Are you wondering if it’s possible to change personal injury lawyers?

Even though you may have thoroughly researched your chosen personal injury lawyer before hiring them to file your personal injury claim, you may decide it’s time to change. You might not believe they are doing right by you, or they simply aren’t the best person to take on your claim.

In that case, you might be wondering if you can change your personal injury lawyer after a claim has been filed. In short, you can, but allow us to offer a more in-depth answer to this question below.

If you’ve been injured in an accident and hired a personal injury lawyer, it’s possible that you may not be satisfied with their services. In such cases, you may be wondering if you can switch to a different personal injury lawyer. The answer is that yes, you can change your personal injury lawyer anytime you want. However, there are several factors you need to consider before making a decision.

Reasons to Change Personal Injury Lawyers

One of the most common reasons to change your personal injury lawyer is if you’re not satisfied with their communication or representation. This could mean that your lawyer is not actively pursuing your case or keeping you updated on its progress. In such situations, you may want to consider hiring a different lawyer who can better meet your needs.

Another reason to change personal injury lawyers is if you’re not comfortable with the fees they’re charging you. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. However, some lawyers may charge higher fees than others, which can be a concern if you’re not satisfied with their representation.

You may want to change personal injury lawyers if you feel that your case is not moving forward as quickly as it should. Personal injury cases can take a long time to resolve, but if you feel that your case is not progressing at all, you may want to consider hiring a new lawyer.

Factors to Consider When Changing Personal Injury Lawyers

Before switching personal injury lawyers, there are several factors you need to consider. The first is to make sure you have a valid reason for wanting to change lawyers. Being unhappy with the progress of your case may not be enough to warrant a change, so you should speak to your current lawyer first to express your concerns.

Timing is another factor to consider. Changing lawyers in the middle of your case can be disruptive, and it may take some time for your new lawyer to get up to speed. So, consider the stage of your case and the potential impact of a change in lawyers.

The potential cost of changing lawyers is another factor to consider. While you may not be happy with your current lawyer’s fees, switching to a new one can be expensive. You may have to pay your old lawyer for the work they’ve already done, and your new lawyer may charge additional fees.

Lastly, do your research before hiring a new lawyer. Look for a personal injury lawyer who specializes in cases like yours and has experience in handling similar cases. You should also consider their fees, communication style, and reputation in the legal community.

Statistics on Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases are common in the United States, and the numbers are staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for people aged 1-44 in the United States. In 2019, there were over 39 million emergency department visits for injuries, and over 166,000 people died from unintentional injuries.

Personal injury cases can be complicated, and they can take a long time to settle. According to the American Bar Association, the average personal injury case takes between 12 and 24 months to settle. However, some cases can take several years to resolve.

Motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls, and medical malpractice are some of the most common types of personal injury cases. According to the National Safety Council, there were over 4.5 million motor vehicle accidents resulting in injury in 2019, and over 36,000 people died in motor vehicle accidents.

Changing personal injury lawyers is a common practice, but it’s essential to consider several factors before making a decision. Valid reasons for changing your lawyer, timing, cost, and researching a new lawyer are crucial factors to consider.

Why Do People Change Their Personal Injury Lawyer?

You might not even consider changing your personal injury lawyer if you sign on with a reputable firm. However, people change lawyers for a whole host of reasons.

Some people are unsatisfied with the level of communication they receive, such as a lawyer who doesn’t return calls or emails. Not being satisfied with the direction of the case, being unsure of the lawyer’s strategy, and being pressured into settling are also common reasons.

Some people just have a bad feeling that their lawyer’s experience levels won’t allow them to get the job done or think their case isn’t going anywhere.

How Do I Change Lawyers Once I’ve Hired One?

Firing a lawyer is not as easy as hiring one, as there’s a process you need to follow. Firstly, review your legal services contract to determine if there’s a provision for terminating your attorney-client relationship. Your lawyer may have their own specific process to follow.

You can then hire a new attorney once you’re certain you can end your relationship with your former one to ensure you won’t be left to manage your personal injury claim on your own for any length of time.

The next step involves writing a formal letter to your attorney stating that you’re terminating the relationship. In this letter, request that your case files be sent to your new attorney and provide their contact information.

If your case is pending before a court, notify them of your decision. Your old attorney will file a motion to withdraw, and your new one will file a motion for substitution of counsel. This can get the ball rolling to carry on building your case with a new, reputable law firm and lawyer.

Why Can I Not Change Lawyers?

Even though you have the right to change personal injury lawyers, stemming from the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution relevant in criminal cases, that doesn’t mean your request will be granted in all situations.

Sometimes, if changing your lawyer delays a case, the courts may decide not to permit the change. You may also not be allowed to change lawyers if the lawyer you choose to work with has a conflict of interest. Fortunately, most personal injury lawyers look for potential conflicts before they decide to take on your personal injury case.

Changing lawyers might seem like a complicated undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re not feeling confident in your lawyer’s abilities or want to benefit from the skills of one with more experience, there are just a few steps you need to take. Everyone has the right to be represented by someone they trust.