Warning to Accident Victims: Beware of Runners Scams and Exploitation

Warning to Accident Victims: Beware of Runners Scams and Exploitation

Accidents can be life-altering events. Whether they result in physical injury, emotional trauma, or significant financial distress, the aftermath is often overwhelming. As you begin to navigate the process of recovery, medical treatment, and insurance claims, you may find yourself vulnerable. Unfortunately, this vulnerability can attract individuals or groups seeking to exploit your situation for personal gain. One such threat you should be aware of is the increasing issue of "runners."

What Are Runners?

In the context of personal injury and accident cases, "runners" are individuals who actively seek out accident victims—often by using unethical or illegal means—and try to recruit them for services, such as medical treatment, legal representation, or other support. These individuals are typically paid for providing "leads" to lawyers, healthcare providers, or even claims processors.

While some runners may approach victims directly, others may use more covert methods, such as contacting hospitals, insurance companies, or police records to gather information about individuals involved in accidents. Runners may not care about the victim’s best interests; their primary goal is to make money by pushing you into the hands of businesses or attorneys that pay for clients, often without concern for the quality of service they offer.

How Runners Exploit Accident Victims

1. Medical Exploitation: Runners often partner with clinics or medical providers who offer "quick" treatment to accident victims. These providers may overcharge for unnecessary treatments or services, and the runner may take a cut of the fee. Some victims may even be encouraged to undergo treatments they don’t need, leading to unnecessary procedures and potentially worsening their health. In the worst cases, victims might find themselves with overwhelming medical bills that are not covered by insurance.
2. Legal Manipulation: Many runners target accident victims to get them to sign up with certain lawyers. These lawyers may not be the best fit for the victim’s case, and their focus is often on maximizing their own fees rather than securing the best possible outcome for the victim. In some cases, the attorneys involved may have questionable practices, such as referring cases to other firms that don't offer personal attention or fair representation.
3. Fraudulent Claims: Some runners may even go so far as to encourage or coach accident victims into filing exaggerated or entirely false claims. This can not only damage the victim's case but could also lead to legal trouble. Filing fraudulent insurance claims can result in criminal charges, fines, or loss of benefits.
4. Insurance Scams: Runners can also target victims who are in the process of filing insurance claims. They might suggest they can help speed up the process or offer "special" connections with insurance companies. In reality, these runners are often working to manipulate your case for their own benefit, often taking a portion of your compensation without offering any real value.

Red Flags That You’re Dealing with a Runner

1. Unsolicited Offers: If someone contacts you shortly after your accident, offering to help with medical treatment, legal representation, or an insurance claim without you asking, be wary. Runners often target people who are in a vulnerable state just days or hours after the incident.
2. Aggressive or Pushy Behavior: Runners often pressure accident victims to act quickly. They may say things like, "You need to see this doctor now" or "You have to sign with this lawyer right away to get the best deal." Legitimate professionals will allow you time to make decisions that are best for you.
3. Questionable Credentials: Runners may not have clear, verifiable credentials. They might be vague about their professional background or refuse to provide you with information about the services they offer. Always check the legitimacy of anyone you interact with after an accident.
4. Promises of Quick Cash or Fast Results: Be cautious if someone promises a quick settlement or large payout. Accident claims can take time, and there are no guarantees. Anyone who claims they can guarantee a fast and substantial settlement is likely a scam artist.

How to Protect Yourself from Runners

1. Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney: Consult Trusted Sources. Take your time finding an attorney with a solid reputation in accident or personal injury law. Do not feel pressured to sign contracts or make decisions on the spot.
2. Do Your Research: Before accepting any medical treatments or legal services recommended by someone unsolicited, research the providers. Check online reviews, verify credentials, and ask for references if necessary.
3. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you are dealing with a runner, tell the legitimate lawyer you have chosen, as mentioned above. He can report them to local authorities, your state’s bar association, or the insurance commissioner. Laws protect consumers from this kind of exploitation, and authorities need to be aware of the problem to take action.
4. Stay Calm and Informed: The more informed you are about your rights, your legal options, and your medical care, the less likely you are to fall victim to a scam. Don’t let the emotional aftermath of an accident cloud your judgment. Take your time, do research, and only work with established professionals.

