Tort law
Personal injury lawyers add to car crash victims’ woes, survey finds
Car accident victims often find their problems worsen after retaining the services of a personal injury lawyer, a survey shows. (Photo from Shutterstock)
Car accident victims often find their problems worsen after retaining the services of a personal injury lawyer, a survey shows.
A November survey by Protecting American Consumers Together, a national advocacy and education organization, found that 92 percent of accident survivors were contacted by attorneys after the incident; 38% say they were approached within 24 hours of the accident.
The survey also indicates that 73 percent of accident victims were referred to specific doctors and clinics by their attorneys; 32% reported being pressured to continue treatment. Two-thirds of those surveyed said their debt increased early in the process, according to LegalNewsline.com.
Some quotes from interviewees include: “The lawyer was not looking out for my best interests” and “The lawyer seemed to be more concerned about himself than me.”
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