3 min read
If you've just been in an accident, you're dealing with injuries, insurance forms, and a lot of uncertainty.
Unfortunately, you’ll also likely deal with unprompted calls, texts and mail from law firms you've never heard of, pushing you to sign with them as soon as possible.
No accident victim should be targeted when they're most vulnerable. Sadly, it happens often. It’s a shady, unethical practice, but here’s what you can do to navigate it.
The Post-Accident Solicitation Process
Many cities keep public databases of recent traffic incidents. Some law firms monitor these databases and use your information to contact you, sometimes within hours of your accident. You didn't ask to hear from them, but they still found you.
The practice, known informally as “ambulance chasing,” is illegal in many states, including Minnesota. Lawyers caught trying to solicit personal injury law services in Minnesota without consent may be fined up to $6,000 and incur prison time. Other states, such as Wisconsin, don’t have specific laws against post-accident solicitation, but lawyers are bound by ethical codes that bar the practice.
Sadly, dishonest firms will still try to circumvent these rules, often by employing solicitation firms (known as “runners”) to contact you on their behalf.
You're already dealing with enough. When you're ready to look for an attorney, here are the warning signs to watch for:
You are contacted on the same day as (or even within hours of) the accident.
Some firms check public incident databases as soon as a report is filed. They may even buy your contact information from others and send someone to reach out before you've had a chance to see a doctor. A trustworthy attorney won't contact you out of the blue, and definitely not within hours of your accident.
The law firm isn’t based in your state.
If a firm is calling you from out of state, that's a red flag. They likely don't know your state's laws, and they're not calling because they want to help you. They're calling because they want a case.
They promise a favorable result.
No attorney can guarantee how your case will end. Every situation is different. A good attorney will be upfront with you about what's realistic, not tell you what you want to hear to get you to sign.
A push towards a quick settlement.
A fast settlement often benefits the firm, not you. If someone is pressuring you to settle quickly, ask why. Settling too soon, before you know the full extent of your injuries, can leave you without the compensation you need.
Attorneys who break one rule will likely break others in your case. If you are searching for help with a personal injury case, don’t accept an offer from the first phone call or letter you receive. Look at reputable firms with extensive experience in the field. Take time to review your options, meet attorneys in person, and gain a better understanding of the claims process.
We’re here to help you through this process. Contact us for more information and a free consultation.
