Beware of people who show up after a car accident saying they represent lawyers and medical clinics. These predators not only are breaking the law but their greed could keep you from getting good medical care and expert legal representation.
Attorney Mitch Ginsburg knows their scams by heart since these con artists have been operating in San Antonio, where he heads a Jim Adler office. Ginsburg says the most common scam involves a “solicitor” who contacts the person involved in the accident saying he’s from an insurance company, a doctor’s office or the police. He then directs the injured person to a specific clinic using several ploys: “We will pay (insurance) or “I recommend this doctor” or “We will file your claim for you.” When the victim goes to the clinic, he or she is ushered into a room where a representative persuades them to hire a specific lawyer. After that, Ginsburg says, the victim almost always has trouble getting in touch with the lawyer and the doctor is usually affiliated with a clinic that provides substandard care and is under investigation by the insurance industry. These scams are apparently on the rise elsewhere.
Remember: Attorneys are not allowed to contact accident victims until 30 days after an accident and then only by mail. No telephone calls or knocking on your door. That’s a crime called barratry.
Think barratry is rare? News 4 WOAI in San Antonio documented how quickly scammers work. They buy accident reports from police then place calls to unsuspecting victims with all sorts of glowing, but phony, promises about outstanding medical care and legal representation. If you get a call after an accident or find a visitor at the door, don’t agree to anything. Contact a good attorney on your own and get the expert legal and medical attention you need.
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Comment by Salt Lake City Lawyer — January 22, 2009 @ 12:03 pm