How to Protect Yourself From Unethical Practices After a Wreck
After a car crash, your focus should be on healing, not dodging scam attempts. But for many accident victims in Mobile and across Alabama, that’s not the reality. Some organizations are targeting injured people with questionable medical referrals and pressure tactics aimed at profiting from someone else’s pain.
Attorney Dean Waite is warning the public about what he calls a “growing and troubling trend” in Alabama: accident victims being steered to so-called clinics that provide little to no legitimate care, and may end up damaging their legal case in the process.
Local Clinic Raises Concerns About Patient Treatment
A recent investigative article in Lagniappe Daily highlighted one such operation: South Alabama Medical & Rehab on Old Shell Road. Despite its signage suggesting licensed spine and rehab services, the report revealed that patients often don’t see a doctor, chiropractor, or licensed medical provider at all.
Even more alarming, the clinic is reportedly tied to a Texas-based network that has previously been labeled a racketeering operation, allegedly built to maximize profits from injury claims rather than provide real treatment.
“Assuming the allegations in the Lagniappe article are correct, it is certainly questionable healthcare,” said Waite. “It appears to be a situation largely designed to exploit vulnerable accident victims and inflate claims for financial gain.”
Why This Puts Victims at Risk
The damage from these setups goes far beyond bad care. Victims may unknowingly:
- Rack up inflated or unnecessary medical bills that insurers later reject
- Lose credibility in the eyes of the insurance company or the court
- Be pushed to work with lawyers they didn’t choose, and who may not even practice in Alabama
- Jeopardize their entire claim by signing documents they don’t understand
“These operations don’t have your best interests in mind,” Waite said. “They’re not trying to help you heal—they’re trying to maximize someone else’s profit from your pain.”
Watch for These Red Flags
Dean Waite & Associates advises accident victims to stay alert for signs of potential solicitation or referral scams:
- You receive an unsolicited call, text, or in-person visit after your crash
- Someone pressures you to go to a specific clinic or treatment center
- They make promises about guaranteed money or quick payouts
- You’re asked to sign legal or medical documents without a proper explanation
Real Guidance Comes From a Local Injury Attorney
“The safest thing to do if you’re injured in a wreck through no fault of your own is to hire a local injury attorney and let their office guide you through the process,” Waite said.
He emphasized that no legitimate insurance company will call up an injury victim to recommend a clinic, and anyone who does may be violating the law. In Alabama, it’s illegal to solicit accident victims on behalf of a business or law firm without an existing relationship.
Protecting Alabama Crash Victims From Day One
At Dean Waite & Associates, LLC, we take these cases seriously because we’ve seen firsthand how these tactics can derail someone’s recovery. We offer free, no-pressure consultations to help injury victims get real answers—without falling into the wrong hands.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, don’t wait. Don’t guess. And don’t trust someone you’ve never heard of who suddenly calls you after your accident. Talk to a local team that knows Mobile and knows how to fight for your future.
"You only get one chance to get this right," Waite said. "Don’t let someone else’s scheme derail your future."
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck, don’t take chances with your recovery. Contact Dean Waite & Associates, LLC today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Don't Hesitate...Call Dean Waite!
"My experience was top tier. The customer service was excellent. Whitney was amazing; she answered all my questions and kept me in the loop during the entire process. I would recommend them if you need a great lawyer for your accident." — T.G., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