Can I Switch Car Accident Lawyers Mid-Case?
A car accident takes a tremendous toll on all aspects of life when it causes a serious injury. A successful car accident claim recovers compensation for damages that can otherwise be overwhelming, such as medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, and lost earnings. It also provides additional compensation for pain and suffering.
When the results of a car accident claim really matter, it matters who navigates your claim and provides crucial legal counsel throughout the process. When you feel like you’ve missed the mark with your choice of car accident lawyers, you may wish to hire a new attorney, but can you change attorneys in the middle of a case?
An experienced Oklahoma City car accident attorney at Dan Davis Law can help you understand your options if you’re considering making a switch.
Changing Car Accident Lawyers In the Middle of a Case
It’s legal and acceptable to change lawyers in the middle of a case, and it’s probably more common than you’d think. In some cases, the court of your jurisdiction may have to grant approval to change attorneys if your case has become a lawsuit filed in court due to an insurance company’s failure to offer an acceptable settlement. Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of car accident cases are resolved with settlements and don’t require a trial.
If your car accident case is still in the investigation or negotiation process, you are free to switch to a new car accident attorney of your choice. Your new attorney will handle your disengagement with the previous lawyer.
Why Change Lawyers During a Car Accident Case?
There are many reasons you might wish to change car accident attorneys in the middle of your car accident claim. Some of the most common reasons for attorney changes include the following:
- Lack of progress on your case
- The attorney misses deadlines
- Lack of communication, or failing to return your phone calls
- You disagree with the attorney’s strategy
- You feel the attorney has undervalued your claim
- Your car accident attorney has questionable ethics or unprofessional behavior
- The attorney has a conflict of interest
- The attorney lacks or fails to retain knowledge of essential aspects of your claim
- You feel your attorney’s contingency fee is too high
- Your car accident lawyer has pressured you to accept a settlement you feel isn’t adequate for your damages
In other cases, a lack of trust and confidence in the attorney, or even a bad rapport, can trigger the desire to change to a new one.
Will Changing Attorneys Adversely Affect My Case?
If you had valid reasons to doubt your previous lawyer’s abilities, hiring a new car accident attorney who has good reviews and positive client testimonials can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. However, it’s also important to consider the timing. If the statute of limitations is nearly out on your case, a new attorney may not have adequate time to familiarize themselves with the necessary details to make a compelling claim. If you have an upcoming trial, the judge may not approve of a change of attorneys at this stage.
Do I Have to Pay My Previous Car Accident Lawyer for Their Work?
Most personal injury attorneys use contingency-based fees, meaning you only pay them for their services if and when they win your case. Once you’ve changed attorneys, your new car accident lawyer will contact your original one, and they will decide how to divide the contingency fee based on the amount of work each attorney did on your case.
If you’re considering changing attorneys or need guidance on how to protect your claim, contact an experienced Oklahoma City car accident attorney from Dan Davis Law today at (405) 930-4210 to ensure your case is handled effectively.