Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic in many different industries, including the legal sector. People who may have previously consulted with an attorney after a motor vehicle collision or similar incident might turn to AI to understand their rights. They might use AI to compose an email to an insurance provider or liable party.
AI may seem like a more cost-effective solution than retaining an attorney. However, there are many key services that a lawyer can provide that AI simply cannot, including the six below.
1. Providing accurate information
People mistakenly assume that AI is infallible. In reality, it is prone to errors due to inaccurate information spreading online. It is also prone to hallucinations, where it completely fabricates information. An attorney can provide information based on insurance paperwork and state law, whereas AI may not provide accurate insights.
2. Represent plaintiffs in the courtroom
AI can only provide responses to written questions or text based on prompts. People cannot rely on the software to actually advocate for them in court. A human lawyer can be physically present to make a compelling case in civil court or to negotiate with insurance companies.
3. Understand ethical consequences
AI tends to answer based on what a user wants to hear. A lawyer has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of their clients. They are also bound by the ethical standards imposed on all legal professionals.
4. Build an emotionally-compelling case
AI can hint at aspects of the case that have emotional implications. However, it cannot tap into the feelings of individuals in the courtroom the way that an attorney can. A lawyer can craft an argument in a manner that drives home the emotional consequences of an injury and the importance of justice.
5. Form a relationship based on trust
The best legal relationships lead to a lifetime of consultations and cooperation. AI is simply an algorithm gleaning information available online and repackaging it for users. It cannot have a true relationship with the people using the software, even if it tries to humanize the way it communicates. A lawyer can understand a person’s prior experiences and current needs in a way that software never can.
6. Take legal accountability
If AI hallucinates information and costs an injured person the opportunity to take legal action or reduces the compensation they receive, the software does not face any consequences. An attorney is subject to an ethical duty and professional standards. They typically carry malpractice insurance, which can help compensate their clients if they make a major mistake in a courtroom or during negotiations.
AI can be helpful, but it cannot replace the knowledge and personalized service provided by an actual attorney. Discussing a personal injury lawsuit with a lawyer can help people understand their rights and pursue the best possible outcome.
