Personal injury lawyers add to woes of car crash victims, survey shows

"Victims of car crashes often have their problems compounded after retaining a personal injury lawyer, one poll has found."

"A November survey conducted by Protecting American Consumers Together, a national advocacy and educational organization, found that 92% of crash survivors were contacted by attorneys after the incident; 38% say they were approached within 24 hours of the crash."

"The poll also noted that 73% of accident victims were sent to specific doctors and clinics by their lawyers; 32% said they were under pressure to continue treatment. Two-thirds of the those surveyed said their debt increased at the beginning of the process, according to LegalNewsline.com."

"Some quotes from respondents include: "The attorney was not looking out for my best interest," and "The attorney seemed to be more concerned about himself than me.""

A November survey by Protecting American Consumers Together reported that 92% of crash survivors were contacted by attorneys after their incidents and that 38% were approached within 24 hours. Seventy-three percent of accident victims were referred to specific doctors and clinics by their lawyers, and 32% reported feeling pressure to continue treatment. Two-thirds of respondents said their debt increased at the beginning of the legal process. Several victims described attorneys as prioritizing their own interests over clients', citing statements such as "The attorney was not looking out for my best interest" and "The attorney seemed to be more concerned about himself than me."

Read at ABA Journal