Somebody Texted me After a Car Accident Saying I can Get Compensation. Is this Legit?

Someone texted me after my car accident and said I may be entitled to compensation. Is this a scam?

Yes and No. The person or bot texting you has illegally obtained your cell number from the police report and is a “case runner” who will then sell your lead to a low end ambulance chasing attorney or chiropractor to make money. It is illegal and the lawyer can be disbarred for doing it. More importantly, these lawyers are the worst of the worst and send all of their client to shady doctors who then tell you that you will need expensive injections and potentially unnecessary surgery. They have no concern for you well being at all and are focused solely on how to drive up the settlement value so the attorney gets paid, the doctors get paid, and you get the scraps.

If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Georgia, you may find yourself overwhelmed with questions and concerns about the next steps to take. One important aspect to understand is the legality surrounding how injury lawyers can reach out to potential clients after an incident. Specifically, in Georgia, it is illegal for injury lawyers to solicit clients by phone or text after they have been injured in a car accident. This page will explain the legal framework surrounding this issue and guide you on how to navigate the aftermath of your accident without falling victim to unethical practices.

The Ethics of Unsolicited Communications from Lawyers

In Georgia, the Rules of Professional Conduct set strict guidelines for attorneys regarding solicitation practices. According to these rules, lawyers are prohibited from contacting individuals who have been injured in an accident through unsolicited phone calls or text messages. This regulation is designed to protect individuals during a vulnerable time in their lives and to ensure that they are not subjected to undue pressure or manipulative tactics while recovering from their injuries.

Why Is This Rule in Place?

1. Protecting Vulnerable Individuals: After an accident, many individuals are in a state of shock, confusion, and emotional distress. The law aims to protect these individuals from aggressive solicitation that could exploit their vulnerability.

2. Promoting Ethical Practices: The legal profession is held to high ethical standards. This rule helps maintain the integrity of the legal system by discouraging practices that could be perceived as predatory.

3. Encouraging Informed Choices: By prohibiting unsolicited contact, the law encourages individuals to seek legal help on their own terms, allowing them to make informed decisions without feeling pressured.

Consider Your Legal Options

While it’s crucial to know that lawyers cannot contact you unsolicited, you have the right to reach out to a legal professional if you feel you need assistance. Here’s how to choose the right lawyer:

– Research: Look for injury lawyers in your area who specialize in car accidents. Check their credentials, experience, and reviews from past clients.

– Consultations: Many lawyers offer free consultations. Use this opportunity to discuss your case and understand your legal options without any commitment.

Be aware that if you receive unsolicited calls or texts from lawyers after your accident, this is illegal. If you encounter this, you can report them to the Georgia State Bar. It’s crucial to protect yourself from unethical behavior in the legal field.

Insist on a in person or zoom interview with the lawyer. They should be comfortable letting you ask detailed questions about the value of the case, the time it will take, propensities of the various insurance companies and the medical care.

Ask the hard question of “when the case settles, how much will I get after attorneys fees and medical bills are reimbursed.” Look for waffling in the answer.

If you have health insurance and the attorney is trying to get you to treat with “their doctor”, run. It’s a low end technique to rip you off and it can be dangerous.

For an example a simple google search for Dr. James Chappius will lead you to multiple malpractice cases in the public record and notations about recent bankruptcy filings and yet this is a Doctor that many low end lawyers referred their clients to.