Enjuris Blog | Find Answers and Share Your Accident's Story

Finding answers after your accident

24/7 Free Consult   (800) 734-4134    Log in
  • Find a Lawyer
  • Accident Resources
    • Personal Injury Law
      • You’ve been hurt. Now what?
      • Do I have a claim?
      • Finding the best attorney to represent you
      • Dealing with Insurance
      • Laws by State
      • View all
    • Accident Types
      • Car accident
      • Truck Accident
      • Workplace injury
      • Wrongful death
      • View all
    • Workers’ Comp
      • Common work injuries
      • Finding the best workers’ comp lawyers
      • How workers’ comp benefits work
      • Personal injury vs. workers’ compensation
      • View all
    • Injury Guides
      • Spinal Cord/Column
      • Brain Injury
      • Occupational injuries
      • Whiplash
      • View all
    • More
      • Blog
      • Tell Your Story
      • Forms and Worksheets
      • Videos
      • For Students
      • About Us
  • Attorney Marketing
    • Become a partner
    • Contribute to our blog
    • Join lawyer directory
    • Enjuris Excellence badge
Home > Blog > Resources You'll Love > The Phone Call You Should Ignore after a Car Accident

The Phone Call You Should Ignore after a Car Accident

Contributor: Kim Hayes How can I contribute?

Unscrupulous lawyers break ethics rules when they contact injury victims

ambulance chasers, personal injury attorneys, car accidents

First-time car accident victims are not only dealing with physical and emotional distress, they are often navigating the legal system for the first time. Some find themselves hounded by unscrupulous attorneys who obtained their contact information illegally, commonly referred to as “ambulance chasers.”

After being rear-ended while driving home from work, Stacie Burgess was shocked to start receiving calls from lawyers offering to represent her the very next day. “I couldn’t believe the amount of calls I got, it seemed like they were privy to information from my 911 call or a police report.”

The calls left her feeling very agitated, on top of all of the other emotions that come along with being in an accident for the first time, Stacie said.

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.

“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.”

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.

Many people are unaware that this practice is illegal and end up using the attorney’s services.

A WXYZ Detroit story looks at the issue of ambulance chasers in that city, where accident victims are often targeted. New technology has allowed ambulance chasers to find victims even more easily, according to the report.

“Derrick” was an accident victim who got a phone call within 24 hours of being hit while driving. The attorneys who contacted him provided transportation to take Derrick to a high-price medical clinic and then ended up referring his case elsewhere.

Derrick later learned that those calls broke a Michigan state law against solicitation, which is punishable by jail time and up to $60,000 in fines. Derrick later found his own lawyer to handle his accident and filed a complaint with the attorney grievance commission against the predatory attorney.

Attorney Daniel Romano told WXYZ that he suspects police officers, emergency responders, and even hospital workers could be turning over personal information to unscrupulous attorneys.

“We are getting people solicited the day the accident happens, often within an hour or minutes of the accident.” Romano said. “It happens in cases where there is no police report, when they go directly to the hospital. Or when they don’t go to the hospital, there’s just a police report.”

In Stacie’s case, she ended up researching and finding her own firm, but she understands why some people fall prey to these scammers. “You just don’t know what to do when it is your first time in an accident. The ambulance chasers to me are just not reputable,” she said.

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 a significant motive for the lawyer’s doing so is the lawyer’s pecuniary gain, unless the person contacted:

(1)  is a lawyer; or
(2)  has a family, close personal, or prior professional relationship with the lawyer.

(b)  A lawyer shall not solicit professional employment by written, recorded or electronic communication or by in-person, telephone or real-time electronic contact even when not otherwise prohibited by paragraph (a), if:

(1)  the target of the solicitation has made known to the lawyer a desire not to be solicited by the lawyer; or
(2)  the solicitation involves coercion, duress or harassment.

In summary, the rules state that attorneys cannot contact clients if their primary motivation is to make a profit. However, there are exceptions if the potential client is a lawyer, or a person has a familial or professional relationship with the attorney.

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 accident fields.

Have you been contacted by an attorney after an accident? Did you regret accepting their services? Please share your story below.

Comments

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Required fields are marked *. While our editors carefully moderate all comments, Enjuris cannot guarantee the authenticity or accuracy of the information contained in the post. Such information should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a professional. We always recommend consulting with an attorney or other legal professional if you require legal advice. Also, know that any information you provide in your comment may be published on our website, so please avoid sharing any confidential, private or personal information that you don’t want to be made public. Lastly, we will not publish any comments that we determine are promotional, hateful or inappropriate.

