What do I do After I Have been Involved in a Car Accident?

Paul Ford
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 695
Posted by Paul FordMarch 20, 2009 3:16 PM
Tags: None

In 2006, government statistics revealed that an automobile accident occurs every 11 minutes. That is a stagering statistic. Because they happen so often, it only makes sense to know what to do if and when you are involved in one. This is particularly true in today's legal environment of advertising, direct mail solicitation, aggressive and hostile insurance tactics, or even worse, runners.

What is a runner? A runner is an individual working with an attorney and/or a doctor (this includes chiropractors) to run down new clients using unethical and, many times, illegal methods. In the information age in which we live, these folks obtain your information from the Accident Report that is prepared by the police agency responding to the accident. They then contact you in a "race" to get the new client.

But not only are certain lawyers and doctors racing to the new "client/patient" for their own financial gain, insurance companies are, likewise, "racing" to the scene in an effort to "assist" you. Do not be fooled. These insurance adjusters are looking out for the best interests of the insurance company, not yours.

So, what should I do? First and foremost, seek medical attention from a trusted source. Your local hospital or a doctor (including chiropractors) you already have a patient/doctor relationship with. The recent death of actress Natasha Richardson is a clear reminder that some injuries are much greater than they may seem at first.

Secondly, JUST SAY NO!! Say "NO" to recorded statements. DO NOT let anyone record your version of the facts before you have spoken to an attorney. And when choosing an attorney, I suggest you choose one based upon a referral or reputation....not advertising or solicitation letters.

And finally, check out this link on the InjuryBoard.com website on what to do after a car accident. You will find some very helpful information in this article.

2 Comments

Have an opinion about this post? Please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader.

Mike BryantInjuryBoard Attorney Member
Posted by Mike Bryant
March 21, 2009 8:06 AM

Very good information. The race by both the insurance companies and the needy need to both be stopped.

Paul FordInjuryBoard Attorney Member
Posted by Paul Ford
March 21, 2009 12:10 PM

I was asked yesterday by another IB member what I was passionate about in the practice of law. Well, this is one of them. The use of runners and direct mail solicitation is so detrimental, in my opinion, to the practice of law. More importantly, it is detrimental to those we serve. These types of practices add fuel to the tort reform fire by creating the appearance that lawyers are in fact greedy. Years ago, the phrase was "ambulance chaser" Direct solicitation does away with that. They simple fill the mail box of those who have been involved in a accident.

Recently, my daughter, who does not share my last name, was in a wreck. I was amazed at the number of letters she received. I knew a lot of the attorneys sending the letters. I have opinions about whether they (at least some of them) would have delivered the quality service they promised, as opposed to trying to maximize the potential for settlement without significant legal work.

I encourage every attorney I visit with to read Chapter 11 of David Ball's book on damages. He is correct that many in our own profession are digging the graves for the rest of us. That is why I chose to become (just this year) a participant w/ InjuryBoard. I want to be part of the movement to change the perception of trial lawyers; and even more to truely change how trial lawyers do business in their offices, courthouses and communities.

Comments for this article are closed.

Subscribe to InjuryBoard Jonesboro

InjuryBoard Jonesboro RSS Feeds

Keep up with the latest updates using your favorite RSS reader

Injury Board Jonesboro is brought to you by Paul N. Ford, J.D. P.A.

Legal Assistance Center

More Info
Paul N. Ford, J.D. P.A. (866) 735-1102 Ext 695
google
Personal Injury Lawyers Serving: Jonesboro, Paragould, Osceola, Blytheville, Harrisburg, Wynne, Forrest City, Marion, West Memphis, Helena, West-Helena
404 S. Main, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 [ Show Map ]
Better Business Bureau Accredited Business Confidential

Your question will be referred to an attorney near you. If your question is of a legal nature, then by submitting this form you agree you are not forming a formal attorney / client relationship. Read our full privacy policy.

Looking for an InjuryBoard attorney closer to home? Click here.

Subscribe to Blog Updates

Enter your email address if you would like to receive email notifications when comments are made on this post.

Email address