# What Is an Ambulance Chaser? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Is Ambulance Chasing Legal? 2. How to Spot an Ambulance Chaser 3. How to Find the Right Attorney for Your Case 4. Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![What is an Ambulance Chaser?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/what-is-an-ambulance-chaser-300x200.jpg) “Ambulance chaser” is a phrase that’s commonly heard in reference to personal injury cases. While it’s usually applied to the attorney on the case, the stereotype more accurately describes another involved party: the case runner. Case runners are individuals hired by unethical attorneys who are on the hunt for new clients. These runners are not licensed or experienced legal professionals. Instead, they are middlemen who approach victims at the scene of an accident, pushing the services of a personal injury lawyer. Sometimes, runners will also coerce the victim into visiting a doctor with whom the runner also has an agreement.  Obviously, this method of obtaining new clients is unethical. But is it illegal? Discover the answer to this question and more below. ## Is Ambulance Chasing Legal? Ambulance chasing is illegal in 21 states, including [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/). According to the [Texas Penal Code](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/PE/htm/PE.38.htm), barratry (or case running) is both unethical and criminal. So, if you fall victim to improper solicitation, you may be able to recover attorney’s fees, plus $10,000.  Unfortunately, the law against barratry is largely unenforced – leading some to describe the situation as an [ambulance-chasing epidemic](https://commons.stmarytx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1029&context=lmej) within the state.  Although the practice is illegal, case runners continue to make appearances at crash sites. After listening to police scanners, these individuals will arrive at the scene, offer bribes to the victims, provide false information, and even offer to drive certain victims to a medical office.  If a runner doesn’t arrive at the scene on time to make contact with a victim, they may look elsewhere for information. Ambulance chasers are known to offer bribes to ambulance drivers, hospital workers, and police officers for access to a victim’s personal information.  From there, the runner may harass a victim with house visits, phone calls, and more. Unfortunately, the unethical and illegal nature of these actions does not seem to deter runners in any way.  Because the potential financial reward is significant, these runners will often stop at nothing to attract a new client.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## How to Spot an Ambulance Chaser After a serious [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), victims often suffer from confusion, painful injuries, and even shock. Naturally, this puts a person in a vulnerable state, which is a fact ambulance chasers take advantage of.  To protect yourself from falling victim to a case runner, watch for these telltale signs that you’ve been approached by one: - You receive a call shortly after the accident from a stranger - A non-medical person asks about your injuries at the scene of the accident - A stranger refers you to or offers a ride to a “medical clinic” at the scene - A strange refers you to a personal injury lawyer - You are offered money at the scene These are just a few of the warning signs that an ambulance chaser has approached you. Tell the person to go away if you ever find yourself in such a situation. Make it clear that you are not interested in the runner’s help. After an accident, you want to work with someone who both understands and respects your personal rights. Fortunately, it’s not hard to find a reputable personal injury attorney who will do just that. ## How to Find the Right Attorney for Your Case In the chaotic aftermath of an accident, choosing a qualified attorney may seem like a daunting task. The truth is that finding a good attorney is easier than you might think. These tips will help you get started:  - Ask people you know for referrals - Review the credentials and track records of potential attorneys - Call to schedule a consultation Once you are face-to-face with a potential attorney, you’ll be able to determine whether it’s a good fit. From there, you’ll have everything you need to pursue legal action.  [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Personal Injury Blog Posts: [![Houston Car Accident Statistics](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-car-accident-statistics/) [Houston Car Accident Statistics](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-car-accident-statistics/) Houston has over 2.3 million residents. As the most populous city in Texas, Houston also has more registered [![The Role of a Litigation Lawyer in Handling Civil Lawsuits](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-role-of-a-litigation-lawyer-in-handling-civil-lawsuits/) [The Role of a Litigation Lawyer in Handling Civil Lawsuits](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-role-of-a-litigation-lawyer-in-handling-civil-lawsuits/) Litigation is a formal process in which two or more parties engage in legal action against each other in [![Understanding the Statute of Limitations and Your Personal Injury Case](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-the-statute-of-limitations-and-your-personal-injury-case/) [Understanding the Statute of Limitations and Your Personal Injury Case](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-the-statute-of-limitations-and-your-personal-injury-case/) Each state has a statute of limitations that apply in personal injury cases. The Limitations of [![Houston Texas Lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/iStock-1202095317-300x180.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/personal-injury-settlements-myths-vs-reality/) [Personal Injury Settlements: Myths vs. Reality](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/personal-injury-settlements-myths-vs-reality/) In law, a personal injury describes any damage done to someone's body, mind, or emotions. We all sustain injuries at --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-an-ambulance-chaser/