Ambulance Chasers?

Author: Patrice B. Newman, Lawyer
First Posted: Feb. 9, 2010
Revised:

Everyone has heard stories about personal injury lawyers, or "ambulance chasers," chasing down big bucks for people who claim they are injured, but are not really injured at all. I'm happy to say that I really don't know any lawyers like that. Maybe they only exist in Hollywood, but that stereotype is certainly out there. Everybody knows a joke that takes a shot at a lawyer in its punch line.

The Truth about Personal Injury Lawyers

The truth is that most personal injury lawyers I know only represent clients that are truly hurt. All of my clients have suffered "real" injuries. Insurance companies do not part with their money willingly, and they certainly don't give it away to those who don't deserve it.

At least half of my injured clients retain me after making honest, earnest efforts to deal with insurance companies (such as ICBC) by themselves. These clients were convinced that, surely, "in their case," the insurer would be reasonable. However, my clients call me when their injuries are lingering, and in their view, the adjuster seems to have lost interest in their case. The calls have stopped being answered, and their accident benefits have been cut off. The client wonders, "What is happening?"

The Sooner the Better

The sooner you speak to a lawyer after you are injured, the better. The evidence which arises in the first few months of the accident is often the most important. This is your evidence which will prove your pain, suffering, and losses. A lawyer will help you gather and control your evidence.

Achieving proper compensation for injuries is not easy. Trying to do so while disabled and in pain can be overwhelming. Once you retain a lawyer, you are relieved of dealing with the insurer, because your lawyer will take over. In fact, once you retain a lawyer, the insurer is prohibited from speaking to you, and must only speak to your lawyer. Your lawyer will gather your medical and wage loss evidence. She will converse with your physiotherapists and doctors to ensure that you're on the right road to recovery, and that you are compensated for all of your losses, especially ongoing and permanent injuries. She will head up all communications, negotiations and in-court matters, on your behalf. In a nutshell, an experienced personal injury lawyer is on your side.

Final Thoughts

Just remember, the person who caused your injuries has a major corporation and endless resources on their side. An accident can be devastating; physically, emotionally, and financially. In these difficult circumstances, you owe it to yourself to have an experienced professional on your side.

If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident or by the fault of another, contact Patrice B. Newman to obtain a free consult to discuss your rights.