when it comes to dealing with a car wreck. Did you know that with a quick 10-minute call to Flattmann Law, we can assess your case and let you know if we can help, or at least get you pointed in the right direction? If you have been in an accident and are searching for a personal injury lawyer to handle 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.