Before You Call That Lawyer · PACT
Protect yourself before you sign.
Injured Americans deserve representation that protects them — not contracts that exploit them. Eight questions every victim should ask before retaining a personal injury attorney.
Over half
of your settlement can go to fees
Know the numbers before you sign.
Watch
90 seconds that could save you thousands.
A short animated guide explaining why you should pause before signing.
The system
How the system can work.
Sometimes multiple parties are involved in an injury claim:
A lender may advance money for treatment or living expenses.
Medical providers may treat patients who take on medical debt — paid later from the settlement.
Legal fees, medical bills, and loan interest are all paid out of the same settlement.
Before signing anything, understand:
- Who is being paid from your settlement
- Whether anyone involved has financial relationships with each other
- What interest rates or fees may apply
Your checklist
8 questions to ask before you sign.
Before signing a representation agreement, consider asking the following questions.
Why this matters
Protect your health and your claim.
Most personal injury cases are resolved through settlements that cover both medical costs and legal fees. Understanding your agreement before signing can help you stay informed, avoid unexpected obligations, and maintain control.
Clarity
Understand every line of your agreement before it binds you.
Control
Your medical decisions stay between you and your doctor.
Confidence
Know exactly where every dollar of your settlement goes.
Voices · The cost of not asking
They didn’t get to ask. You can.
Three real accounts from public Yelp and Reddit posts. Each one maps to a question on this page — questions they never knew to ask before they signed.
“The case has been going on for over a year… every time I have tried to get in contact with her by email or voicemail she doesn't reply.”
Yelp reviewer — Jim Adler & Associates
Yelp · Houston, TX
Question 2 — Is my lawyer licensed and accountable?
View source“Despite me having a broken ankle, they spent every session putting stim pads on my back and using an Amazon massage gun on my spine — the doctor told me that's where he got it.”
u/anon — Connecticut
Reddit · r/legaladvice
Question 5 — How are medical referrals handled?
View source“My personal injury attorney dropped my case 3.5 months before the statute of limitations is up — he had the case for a year. He never filed a legal case. I have 18 days left.”
u/anon — California
Reddit · r/legaladvice
Question 1 — Can I review the contract first?
View sourceIf any of this sounds like you, your story can help the next person learn to ask before they sign.