  1. Christine says

    August 16, 2018 at 11:19 am

    Yes. I was in a minor accident yesterday and less than 24 hours later I received a phone call from an accident victim attorney. I asked how he got my number… he said from an accident victim database. This is scary. I don’t know who to notify. Im going to contact the American Bar Association I think. Nor sure who else.

    Reply
    • Carrie Warren says

      August 18, 2018 at 7:57 am

      How frustrating! The American Bar Association is a great place to report the phone call. I hope you’re feeling alright after the accident!

      Reply
  2. Foy Mainor says

    October 30, 2018 at 12:24 pm

    My 17 year old son was involved in a minor accident and rear ended another vehicle. My son received a letter via Certified Mail and standard mail from a lawyer claiming to represent the other driver stating that he did not provide insurance information to the responding officer. I checked the police report and it clearly shows the insurance information.

    I am surprised that they can contact a minor and provide false information in an attempt to collect information.

    Reply
    • Nancy Rapp says

      October 30, 2018 at 1:04 pm

      Hello Foy. It’s hard to tell what may have happened. Either the driver forgot the information or the lawyer was misinformed. Either way, it’s good you stayed on top of things!

      Reply
  3. Jo says

    November 28, 2018 at 3:32 pm

    I was rear ended in Oct, 2016 while 8 months pregnant. Although I had back pain post accident, my main concern was for the health of my unborn baby (luckily she was fine). I gave birth in December 2016 and was still having back pain. My boyfriend made a call to a lawyer for a completely separate issue than mine and ended up telling the person at the firm about my accident (he’s a talker). Not thinking, he gave them my number after they asked for it then immediately told them: “don’t call her. She just had a baby and isn’t in the place to discuss this or make decisions. She will call you when she’s ready.”

    Well, of course they called me. I probably seemed like an open and shut case having been rear ended while sitting at a stoplight. Not thinking clearly, I met with them. I had postpartum anxiety and had just received paperwork from the at fault driver’s insurance requesting all my medical history. I had no idea why they would need this. I ended up signing a contract with this law firm and now , two years later after a lot of pain and procedures to try to mitigate it, they are trying to push me to have spinal fusion surgery.
    Needless to say, I feel suckered into working with this firm and I am not happy about how they’re handling my case.

    Reply
    • Lance Buchanan says

      November 30, 2018 at 5:08 pm

      Thanks for sharing your story, Jo. (And congrats on the birth of your daughter!) We’re sorry your experience with your the law firm has been poor. Consider being honest and frank with them about your expectations and how they are handling your case. You may also consider meeting with a different attorney to ask if they think the other lawyers are acting unprofessional or out of line. Best of luck!

      Reply
  4. jeff darold jones says

    June 12, 2019 at 4:14 am

    I have been harassed and threatened by the at fault driver’s INSURANCE COMPANY! They want my info, but you guys say to not speak with them. What should I do?

    Reply
    • Ian Pisarcik says

      November 1, 2019 at 2:55 pm

      If you believe the insurance company is harassing you, a bad faith claim might be appropriate. Consider meeting with an attorney in your area to discuss your options.

      Reply
  5. KD says

    July 7, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    From Florida
    I was involved in an accident a few days ago, and today i received a call from some law firm, i don’t even have some of the information he referenced. It’s not bad enough that i am still shaken up but now i have to monitor my calls for these lawyers.

    Reply
    • Ian Pisarcik says

      July 7, 2021 at 7:02 pm

      I’m sorry this happened to you. “Ambulance chasing” is illegal in Florida. Florida statute §817.234(8)(b) prohibits solicitation except by general advertising within 60 days of an accident. Violation is a third-degree felony. You may want to file a complaint with the Florida State Bar.

      When you are ready, you can use our free online directory to contact a lawyer on your own accord.

