Until a few years ago, artificial intelligence was something reserved for science fiction. Then ChatGPT 3.5 released at the end of 2022, and everything seemed to change. Suddenly, AI was everywhere. Of course, there’s debate on whether LLMs (large language models) qualify as actual “artificial intelligence,” but that has done little to stop the widespread use and hype.
Over the past few years, people have started relying on AI platforms and chatbots for countless situations. Some even look to places like ChatGPT for AI legal help. This has quickly brought about numerous concerns due to inconsistencies with AI accuracy and the consequences of misinterpreting the law.
It’s easy to see the advantages of using AI for legal guidance, at least in theory. After all, lawyers are seen as expensive and intimidating, whereas AI platforms are cheap (if not free), and they can be accessed with your phone or computer from anywhere in the world.
But what if there was a free alternative to AI legal help that offered better results while avoiding the moral dilemmas often associated with AI? We’ll get to that in just a moment, but first, let’s get a better understanding of how AI is affecting legal situations.
The Rise of AI in the Legal World
The prevalence of AI really can’t be understated. One study showed as many as 56% of people have used platforms like ChatGPT for legal advice. But it isn’t just everyday citizens that are using AI bots for legal assistance. According to a 2023 survey from the American Bar Association, roughly 35 percent of law firms reported using some form of artificial intelligence technology in their practice, with usage increasing among larger firms.
It isn’t surprising that people are experimenting with AI legal help. If you’re trying to figure out what to do after a car accident, you want answers immediately. AI can provide general information within seconds. Theoretically.
While AI is incredibly powerful on the surface, it’s not without its issues. And when those issues bleed into the legal world, serious problems can arise.
The Problem with Relying on AI Legal Help
We have previously discussed the concerns with using AI for legal advice. AI tools generate responses based on patterns in data, much of which is found on the internet. Though the internet has a lot of great data, it also has a lot of made up nonsense (shocking, we know). On top of that, there’s a disconnect between an AI bot and the user.
They do not know you.
They do not know the full details of your accident.
They cannot review your medical records or speak to an insurance provider.
And of course, they cannot represent you in court.
Beyond the obvious, there’s the underlying issue that AI has a tendency to make things up. This is known as AI hallucination, and though companies like OpenAI try to downplay it, it continues to be a serious issue in the latest models.
Platforms like ChatGPT and Llama have been shown to hallucinate as much as 88% of the time when asked about legal matters. Even platforms specifically trained for AI legal help and related matters can hallucinate as much as 34% of the time. This can result in you taking the wrong actions, missing out on critical steps, and ultimately failing to win your case, whatever it might be.
In many cases, AI is simply giving the illusion of assistance, leaving you with a false confidence while setting you up for failure. So the question becomes, what should you do instead? We have an answer for that.
A Free Alternative to AI Legal Help
We completely understand the appeal of using an AI chatbot for legal assistance. All you need to do is hop on a computer, go to a website, and start asking questions. You don’t even have to pay for many of the services that are out there.
But what if there was a solution that offered the same advantages without the concerning consequences?
There is: scheduling a consultation with an experienced attorney.
No, this is not a trick or a scheme, though it can vary depending on what type of case you have and what type of lawyer you are speaking to. If you’re involved in an accident or injury case, most lawyers offer free consultations where you can ask questions and learn about your options. At The Richards Firm, every consultation is free, and you don’t even have to visit an office or leave the comfort of your house.
While we’ll happily host you at our office or meet you at a public space, we can also have your consultation over the phone or via a video call. We’ll even visit your home in person if that’s what you’re most comfortable with.
So, if you’re looking for answers to your legal questions, you can get professional advice for free without leaving your home. Like we said, it’s all of the benefits of AI legal help without the potential consequences. While we can’t speak for other law firms, our legal team will never pressure you into signing any contracts, and you’ll never be hit with hidden fees. In fact, we work on a contingency fee, which means you don’t owe us anything until we obtain a result for you.
And the benefits go further. Should you decide to move forward with our services, we can handle communications with insurance adjusters, authorities, medical facilities, other involved parties, and more. With The Richards Firm, you only pay if we win your case.
In other words, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
When to Speak to an Attorney
The best time to speak to an attorney is as soon as you are able to.
Many people wait because they assume their case is simple or that the insurance company will handle everything fairly. Unfortunately, what seems straightforward at first can quickly become complicated. Medical issues may worsen, fault may be disputed, and insurance adjusters may attempt any way possible to settle for less than you deserve.
If you are facing significant medical bills, missed work, or long-term treatment, it is important to understand the full value of your claim before agreeing to anything with an insurance company. Once you accept a settlement, you generally cannot go back and ask for more compensation, even if new complications arise. An attorney can evaluate your damages, including future medical expenses and lost earning capacity, to ensure you are not left covering costs on your own.
There is also the matter of determining fault.
You should never admit to fault at the scene of an accident, even when it seems obvious. As you speak to insurance companies and authorities, make sure to avoid discussing fault in these situations as well. There may be details you’re unaware of, or you may not be thinking clearly in the moment. By speaking to an attorney sooner rather than later, you can start building your case and determine where fault truly lies.
States like Ohio use modified comparative negligence rules, which means your compensation can be reduced if you are found even partially at fault. Investigation, evidence gathering, and strategic communication can make a significant difference in how fault is assigned, and an attorney can help with all of this and more.
Lastly, speaking to an attorney does not mean you are committing to a lawsuit or entering into a formal agreement. As we’ve said, most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations. Should you agree to have them represent you, they work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay unless they recover compensation for you.
Just the free consultation can have a huge impact on the outcome of your situation, even if you don’t go any further with the attorney’s legal services.
Justice Goes Behind Large Language Models
We understand why people turn to AI legal help. When you are injured, stressed, and unsure what to do next, typing a question into a search bar feels easier than making a phone call and may be less intimidating than meeting with an attorney at an office. Seeing the answers pop-up instantly leaves you with a feeling like you’re making progress and that AI is there to help you in an instant.
However, the law is complicated, and justice is personal.
An injury case involves your health, your income, your family, and your future. Algorithms do not understand the emotional toll of chronic pain. They do not see the frustration of mounting bills. They cannot sit across from you and answer your questions face to face.
We know that law firms can be intimidating. Some folks attribute negative reputations to attorneys. We can only speak to our firm, but we can assure you that we are first and foremost here to help injured people.
The Richards Firm was founded on the idea of making the legal system more accessible to people in need. We strive to be as convenient as AI legal help, but much more reliable and personalized. From the moment you reach out to us, you will always be treated as an individual. Should you decide to move forward with us as your attorney, we will do everything we can to aggressively represent your needs and achieve the best outcome possible.
While we can never undo the situation you’ve experienced, we can help you reach a point where you’re able to move forward. That’s something that an AI chatbot simply can’t do.
If you are considering AI legal help because you want free guidance, give us a try instead. For an accident attorney in Butler County, Ohio, contact The Richards Firm today at 513-461-0084 or click here to schedule a free consultation online.