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Questions Answered by Steven Pate Harrelson
1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Texas on
Q: Hit by a co. truck whom was driving a 2012 F550 (recall) Power Train: Automatic Transmission (totaled my car).

Whom was driving illegally in the HOV lane because it was over 1 ton and one driver. He hit the vehicle behind me then my car. I do have full coverage on my car as well as bodily injury on my coverage. Do I need to get an attorney? Will my insurance be able to rectify this matter?

okay, so... View More

Steven Pate Harrelson
Steven Pate Harrelson
answered on Apr 12, 2017

Yes, you need to hire an attorney. In the meantime, you should organize all documents regarding the property damage, your medical treatment, lost wages (if any), and the accident report. Additionally, preserve any photographs you have of the damage of the vehicle(s).

3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Louisiana on
Q: When in a accident and u are the passenger and insurance companies are saying the both not wrong is that possible
Steven Pate Harrelson
Steven Pate Harrelson
answered on Apr 7, 2017

No, that's not possible. Someone is at fault, and fortunately for you as a passenger, it's almost impossible for any fault to be allocated to you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Traffic Tickets for Arkansas on
Q: Do you have to have a rearview mirror in the center of your vehicle?
Steven Pate Harrelson
Steven Pate Harrelson
answered on Mar 24, 2017

Yes. Ark. Code Ann. § 27-37-305(a) states that every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a rearview mirror.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Arkansas on
Q: Is a property owner liable for accident with brick mailbox

My daughter was struck in head by mailbox brick.

Steven Pate Harrelson
Steven Pate Harrelson
answered on Mar 10, 2017

This depends upon several factors, not the least of which is the event that caused your daughter's head to come into contact with the mailbox.

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: I am being sued regarding a previous car accident, what type of lawyer do I enlist?

A 18 wheeler jacked knife to avoid hitting me after I wrecked and ended up having a sill on the highway. Now the company is suing me for damages related to the jack knife plus the cleanup fees associated with the spill cleanup. What type of lawyer do I seek out to take on this lawsuit? I spoke with... View More

Steven Pate Harrelson
Steven Pate Harrelson
answered on Mar 6, 2017

Give it to your insurance company. They'll provide a defense on your behalf.

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Gov & Administrative Law and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Car wreck with a Government vehicle that police report shows failure to yield ROW on Gov. employee. Now what?

Car wreck included myself, my wife and child. I had surgery everyone else ok at this point. I don't understand a tort system and what to do next. I am out so much money at this point. thanks, Brandon

Steven Pate Harrelson
Steven Pate Harrelson
answered on Feb 6, 2017

Your case will likely be governed by the Texas Tort Claims Act assuming the government employee was in the course and scope of his employment. You should hire an attorney with knowledge and experience in personal injury claims and claims involving the Texas Tort Claims Act.

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Texas on
Q: I'm trying to settle with the insurance company but they want me to authorize them to see all my medical records ?
Steven Pate Harrelson
Steven Pate Harrelson
answered on Jan 14, 2017

The insurance company will be entitled to review medical records relevant to the accident. However, many times, they will provide you with a very broad authorization form that allows them to rummage through your medical history for the past several years. You should contact a personal injury... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Texas on
Q: My step father died in an auto accident

- if he was impaired at the time are we able to file a lawsuit if he did not cause the accident?

Steven Pate Harrelson
Steven Pate Harrelson
answered on Jan 13, 2017

Technically, if he was not at fault, being impaired does not matter. However, a jury will normally take these things into account when apportioning fault. Ultimately, the facts will matter, and it is possible to recover damages even in a scenario such as this.

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Louisiana on
Q: Accident date 10, Sept. 2016 in Louisiana. Other guy ran a stop sign, and I t-boned him at 45ish mph.

I live in Louisiana, but had an Alabama title. (Car was registered here in Louisiana, where I live and where the wreck occurred.) The other guys insurance co will not give me the complete amount of my totaled truck, (only gave me 1/2.) Until I pay to get the Alabama title changed over to a... View More

Steven Pate Harrelson
Steven Pate Harrelson
answered on Jan 9, 2017

No, it's a delay tactic. I would strongly advise against signing any release until our talk to an attorney. FYI, the prescription period for filing a car accident suit is one year from the date of accident.

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Texas on
Q: My son was in an accident that has totaled out his car. The other insurance co does not want to take full responsibility

The other driver pulled out in front of him and was cited for failure to yield right of way. My insurance company says the other driver is 100% at fault but the other insurance co. says they will only take 85% responsibility. There was a witness on the scene that said they think that my son may... View More

Steven Pate Harrelson
Steven Pate Harrelson
answered on Dec 13, 2016

This sounds extremely typical. Yes, you need an attorney since there is a dispute as to liability. The witness should be questioned about how they could determine that your son was speeding.

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Louisiana on
Q: I was on I-10 WB @121mm, I was struck in the left rear of my trailer by another vehicle while I was changing lanes.

I was changing lanes and had more than enough room to do that. When another vehicle that was obviously speeding struck the rear of my trailer. I was issued a ticket for improper lane usage. He struck me from behind (Not the side) what can I do about the citation?

Steven Pate Harrelson
Steven Pate Harrelson
answered on Dec 11, 2016

Unless he was already in the lane you were changing into, I'd fight the ticket. If you're a truck driver, you might consider hiring an attorney to (1) try to resolve the ticket without you having to go back to Louisiana, and (2) try to have it dismissed to prevent it from creating havoc... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Arkansas on
Q: Am elderly and disabled. What can be done concerning dogs runing at large and knocking me down at my own house?

Have been knocked down, teeth knocked out and broke.

Steven Pate Harrelson
Steven Pate Harrelson
answered on Dec 6, 2016

You should contact an attorney within three years of any negligent act that occurs in Arkansas. A homeowner's insurance may be liable.

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