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1)  If you are injured and are contacted directly by a lawyer, a private investigator, a doctor or anyone pushing you to a certain lawyer or doctor, you should not even speak to those people and you should most certainly not hire the lawyer or see the doctor whom they are pushing you towards.

This practice of getting new clients, often referred to as using “runners” , is illegal/unethical in the State of Maryland.  Still, some lawyers do it.  It is detrimental to victims and no good lawyer would practice this way.

2)  If the lawyer you are interviewing charges more than 1/3 of the total recovery, you should consider another lawyer.  

There are some practices that a few lawyers do that scream run away.  This of course is my opinion, however when you finish reading, I think you will agree.

When To Run Away: Lawyers To Avoid

Unfortunately, there are many law firms and lawyers doing this.  Fortunately, there are many more good personal injury lawyers who do not charge more than a 1/3 fee.

3)  If the lawyer charges to handle your property damage in connection with an injury claim or charges a percentage of your Maryland PIP recovery, consider another lawyer.

Most personal injury lawyers will handle your property damage and Maryland PIP in connection with an injury claim.  They will charge 1/3 of the recovery for the injury claim and not charge anything for helping to get your car fixed or collecting your PIP.  Of course, if you hire a personal injury lawyer for a property damage only claim they will charge for this.

4)  If the lawyer does not know what the claim for diminished value is or does not think that it is a collectible damage, choose another lawyer.

Diminished value is a claim for the loss of value your car suffers when it is involved in an accident, even if it is completely repaired.  A good personal injury lawyer recognizes this claim and will advise you on the feasibility of it.