Constant television commercials with all kinds of gimmicks -- tigers and bulls, 24-hour answering services, sports they played in high school, and much more! We hate them too and miss the days when lawyers were not allowed to advertise. Like picking a doctor or other professional, you asked around and hired a lawyer based on references, reputation and personal introduction.
Here's just a few things we've seen in the "fine print" that flashes on the bottom of these ads:
"Compensated dramatization" "Paid actors, not actual clients"
"choice of a lawyer should not be based solely on advertisements"
This last one actually appears while the lawyer encourages you to sign up online, in less than 5 minutes, without ever meeting the lawyer! You also hear "we don't get paid unless you get paid." It's called a "contingent fee," which is a percentage of the recovery, and we all do it for injury cases. Saying it on TV is just part of the "dramatization" gimmick.
If you are injured in an accident, it is important to speak to an attorney before dealing with insurance companies, even your own. They will contact you quickly in the hope you do not seek experienced counsel and advice. It can, however, wait until tomorrow it it happens after 5 p.m. or until Monday if it happens on a weekend. Your health and recovery come first.
I strongly encourage you not to hire an attorney from a letter, call or television commercial. You should first speak to people you trust, and then interview potential attorneys in person before such an important decision. We are unfortunately in a day and age where both insurance companies and lawyers take advantage of tragedy. For this reason, we offer free answers to questions about the overwhelming issues you will face in the days & weeks after an accident, including whether hiring a lawyer is even necessary for your particular case.
|