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<\/a><\/p>\nThis is my final \u201cstaring into the abyss\u201d blog – a collection of reflections on things that trouble me about the legal profession and the insurance industry today. Unfortunately, one of the byproducts of having the worst car accident law in the nation<\/a> is that some Michigan personal injury lawyers have become increasingly desperate to sign new clients. They will say things – and put things on their web sites – to sign a case that would make the worst used car salesman or politician blush with shame.<\/p>\n For example, these lawyers say they’ve received millions of dollars in trial verdicts, even when it’s a complete lie \u2014 and even when they haven\u2019t tried cases in years or ever received a million- dollar jury verdict.\u00a0 These lawyers make outrageous statements about making millions of dollars every year. I know one attorney who boasted tens of millions recovered for clients in one year and a 99 percent settlement rate! These lawyers also say they understand certain complex specialized areas of personal injury, such as traumatic brain injury<\/a> or truck accidents<\/a>, even if they have almost no real experience and certainly no proven results at trial with such cases.<\/p>\n What people don\u2019t understand that lawyer advertising is truly comparable to the wild wild west these days, as there is very little oversight and regulation. This is especially rampant on the Internet.\u00a0 And these lawyers will continue to exaggerate and outright lie to sign cases until they’re caught – when some client they’ve lied to files a grievance.<\/p>\n There is one thing you can do to protect yourself.\u00a0 Ask your prospective lawyer to “source it” when they make a statement.\u00a0 You would do it if you were buying a toaster, so why wouldn\u2019t you when making what may be one of the most important decisions in your life? There is nothing wrong or impolite with asking a lawyer to back up a statement he makes about himself. When you see something in quotes, like \u201cbest lawyer in Michigan\u201d or \u201ctop car accident lawyer,\u201d ask to see where that quote comes from, or if that lawyer just invented the phrases out of thin air and is now fishing to lure unsuspecting personal injury victims.<\/p>\n Luckily, today there are a number of independent and peer-review services that rate lawyers for legal ability and ethics.\u00a0 Some of the best are Martindale Hubbell<\/a>, Best Lawyers in America<\/a> and Super Lawyers<\/a>. There are also helpful web sites like Avvo<\/a>.\u00a0 See if these services have rated and reviewed the attorney you are considering hiring.<\/p>\n You can also look to see if that attorney has demonstrated mastery in his subject field of expertise.\u00a0 Does the lawyer teach at seminars<\/a> and speaking engagements, and has he been elected to leadership positions in legal organizations? These aspects show the respect and admiration of peers, which means you will get the best representation.<\/p>\n Another important way to find top lawyers is to look for or ask for testimonials from real people who have been in the same situations as yourself. Read here for more tips on finding the most qualified auto accident attorney<\/a> and truck accident lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n Again, when a lawyer says something, whether it is trial results and settlements<\/a> achieved each year, or how great he is, ask for proof. It is not rude, it’s smart.<\/p>\n Remember, if you have been injured in a serious car accident, the lawyer you hire will be one of the most important decisions you will make.\u00a0 There is no book out there that says what someone\u2019s pain and suffering is worth.\u00a0 The same case may settle for double or more depending on the skill and reputation of the lawyer involved.<\/p>\n In many of my cases, people are seriously injured and may never work again.\u00a0 Soon the insurance company starts playing games, like cutting off critical no-fault insurance benefits<\/a> or sending accident victims to notorious \u201csecond opinion\u201d doctors for \u201cindependent\u201d medical examinations<\/a>.<\/p>\n I know my clients depend on me, and that responsibility is incredibly affirming and humbling.\u00a0 It’s gratifying to read what many of my own clients have written about me in testimonials<\/a> on web sites like Avvo or Google Local after I\u2019ve helped them.<\/p>\n To wrap up my “Staring into the abyss”<\/a> series about insurance company abuse and lawyer deception in Michigan, I’d like to remind my cherished clients and friends that it’s vital to find a lawyer who cares more about you than himself<\/strong>. There are many personal injury lawyers today who do dedicate themselves to helping people. These are lawyers who truly care about and believe in our civil justice system.\u00a0 Unfortunately, some of the worst offenders are often also some of the loudest and most blatant in their exaggerations and lies.<\/p>\n Like everything else in life, buyer beware.\u00a0 Be careful. Take your time, and do your research. – Steven M. Gursten<\/a> is recognized as one of the nation\u2019s top experts in serious car and truck accident injury cases and automobile insurance no-fault litigation. Steve has received the largest jury verdict for an automobile accident case in Michigan in four of the past seven years, including 2008, according to a published, year-end verdicts and settlements report.<\/em><\/p>\n – Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by Don Hankins<\/em><\/p>\n Related information:<\/strong><\/p>\n Car Accident FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n Top Auto Accident Lawsuit Mistakes <\/a><\/p>\n Dealing with Michigan Car Insurance Companies <\/a><\/p>\n For more on staring into the abyss of insurance company abuse in Michigan:<\/strong><\/p>\n Michigan Lawyers Taking Attorney Fees on Voluntary No-Fault Insurance Benefits<\/a><\/p>\nHow to Protect Yourself from Lawyer Fraud and False Advertising<\/h3>\n
Hiring the Right Lawyer<\/h3>\n
\nGood luck.<\/p>\n