What is “Ambulance Chasing”?

What is “Ambulance Chasing”?

You may have heard the term “ambulance chaser” in passing and wondered what it meant. This derogatory term is used to describe the behavior of lawyers who use “runners” — people who aggressively attempt to persuade victims of an injury to file a claim in order to promote their own law firms and solicit new clients. 

The visual that the term implies is of an attorney following an ambulance with the assumption that they can generate some new business quickly from the injured parties. In the United States, ambulance chasing is prohibited by the Model Rules of Professional Conduct.  

However, this does not mean that hiring an injury attorney following an accident is a bad thing. In fact, seeking out a trusted lawyer to evaluate your rights is one of the most beneficial things you can do following a car accident or another injury. 

How to Recognize an Ambulance Chaser 

Understanding the signs of an ambulance chaser can help you to identify if a lawyer that approaches you fits this description. Often, ambulance chasers make false claims to persuade you to work with a specific law firm. While it can be tricky to determine this, there are a few things to look for, including: 

• Runners who promise that you will receive a large financial recovery in order to convince you to sign agreements confirming you will use their firm’s services. 
• Offering help at the scene of an accident, like calling a tow truck or the police, while gathering information about the injured party that their law firm can later use. 
• Once this information is obtained, the law firm can send letters, marketing materials, or even call you to see if they will use their services. 
• Showing up at the hospital after an accident in order to attempt to convince you to hire a lawyer from a specific firm. 

Finding a Reputable Attorney You Can Trust 

Working with a lawyer that you can fully trust is essential because this is one of the most important relationships you will have while going through the claims process. Whether you decide to file a claim in the event of an injury or decide not to, the role of your attorney is to present you with the legal knowledge and guidance to make an informed decision. A reputable lawyer will take their time speaking with you, gathering information, and answering your questions. If you feel uncomfortable or pressured to work with a specific lawyer, that may be a sign to keep looking. There are many trustworthy lawyers available, and you can also check to see if a law firm is in good standing with their State Bar Association. 

Contact a Skilled Kansas Personal Injury Attorney

Suffering from an injury can be devastating and painful, with a long road to recovery. If you have been injured and have reason to believe another party is at fault, it can be helpful to understand your legal options. The team at Pyle Law does not ambulance chase, but we are here and available to speak with those who are in the hospital dealing with injuries. We are dedicated to helping our clients and understand how challenging it can be to experience a serious injury.  Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and to discuss the details of your situation.