      Reply
  6. Tammy says

    January 26, 2022 at 4:31 pm

    From Florida
    Hello I was in an accident a few days ago and today a lawyer just contacted me and said they wanna help me but something in my spirit just doesn’t sit right with this because I thought we were supposed contact them

    Reply
Legal Rights Defenders - FREE CONSULTATION 24/7

Categories

  • News Stories
  • My Accident Story
  • Resources You'll Love
  • Questions & Answers

In Your State

AZ CA CO FL GA IN MT NC SC TN TX

Attorney Authors
Enjuris Partners

Denver accident lawyer Mack Babcock

Mack Babcock
The Babcock Law Firm, CO

Texas personal injury and wrongful death lawyer Laura Brown

Laura Brown
Brown Trial Firm, TX

Neal Davis

Neal Davis
Neal Davis Law Firm, TX

Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney

Natalie Elkins
Gerber & Holder Law, GA

Roger Finderson

Roger Finderson
Finderson Law, IN

Jack Fine, personal injury attorney

Jack Fine
Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, FL

Ben Gerber

Ben Gerber
Gerber & Holder Law, GA

Chris Gilreath

Chris Gilreath
Gilreath & Associates, TN

Award-winning Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney

Thomas Holder
Gerber & Holder Law, GA

George Lorenzo

George Lorenzo
Lorenzo & Lorenzo, FL

Matt Murphy

Matt Murphy
Murphy Law Firm, MT

Tom Murphy

Tom Murphy
Murphy Law Firm, MT

Brett Sachs, California accident attorney

Brett Sachs
Sachs Law

Stephanie Tucker, Denver, CO workers' compensation attorney

Stephanie Tucker
The Babcock Law Firm

Attorney Beau Wilder

Beau Wilder
Wilder Pantazis Law Group, NC

Wilder Pantazis Law Group

Rob Wilder
Wilder Pantazis Law Group, NC

Robert E. Wisniewski

Robert E. Wisniewski
Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski, AZ

Contributors

  • Terry Bryant
  • Jason Chalik
  • Daniel Clancy
  • Jacob Emrani
  • John Foy
  • Edward Friedman
  • Bert Louthian
  • Joseph Markey
  • Jim Parrish
  • Isaias Valencia
  • Steven G Wigrizer
  • Doug Zanes

Free E-Books

car accident e-book

I've been in a car accident I've been in a truck accident

truck accident e-book

What happens now?

What is Enjuris®?

A collection of resources to help people at a tough time in their lives. A place to share your story. A national directory of injury lawyers. Supporter of students, families, caregivers and our communities. How can I contribute?


Hire the right lawyer (800) 734-4134

Lawyer Directory
Car accident attorneys
Defective product attorneys
Personal injury attorneys
Medical malpractice attorneys
Wrongful death attorneys
Workers' compensation attorneys

Enjuris Partner Accident & Injury Lawyers

Gainesville, FL Personal Injury Attorneys
Tampa Personal Injury Attorneys
Lorenzo & Lorenzo (Tampa, Florida)
Finderson Law (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
Wilder Pantazis Law Group (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Brown Trial Firm (Waco, Texas)
The Babcock Law Firm (Denver, Colorado)
Gerber & Holder Law (Atlanta, Georgia)
Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski (Phoenix, Arizona)
Murphy Law Firm (Great Falls, Montana)


Law students

Enjuris' Student Center is a resource for all pre-law college students and current law students. Learn how to get ahead in your studies and the career field, as well be a guest contributor to our blog and apply for one of our scholarships.


Partner with us

If your goal is to help people after an accident or injury – or to prevent them in the first place – we'd love to hear from you! We look to work with educators, healthcare and recovery organizations, insurance providers, law firms and other organizations. Get in touch to see how we can work together. Learn more...


Are you a personal injury lawyer?

Login Add your Firm Lawyer online marketing Free resources for attorneys Attorney / SEOs newsletter signup

Contact us today to get involved.
Services for attorneys
Personal Injury Law Firms Directory
Directory guidelines
Law firm SEO quote
Terms of Use


Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Blog Blog feed

SEO Advantage®, Inc.    SEOLegal Division, Lawyer Marketing    3690 West Gandy Blvd., Suite 444    Tampa, FL 33611    Contact us today

Enjuris is a platform dedicated to helping people who are dealing with life-altering accidents and injuries. We support students, families, caregivers and communities with resources, personal stories and a national directory of injury lawyers. Read more about Enjuris.


Copyright © 2022 Enjuris.com. All rights reserved. Terms and conditions The accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. Our site and services are not substitutes for the advices or services of an attorney. We recommend you consult a lawyer or other appropriate professional if you want legal advice. Privacy policy.

SEOLegal.com

Attention attorneys
and SEO firms
  • Make Enjuris work for your law firm
  • Exclusive offers & discounts
  • Content contribution opportunities