Anderson Injury Lawyers | May 28, 2025 | Personal Injury
After a serious accident, you may feel overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Unfortunately, that’s precisely when some people might try to take advantage of you. In Texas, unethical legal solicitation, commonly referred to as “ambulance chasing,” is not only dishonest but also illegal.
Understanding what ambulance chasing looks like and how to protect yourself can help you avoid being misled or pressured during a vulnerable time.
What Is Ambulance Chasing?
Ambulance chasing refers to the unethical practice of lawyers or those working for them contacting injury victims without their prior consent. In Texas, this behavior is illegal under Texas Penal Code § 38.12. Soliciting legal services after an accident without permission is a criminal offense.
Examples of this offense might include:
- In-person visits at the hospital or accident scene
- Phone calls, emails, or social media messages from people you don’t know
- Pressure to sign contracts or accept legal help immediately after an accident
Ambulance chasing can be a third-degree felony, often resulting in fines, disbarment, or even jail time for the person involved.
How Do Ambulance Chasers Get Your Information?
Ambulance chasers will use a variety of methods to track down victims, including:
- Listening to police scanners
- Requesting accident reports from public databases
- Following ambulances or showing up at emergency rooms
- Working with tow truck drivers, mechanics, or hospital staff
- Scanning social media for posts about accidents
Sometimes, they might even pose as witnesses or concerned bystanders before revealing their true intentions.
Signs You May Be Dealing With an Ambulance Chaser
Ambulance chasers often use pushy or manipulative tactics to get clients to sign contracts quickly.
Here are some things to look out for:
- Offers of cash advances or gifts in exchange for signing a contract
- Promises of quick or guaranteed compensation
- Requests to sign legal documents on the spot
- Emotional manipulation or scare tactics
- Individuals who won’t answer direct questions about who they work for
A legitimate legal professional should never try to pressure you into a contract.
Why Ambulance Chasing Hurts Accident Victims
Ambulance chasing isn’t just illegal; it’s harmful.
Victims who fall prey to these tactics may:
- Sign contracts with individuals who aren’t acting in their best interests
- Miss the chance to choose a truly qualified and ethical representative
- Risk having their claim dismissed or reduced due to unethical conduct
- Be unable to trust their legal counsel, adding stress to an already difficult situation
The legal process is challenging enough without questionable actors complicating your case.
What to Do If an Ambulance Chaser Contacts You
If someone contacts you directly after an accident, offering legal services, consider taking the following steps:
- Do not sign anything until you’ve had a chance to do research
- Keep records of who contacted you, including names, business cards, and phone numbers
- Report the incident to the State Bar of Texas or local authorities
- Consult a reputable firm before making any decisions about your case
Victims in Texas may be able to void contracts and recover attorney’s fees after an illegal solicitation incident.
How to Choose the Right Legal Help
Finding the right help after an injury matters, and it should always be your decision.
To avoid scams, look for these qualities in a legal professional:
- A strong reputation in the Fort Worth community
- Transparent communication and no pressure to sign
- Willingness to answer your questions and explain the process
- Experience handling cases similar to yours
- A clear explanation of fees and what to expect
Take your time and speak with more than one firm if necessary. A good legal partner will understand that trust takes time to build.
Stay Informed and Safe After an Accident
Ambulance chasing is an unfortunate reality in Texas. But knowing your rights and being cautious can help you avoid becoming a victim again after an accident. If someone contacts you in a way that feels wrong, trust your instincts, document everything, and seek trusted legal help on your terms.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Texas
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
You can learn more about our law firm at https://maafirm.com/
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
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Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
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(469) 457-4711
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