My wife was hit from behind in her Toyota Corolla yesterday. It wasn't hard enough to hurt her car much, but she apparently got whiplashed pretty good. Her back and neck are pretty bad today. She got all the info from the other driver, who wanted to "take care of it without telling the insurance companies". She said NO WAY. She called the other person's insurance and made the claim, and went to see the chiropractor yesterday. Results of the x-rays will be reveiwed at her doctor's appointment today.

My question is: Should we continue to handle this ourselves or should we get a lawyer? We are NOT out to make money off of this - nor am I looking for some scumbag, ambulance chasing lawyer. I am concerned that my wife will be treated for anything she needs to feel well again. I don't know if we are crazy to do this without legal help or not. Anybody have any experience here?

 

Ouchman, was their a police report done?

 

No police report - minor car damage. She called the police dept shortly after the wreck and they said "well, you can come down and get the form if you want, but were not sending a patrol". BUT - she did get all of the other lady's information. She was very shaken up by the accident and wasn't in her right mind until a couple hours after.

 

should make a police report. I hope your wife is o.k.

 

Get a police report!

Call your insurance rep and see what they advise you to do.

 

The problem with wiplash is that it usually gets worse before it gets better. Wait and see what your doc says then see what the insurance company says. That will then give you an indication if you need a lawyer or not. It could take years for the whiplash to settle down. good luck

 

Get a lawyer. In this state, the crash is reportable to police if $1000 damge, hit & run, any dollar amount, or ANY injury. Probably similar in your area. Because the police weren't called, I can see the insurance company really giving you a hard time.

 

You should always get a police report, at the scene. If the other party dosen't want it and leaves, then it becomes a hit and run. Always get thier plate number right away,a nd never apologize as soon as you get out of your vehicle. (admision of guilt) Also, carry a disposable camera (camera in a box) or get a cell phone with camera and always take plenty of pics.

 

All definitely good advice - all of which I mentioned to her after the fact. She reminded me that "IT'S HARD TO REMEMBER ALL OF THESE THINGS WHEN YOUR BRAIN IS STILL RATTLING!". I humbly agreed with her...

 

Yes, when you've had the crap scared out of you and your hurt it is hard to remember what to do.

Carry a list in the glove box of steps to take with phone numbers in case your in an accident. Some insurance companies provide such lists with your insurance card.

Best wishes to your wife, I hope it's not serious and she gets better soon.

 

I went through an accident that I was whiplashed five years later I still feel the effects of it. Insurance wanted get rid of me quick. They offered me peanuts. It took two years but I was awarded a proper settlement after. I had a lawyer and my opinion of lawerys is not high. He wanted to make a quick settlement aswell so he would not have to work hard for his money. So like the captain of any boat I had to keep sterring him on the proper course.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I am definitely leaning towards a lawyer now. As much as I hate to, the fact is it's the ONLY way to make sure that you get what you need. Unfortunately the Insurance companies are probably LESS trustworthy than the lawyers. Personally, I would rather that the whole thing never happened.

 

Where about in Texas do you live. My girlfriend worked for a law office for a while taking claims to see if they were worth going after. She'll be able to tell you if a lawyer is necessary. Her mom is that same firm's Human resources/office manager and they have many through out Texas. PM me if you want. She says there are a good firm even if they are ambulance chasers. Also, good friend of mine's dad is a personal injury lawyer in Kerville. I'd be glad to help. I know if she got hurt I'd be doing the same thing you're doing. Hope the wife feels better soon.