Did you know that here are companies that offer prewritten and pre-shot TV commercials for personal injury attorneys? You've probably seen one of these canned ads. Sometimes a famous actor is used (such as William Shatner or Eric Estrada or someone who plays a lawyer on a popular TV show). Other times an attractive man or woman is shown speaking behind a desk, standing in front of a shelf full of law books. or holding a legal book, standing in a courtroom, or doing something else to make them look like a lawyer. Attorneys can buy these ads and then have their name, phone number and web address inserted into the ad.

The ads usually go something like--If you've been in an accident, get the money you deserve. Speak to an attorney for free. Call 1-800-XXXXXXX. The ads are running all over the US in large cities and small towns.

They often target specific types of cases such as car accidents, asbestos, medical malpractice, workmens compensation, trucking accidents, divorce, family law, etc.

What you need to know is that if you respond to one of these ads more often than not your call will be routed to a call center where operators answer the calls. Or to an out-of-state law office that then hands off your case to one of its in-state associates. In either scenario the attorney that you actually end up speaking with may or may not have the skills and experience that you need. Your call is being routed to the next attorney in line, so to speak.

The next in line is an attorney who has paid a fee to be a part of the network. Any attorney with enough money can pay to be on the list, including attorneys who have never tried a case in court. Many times the attorney who has paid the fee is not necessarily the best lawyer for your case.

I'm not saying that all attorneys who use TV advertising are inexperienced or that all attorney ads are routed in this way. Do your home work to figure out the difference and find the right attorney for your case. Search the web, read articles, visit websites, watch videos, talk to friends, and visit more than one attorney's office before you make your final decision. You should not rely on TV advertising alone when choosing a lawyer.