How Runners Use Funding to Entice Accident Victims to Use Their Recommended Attorneys

One of the most concerning tactics that runners use to prey on accident victims is offering upfront funding or "advance money" as a way to get them to sign on with specific attorneys or medical providers. This tactic can be particularly enticing for victims who are facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, or other financial hardships as a result of their accidents.

How It Works

Runners may approach victims with promises of immediate financial relief. They may claim to have connections with attorneys who can secure funding quickly, or they might even offer cash upfront in exchange for the victim agreeing to use a particular lawyer or clinic. These offers often seem like a lifeline—especially when accident victims are struggling to pay for treatment or daily living expenses.

Runners may use different methods to offer this "funding," such as:

1. Upfront Cash Advances: The runner may offer to provide an advance on the victim's potential settlement or insurance payout. The victim may be told that the advance will be deducted from their final settlement once it comes through, and they are typically encouraged to sign with a specific law firm that works closely with the runner.
2. Loans for Treatment: Sometimes, runners may claim they can help secure loans or lines of credit that will cover medical treatment costs immediately. These loans are often tied to specific healthcare providers or legal firms, and the victim is encouraged to see a doctor or attorney who is affiliated with the runner.
3. Insurance "Reimbursement" Offers: In some cases, a runner may suggest that they have the ability to speed up the reimbursement process for any medical expenses incurred due to the accident. The catch is that the victim must sign with a lawyer who has agreed to share a portion of their fees with the runner for providing the lead.

The Hidden Dangers of These Funding Offers

At first glance, these funding offers may seem like a quick solution, but they come with significant risks:

1. High Interest Rates and Fees: The upfront cash or loans offered by runners often come with exorbitant interest rates or hidden fees. In some cases, the victim might find themselves in even worse financial strain down the road, especially if the anticipated settlement is delayed or lower than expected.
2. Limited Legal or Medical Choices: By accepting funding from a runner, victims are often bound to work with specific attorneys or healthcare providers. While the runner may promise that these lawyers or doctors are the "best" for the case, they might not be the most qualified or experienced, and the victim may lose the ability to choose professionals who are truly suited to their needs.
3. Conflict of Interest: Runners may encourage accident victims to use a particular lawyer who is willing to pay for leads, but this creates a conflict of interest. The lawyer’s priorities may shift from providing the best representation to maximizing their own profits by handling a large volume of cases referred by runners. This can result in subpar legal services or delays in processing the victim's claim.
   Insurance Fraud Risk: Some of the funding arrangements offered by runners may involve unethical or illegal tactics, such as manipulating medical records or overstating injuries. This could open the door to insurance fraud and, if discovered, could lead to serious legal consequences for the victim.
4. Scams and False Promises: Some runners will promise quick money but never deliver, leaving the victim stranded without the financial help they were promised. Victims might be left with mounting debt, unpaid bills, and a questionable legal situation.

Protecting Yourself from These Funding Offers

• Don’t Rush Into Signing Anything: Even if a runner offers immediate financial help, don’t sign any agreements or contracts on the spot. Take time to carefully review your options and seek advice from a trusted attorney or financial advisor.
• Verify the Source of the Funding: If you are being offered funding, ask for detailed information about how the process works, what fees are involved, and whether there are any long-term obligations. Research the companies or individuals providing the funding to ensure they are legitimate and trustworthy.
• Look for Transparent Legal and Medical Providers: Trustworthy professionals will never pressure you into making decisions quickly or accept financial incentives for bringing clients their way. Seek out well-established attorneys and healthcare providers who operate with transparency and integrity.
• Consult an Independent Attorney: Before agreeing to any funding offers or accepting a runner’s recommendation, consult an independent lawyer who is not involved with the runner or their affiliates. A lawyer who represents your best interests will help you make informed decisions and guide you through the claims process without any hidden agendas.

Final Thoughts

By understanding how runners use funding as a tactic to control victims, you can avoid falling into their trap. Always approach financial offers with caution and prioritize working with professionals who have a genuine interest in helping you recover, not just profiting from your misfortune. While it’s crucial to seek medical attention and legal representation after an accident, it’s equally important to be cautious about whom you trust. Runners prey on the vulnerable, but with knowledge and vigilance, you can protect yourself from falling victim to their unscrupulous tactics.

Remember, legitimate professionals will respect your need for time, privacy, and informed decision-making. Always take a moment to pause and verify anyone offering you unsolicited help. Your well-being and your rights matter, and it’s your responsibility to ensure you’re working with trusted and reliable individuals who have your best interests at heart.