If you've recently been in an accident or faced a stressful legal situation, your phone may start ringing with unexpected calls offering help from lawyers, “case managers,” or so‑called referral services. People claiming to "help with your medical care." If that happens, you should know this: in Texas, that kind of solicitation may be illegal. 

At Garza Martinez, PLLC in Edinburg, we believe in educating our community so you can make informed, confident decisions. One topic many people aren’t familiar with—but should be—is barratry.

What Is Barratry?

Barratry is the illegal solicitation of clients. In simple terms, it’s when someone—often posing as a “runner” or “case finder”—contacts you after an accident or arrest and tries to pressure you into hiring a specific lawyer or signing legal documents. Texas law makes this a crime because it exploits people at their most vulnerable moments.

Barratry can happen through:

• Unsolicited phone calls after a crash or arrest
• Strangers showing up at your home or hospital room
• Someone offering gifts or money to sign legal paperwork
• High-pressure tactics to get you to hire a lawyer immediately

This behavior is also known as “ambulance chasing,” and Texas has some of the toughest laws in the country to prevent it.

Is Barratry Illegal in Texas?

Yes. Under Texas Penal Code §38.12, barratry is a criminal offense. It can lead to:

• Criminal charges—sometimes felonies
• Disciplinary action against the attorney involved
• Civil penalties and lawsuits

Even if an attorney didn’t personally make the illegal contact, they can still be held responsible if someone acting on their behalf broke the law.

Your Rights as a Consumer

Texas law doesn’t just punish solicitors—it protects you. If you were contacted illegally, you may be entitled to:

• Void any contract you signed
• Receive a refund of fees you paid
• Potentially recover $10,000 in statutory damages

That means if someone pressured you into signing up with a lawyer after an accident, you have options—and you’re not stuck.

How to Spot Illegal Solicitation

Here are some red flags that the person contacting you is breaking Texas law:

• You didn’t ask for the call or visit
• The person claims to work “with your insurance” or “with the hospital” but wants you to sign attorney paperwork
• You’re offered money, rides, medical treatment, or gifts
• You’re told to sign quickly or risk “losing your case”

If any of this sounds familiar, trust your instincts—something isn’t right.

Why Barratry Matters

Barratry harms real people. It takes advantage of injured individuals and their families at a time when they’re overwhelmed and trying to recover. It also undermines trust in the legal system.

At Garza Martinez, PLLC, we believe clients deserve respect, honesty, and the freedom to choose their own lawyer without manipulation or pressure.

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted, We Can Help

If you received an unsolicited call or visit after an accident or legal situation, contact us. We can explain your rights, help you determine whether barratry occurred, and guide you on your next steps.

Our team is here to advocate for you—always lawfully, ethically, and with your best interests first.

Garza Martinez, PLLC
202 E. Sprague Street
Edinburg, Texas 78539
(956) 335-4900
garzamartinezlaw.com

If you’re looking for a trustworthy Edinburg, Texas personal injury lawyer, our door is always open.