7 Ways To Avoid Personal Injury Attorney Scams
After getting into a car wreck or experiencing another type of personal injury, the last thing you need is to fall victim to a personal injury attorney scam. With the emotional and physical distress you are likely experiencing, there’s enough stress on your plate. You need and deserve to find a professional attorney who will provide you with the proper guidance and representation without taking advantage of your current situation. Here are seven ways to avoid personal injury attorney frauds and scams.
1. Rely on Recommendations
Asking family, friends, or trusted professionals for personal injury attorney referrals is a great place to start. When someone you know has had a positive experience with a personal injury attorney, you can be confident that the individual they recommend is legitimate and worthy of consideration. Reaching out to people in your network who have had real, first-hand experience with a personal injury attorney is better than doing a Google search for ‘personal injury attorney near me’ and relying on the results on your screen.
2. Do Your Due Diligence
Whether you have received a personal injury attorney recommendation from someone you know or came across a personal injury attorney advertisement, you’ll want to research and verify the individual’s credentials. Before officially hiring a personal injury attorney, it is well worth the time and effort to confirm the individual’s credentials by checking their licensing status with the appropriate local bar association or regulatory body. Ensuring that the personal injury attorney you are considering has a good reputation and track record is also crucial. This means you’ll want to read through client reviews and ensure there are no disciplinary actions against them (past or present).
3. Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers
Consider this a red flag if a personal injury attorney approaches you and starts talking about how they can get you substantial compensation,. Typically, reputable personal injury attorneys don’t contact potential clients in an unsolicited or overly aggressive manner. You should also be on the lookout for personal injury attorneys using high-pressure tactics. A true professional will not push you to immediately commit to working with them or sign a contract upon first meeting. Making an informed decision involves taking your time; a trustworthy personal injury attorney will understand and respect that.
4. Take Note of Fee Structures
Beware of personal injury attorney scams that exploit you by including hidden contract clauses or charging excessive fees. Take the time to carefully review all documents before signing — it never hurts to have a second pair of eyes look things over as well. Remember that the right personal injury attorney will not demand upfront payment before providing services. On the contrary, most reputable personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, in which they only get paid if you win your case.
5. Don’t Fall for Unrealistic Promises
You know how the saying goes: “If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.” In avoiding personal injury attorney scams, this motto most definitely applies. Extravagant promises or guarantees about the outcome of your specific case are reasons to be skeptical about a personal injury attorney. A trustworthy professional and reputable personal injury attorney always begins with a conversation. By asking the right questions (and addressing your concerns), they can provide an honest assessment along with the various potential outcomes.
6. Pay Attention to Communication
This point may not seem as significant as the others, but it’s a great way to identify any signs of a potential personal injury attorney scam. Responsive, professional, and consistently informative. A legitimate personal injury attorney will check the box on all these attributes. Any unprofessional correspondence during the early stages or lack of communication regarding the progress of your case are warning signs to look elsewhere for a personal injury attorney.
7. Explore All Your Options
You should never feel obligated to settle for the first personal injury attorney you speak with or make a decision on the spot. It is in your best interest to consult with several personal injury attorneys. This will allow you to compare their strategies, fees, professionalism, and other factors enabling you to gain insight into what you can expect when working with this individual.
In conclusion, it’s crucial to take the time to consider and research all your personal injury attorney options. At the same time, be aware of the red flags to avoid having a personal injury attorney scammer take advantage of your situation. Last but not least, trust your instincts. Ensure the terms are fair, the communication is transparent, and the overall experience aligns with your expectations. If something feels off, it’s better to be cautious and seek advice from others or alternative personal injury attorney options before proceeding.
A Personal Injury Attorney You Can Trust
The Las Vegas and Phoenix personal injury attorney team at Lloyd Baker Injury Attorneys have a proven track record of helping victims receive the financial compensation and peace of mind they deserve following an accident. Contact us today!