Stephen Hasner | Personal Injury | May 25, 2022
Most people are familiar with the term “ambulance chaser.” Typically, this is used as a derogatory name for personal injury lawyers.
The term derives from the idea that some attorneys follow ambulances in hopes of finding clients. Although this stereotype is common, the reality is much different.
In the following post, we will discuss the reality of “ambulance chasing” and how it pertains to personal injury law.
What Is Case Running?
In some instances, “ambulance chasing” does occur. But contrary to popular belief, attorneys rarely engage in this practice. Instead, those called “case runners” do it. In many instances, case runners are people hired by injury firms to secure more clients in any way possible.
This may include listening to police scanners, bribing accident and injury victims, providing false information, and more. Sometimes, these case runners are compensated by doctors.
In these situations, case runners may pressure victims into receiving a medical assessment from a physician with whom they are associated. After providing patients to the doctor, they are given a robust “referral fee.”
Case runners may purchase your information from police officers, ambulance drivers, or hospital staff members. This type of activity is deeply unethical and illegal.
But because of the ability to profit from this type of action, case runners operate across the country. It’s important to understand how these ambulance chasers operate and avoid them following an accident.
What Do Ambulance Chasers Do?
Accident victims may not understand why it’s so important to avoid these individuals, but choosing to provide information to a case runner wastes your valuable time.
While the case runner is attempting to sell your case to the doctors or attorneys they work for, nobody is adequately investigating your case. This may cause you to miss important legal deadlines, such as the statute of limitations for filing your case.
On the other hand, contacting an honest and trustworthy personal injury law firm ensures that you have someone working for you and preserving your legal rights.
Case runners are working in their own best interests and do not care about covering your medical expenses, repairing your property, or recovering compensation for you. A trusted legal professional, however, will only receive payment if they recover the damages that you need and deserve.
Don’t trust a case runner with your valuable personal injury claim. Make sure that you reach out to an accomplished legal professional to get justice following your accident or injury.
Spotting an Ambulance Chaser or Case Runner
Even if you know that you should not work with a case runner, spotting these individuals can be difficult. Many runners engage in obvious and conspicuous tactics, but others are more subtle.
Regardless, it’s critical to keep the following in mind in the aftermath of a collision or other accident.
Some signs that you are being targeted by a case runner include:
- The person is a stranger
- The person visits your hospital room
- The person contacts you shortly following your accident
- The person asks questions about your injury
- The person refers you to a specific doctor
- The person offers you a ride to a medical facility
- The person refers you to an injury attorney
- The person offers you money
If someone approaches you in any of these ways after you have been injured, be wary. When you have been hurt because of another person’s actions, it’s critical to contact a knowledgeable and trustworthy legal professional.
A reliable personal injury firm will work diligently to secure the best outcome for you, not only for themselves.
Contact the Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers at Hasner Law, P.C. For Help
For more information, please contact the Atlanta personal injury law firm of Hasner Law P.C. at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
678) 888-4878
Hasner Law PC – Savannah Law Office
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
