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by Prof. Alicia Stehr 3 min read

If a lawyer calls you after an accident, they have likely received your contact information through unethical methods, said Keith Watters of Keith Watters & Associates. These types of lawyers are considered “runners” or “solicitors” who will likely resell your case if you contract services with them.

When you are contacted unsolicited by a lawyer after an accident, it's likely they received your personal information through underhanded or even illegal means, sometimes even by paying a police officer or healthcare worker.Mar 1, 2021

Full Answer

What happens if a lawyer calls you after an accident?

If a lawyer calls you after an accident, they have likely received your contact information through unethical methods, said Keith Watters of Keith Watters & Associates. These types of lawyers are considered “runners” or “solicitors” who will likely resell your case if you contract services with them.

Do I need a lawyer after a car or motorcycle accident?

In fact, most people I know don’t even consider calling a lawyer after a car or motorcycle accident because they think the entire issue can be handled through their insurance agent. And sometimes, they’re right.

What does it mean when a lawyer calls you?

These types of lawyers are considered “runners” or “solicitors” who will likely resell your case if you contract services with them. “If an attorney calls you, they probably got the information improperly from the police or hospital,” Watters said.

Is it unethical for a lawyer to call you?

“If an attorney calls you, they probably got the information improperly from the police or hospital,” Watters said. “There are a lot of payoffs in this field and if a lawyer is willing to pay for information to get a client, that is a sign right there that the person is probably unethical.”

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It never hurts to ask

Simply put: in accidents involving big property damages and injuries, the legal and insurance systems are too complex for accident victims to navigate on their own. And usually, there is too much at stake to even try.

Those attorneys you see on billboards are spending millions on advertising and have monumental case quotas to fill, which leads to neglect of current clients

If any of the above criteria sound familiar, you should call an attorney. (I strongly suggest that you not call the number floating by you on a bus or a billboard. Those attorneys are spending millions on advertising and have monumental case quotas to fill, which leads to neglect of current clients. Read my blog about them here.

Are You Hurt?

If you’ve been hurt in a car or motorcycle accident, you need an attorney’s help. First of all, you have a big job ahead of you: healing.

Insurance company agents are trained to gain your trust so that you tell them things that they can use against you

Aside from helping you to focus on medical treatment and healing, a personal injury attorney can…

Calling a Lawyer: It Never Hurts to Ask

If you feel like you might want to hire an attorney but you’re still not sure, I suggest you call a few attorneys to talk to them about your case. Because personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee (meaning you pay nothing until your case is settled), you will owe nothing for these conversations.

How to Choose a Lawyer

Upon first inspection, pretty much all car accident lawyers look the same. But upon closer inspection, there are some significant differences. During your initial consultation with a lawyer, pay attention to the following areas:

FAQs

Probably not. Over 90 percent of personal injury claims settle out of court.

What to do if you are involved in an accident?

If the accident you were involved in caused any severe injury that required you to go to a doctor, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer about your legal options. Attorneys can also help in accidents that result in fatalities.

What to do if your injuries are not obvious?

Even if your injuries do not seem serious, it is best to have them checked by a doctor in case you have an injury that does not seem obvious. Ensure that you keep any documentation related to your injuries as proof of any expenses accrued as a result of the accident.

Why do you need a personal injury lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer can also help in the event an insurance company is acting in bad faith.

What to do if you are not sure of your rights?

If you need an expert to review anything legal you may be confused about in general. If you generally want to seek advice in settling a claim, you can contact a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the settlement.

What happens if you don't follow the doctor's instructions?

If you do not follow the doctor’s instructions, an insurance company can argue that your injuries were not as severe as you claimed them to be.

What information do you need to write down when you are in an accident?

You should make sure to write down the other driver’s name, license number, insurance information, and contact information. You should give the other driver your information for their needs too. You can also exchange information with anyone who was a witness to the accident.

Can a personal injury lawyer file a claim?

There is also often a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that you will not be able to file a claim to receive compensation for your injuries or loss after a certain period.

Why Should You Call a Lawyer Before Talking to the Insurance Company?

It’s always advisable to talk to a car accident attorney before you speak to an insurance company. An attorney can help you understand your rights and avoid common pitfalls.

How Can a Lawyer Help You After a South Carolina Car Accident?

If you’ve never had to file an insurance claim after an accident, you might not know what is involved and what a lawyer can do to help. Here are some of the things the legal team at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, can do to help with the claims process:

Contact Our South Carolina Accident Law Firm If You Have Recently Been Injured in a Car Accident

The South Carolina car accident attorneys at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, are committed to protecting the rights of crash victims in Rock Hill and other nearby communities. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, get your free consultation today to answer your questions and discuss your legal rights.

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Falling Victim to The Predators

  • Lawyers shouldn’t be soliciting clients as a general rule, so receiving an unexpected phone call from an attorney should be a warning sign for accident victims. A WXYZ Detroit story looks at the issue of ambulance chasers in that city, where accident victims are often targeted. New technol…
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Violation of Conduct

  • The American Bar Association’s (ABA) “Model Rules for Professional Conduct“ provide strict guidance on how lawyers may solicit clients. An infraction could cost an attorney their law license. These rules, which were adopted by each individual state, regulate that: (a) A lawyer shall not by in-person, live telephone or real-time electronic contact solicit professional employment when …
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Find Your Own Law Firm

  • Instead of falling prey to predatory attorneys, Keith recommends that accident victims find their own representation through referrals or research and seek someone who has extensive experience in the personal injury and car accidentfields. Have you been contacted by an attorney after an accident? Did you regret accepting their services? Please share your story below.
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