“Many victims who hired a personal injury attorney after a crash find that aggressive, immediate outreach is routine and often accompanied by ‘free’ claims and value offers that strongly influence hiring choices,” she added. “Many felt rushed into signing and came away believing the process serves attorneys more than clients, citing misaligned incentives, constant pressure, drawn-out timelines, unexpected costs and a loss of control over their own care.”

After an accident, aggressive attorney solicitation is the norm

A full 92% report an attorney reaching out to them after their accident including 57% who say more than one reached out.
Nearly all (94%) who were contacted by an attorney say they were contacted within one week of their accident, including 38% who were contacted within 24 hours.
Contact spans multiple channels, with phone calls (87%), emails (38%), and text messages (28%) as the most common methods.

Costly financing arrangements are pushed by attorneys

Half of respondents took on a medical lien or a lawsuit/settlement advance or loan, with nearly seven-in-ten (68%) who did so saying the attorney or someone from their office first suggested or arranged it.

Promises of “free” services and value offers cloud hiring decision-making

Nearly half (46%) were promised their legal service would be free of charge.
Of those who were promised that the service would be free of charge, nearly all (96%) said this promise was very or somewhat important for their decision to hire an attorney in the first place.
More than a third (36%) report receiving offers of value tied to choosing a lawyer, citing rental cars, cash or gift cards, free medical consultations, and waived towing/storage fees.

Attorneys are not just involved in the medical treatment plan; they are directing it for their clients

Respondents said their attorneys were involved in their medical treatment plan, including paying medical bills (40%), choosing doctors (35%) and what types of specialists to see (37%), and scheduling appointments (23%).
About 75% say their attorney referred them to specific doctors and clinics.
One-in-five respondents were told NOT to use their health insurance for treatment, and nearly one-in-three (32%) felt pressured to continue treatment longer than needed.

(Photo Credit: PhotoSpirit/Adobe Stock)

Special Reports /

U.S. drivers face aggressive personal injury attorneys after a crash

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