Unfortunately, people who had an accident find that they receive ample calls from unknown persons who want to talk about their accident. For Texans, we suggest legal representation from Loncar Lyon Jenkins to handle these bothersome calls. Consider the following questions before talking to or answering any questions from unknown callers.
Who Is Calling Me?
In short, someone who is trying to take advantage of you. They know that people can be vulnerable after an accident and are trying to benefit from your accident. We can classify these calls into three types:
- Scammers:These callers might pose as a lawyer, a doctor, a victim’s advocate, or a member of the police. What they are trying to do is to get you to reveal personal information. Some of these callers can be sophisticated and even try to get you to visit a clinic, log onto an online site, or fill out forms.
- Business Solicitors:These are lawyers, but these calls are unethical. The American Bar Association (ABA) has clear and strict guidelines on how a legal firm can solicit business. No ethical law firm would resort to cold-calling accident victims. An established attorney spends a lot on advertising and is careful about how they operate.
- Insurance Adjusters: You may receive calls from an insurance adjuster, either looking to offer you quick, lowball settlement or to get you to record a statement. Do not speak to insurers without a lawyer. They are looking to use what you say against you or simply offer you a settlement that’s less than what you deserve.
What Do They Want?
For scammers and business solicitors, they want your money, plain and simple. This could be through fraud or getting you to hire a “doctor” or “lawyer” to service your needs. If the caller has persuaded you to visit a clinic or offer personal information, think twice. With insurance adjusters, they are hoping you’ll accept a low settlement and move on so that they don’t have to deal with your case anymore.
Protect your personal and accident information, only discuss it with your hired legal representative.
How Did They Get My Number?
You may begin to receive calls from scammers and business solicitors once your accident has been reported to your insurance company, the police, an auto body shop, doctor, etc. This is because your accident has been reported to various organizations, and some of these organizations have contracts with cold calling companies and other businesses.
Their goal is to gain your personal information or business. But after an accident, you need to focus on yourself; as a good rule of thumb, do not speak with cold callers. Instead, you or a loved one should call a reputable lawyer, auto body shop, your GP doctor, etc., to aid you following an accident.
How Should I Handle the Call?
Simply put, scammers and business solicitors should not be calling you. The easiest thing to do is say that you are not interested. It should be enough, but some of these callers can be persistent.
Next, tell them that your attorney handles all accident-related calls and ask for their contact information to refer your attorney to the caller. Do the same with an insurance adjuster.
If these callers keep harassing you, you can choose to block them. But first, pass along their phone number and any other information you have to your attorney.
Can I Report the Call?
The best way to report calls in Texas is through the State Consumer Protection Offices. These calls are unprofessional at best, and you should report them.
If you use the services of an attorney, such as one with Loncar Lyon Jenkins, you can mention the call, and they can investigate the callers and their intentions.
Who Can I Contact About Legal Services?
After your accident, you can call Loncar Lyon Jenkins if you need professional advice. We cover the entire state at our firm and will be happy to speak with you in Spanish if you prefer. If you can’t visit one of our offices, we will come to you; this is especially true if you are still recovering from your accident injuries.
This first conversation will allow us to evaluate your case, suggest how you might proceed, and advise avoiding unknown callers. You will get to know us and the service we provide, and you can, of course, raise any questions that you might have along the way.
Please note that we offer most of our services on a contingency basis. This means that you won’t have to pay us anything until we have helped you get the compensation you deserve. If we lose your case, you will not pay legal fees.
Loncar Lyon Jenkins Can Help
Treat any unsolicited call as you would any other nuisance caller. Politely but firmly, deal with the call and then block the number. These people are trying to take advantage of you; don’t let them do so. While many callers may claim to want to help you and offer you legal, medical, or financial assistance, they are conning their way into your life, and it will only cause more damage.
As for calls from insurance adjusters, refer them to your Dallas car accident lawyer as they will handle communications and negotiations with them if necessary. Contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins for your free case review and discuss your pesky phone calls after an accident.
