Ambulance Chasers

Many people have heard of ambulance chasers, but are not sure what the term actually means. An ambulance chaser is an attorney who visits accident scenes and hospitals to solicit clients. This practice is not only unethical; in California, it is also against the law. If you have been hurt by another person’s negligence, it is true that you may need a San Francisco personal injury lawyer. However, an ambulance chaser is not working in your best interests, so it is important you understand how to spot one, so you can avoid working with one.

The term ‘ambulance chasers’ got its name due to the image of attorneys who chase actual ambulances trying to speak to accident victims. Of course, this does not really happen. Some unethical attorneys do speak to other individuals who are in close contact with victims of accidents.

These individuals could be law enforcement officers who wrote and filed a police report, or doctors who are treating you in the hospital. Sometimes a lawyer will hire what is known as a ‘runner’ or ‘capper’ to obtain your records. Many people do not realize that things like police reports are public record in San Francisco. An attorney may have a runner review these records, and the runner may even contact you instead of the attorney.

Runners, and the attorneys who hire them, are not looking out for your best interests. They do not care if you are receiving proper medical care or how severe your injuries are. They simply want to take your case to settle it so they can receive a portion of your compensation quickly and move on to the next case. This practice is not only unethical and illegal, it has also been denounced by the California State Bar.

Ambulance chasers place accident victims in San Francisco in a tough position. They know that they need help, and they want to work with a San Francisco personal injury lawyer who truly cares about their case and will work hard to get them the full amount of compensation possible.

The surefire way to spot ambulance chasers is that they will contact you shortly after an accident. After a car crash, a slip and fall, or any other accident, you may need an attorney, but a reputable and honest attorney will not contact you. Instead, you should research different personal injury attorneys in San Francisco and determine who you feel is the right fit for you. Only then do you contact them. If a lawyer is visiting you in the hospital before you have contacted one, that lawyer is not the right legal representation for you.

If you have been hurt by someone else’s wrongdoing, you cannot take your chances with an ambulance chaser. At the Brod Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys in San Francisco are honest and ethical, and only want to help you claim the full amount of compensation you deserve. We will listen to the full details of your case, assist you with getting proper medical treatment, and hold insurance companies accountable for paying you a fair settlement. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 for your free consultation so we can start discussing your case.