If you’ve been in a car accident in Houston or anywhere in Texas and now your phone won’t stop ringing with strange calls, you’re definitely not the only one that’s experiencing this.
Many car accident victims report being contacted by people offering “help” with medical care, legal services, or insurance claims. Unfortunately, these calls often cross the line into illegal solicitation and Texas law takes this seriously.
This article explains why you’re getting these calls, what the law says about them, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Why You’re Getting These Calls
1. Accident Report Loopholes
In Texas, police accident reports are generally restricted, but certain details can still leak through various channels. Some third parties use creative (and sometimes illegal) ways to access this information.
2. Third-Party Data Sales
Hospitals, tow companies, and even some medical clinics have been caught selling accident information to “lead generators.” These companies then sell your contact details to lawyers or service providers.
3. Social Media Oversharing
If you post about your accident on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, scammers may scrape your post and use it to target you with unsolicited calls.
Common Caller Types After a Crash
You might hear from:
- “Resource services” offering help with recovery
- “Insurance advocates” claiming to work with your insurer
- “Medical help lines” pushing specific clinics
- “Case review teams” promising quick settlements
All of these can be warning signs especially if you didn’t contact them first.
Is It Legal? Understanding Barratry in Texas
Barratry happens when a lawyer, or someone working for them, reaches out to you directly after an accident without your permission.
Under Texas Penal Code §38.12:
- Lawyers can’t cold-call or text accident victims.
- Non-lawyers (“runners”) can’t approach you on behalf of an attorney.
- Even third-party “help” services that steer you toward a lawyer can be violating the law.
Penalties for barratry can include fines, suspension, disbarment, and even criminal charges.
How to Spot a Scam or Illegal Solicitation
Red flags include:
- Caller refuses to give a full name or company name
- Caller pressures you to act quickly
- Vague answers about how they got your information
- Claiming they’re from your insurance company without proof
Some scams even spoof local numbers to seem more legitimate.
What to Do if You Get One of These Calls
Here’s what you should do if you ever receive these types of calls after an accident:
- Don’t engage – Hang up immediately.
- Document everything – Write down the time, date, phone number, and any names given.
- Report it – State Bar of Texas, Texas Department of Insurance (if insurance-related)
- Never sign anything – Scammers sometimes send fake forms disguised as legal paperwork.
Can You Sue Over This?
Yes. Texas law allows you to sue lawyers or companies that illegally solicit you after an accident. If you hired them because of an illegal solicitation, you can:
- Get your attorney fees refunded
- Potentially recover additional damages
Preventing Future Harassment
- Request redaction of personal details when possible
- Use caution when filling out forms after an accident
- Avoid posting accident details on social media until your case is resolved
- Consider using a secondary phone number for non-essential communications
Attorney Omar’s Promise
We don’t cold-call accident victims. We believe trust is earned through results and integrity, not through harassment. If you or a loved one has been contacted by someone offering legal help you didn’t request, we can explain your rights and help you take action.
📞 Call Attorney Omar today for a FREE consultation.