Car accidents are traumatic, and the legal mess that follows often makes things worse. In 2021, traffic deaths hit a 16 year high with 42,915 people losing their lives. With so many crashes happening, more people are finding themselves stuck in the legal system for the first time. It is a stressful spot to be in. If you are going through a personal injury claim right now, you might feel like you are locked into a contract with the first person you hired. But what happens if your current legal help is failing you? You might feel stuck, but you have more power than you realize.
Why you might want a new lawyer
Most people hire a car accident lawyer right after a crash while they are still in shock. It is a quick decision made during a crisis. Later on, you might realize it was a bad match. Maybe you noticed your lawyer is missing deadlines or failing to return your calls for weeks. Communication is the biggest issue for most people. If your lawyer does not update you on what is happening, it is nearly impossible to trust them with your future. Other times, the problem is about the money. You might disagree with the actual strategy they are using. Maybe they are pushing you to take a tiny settlement from the insurance company just to get the case over with. Or perhaps you feel they are not doing the work to prove how much your injuries really cost you in medical bills and stress. If you feel like your lawyer is acting unprofessional or just does not have the right experience for your specific crash, it is perfectly okay to look for someone else. You deserve someone who takes your recovery seriously.
The legal right to make a change
Here is the good news. It is completely legal and actually quite common to change your representation while your case is still active. If your case is in the early stages of investigation or negotiation, the process is simple and straightforward. You have the freedom to choose a new firm, and usually, they will take over the boring paperwork for you. It happens more often than people think.
How the firing process works
Firing a lawyer is not as scary or dramatic as it sounds in the movies. You do not need to have a long, awkward talk in person or a heated argument. You just need to put your intent to end the contract in writing. Once you hire a new firm, they often handle the heavy lifting for the transition. They will reach out to your old lawyer to get your case files, notes, and evidence. This keeps things professional and clean. If you are already in the middle of a trial, you should stay calm and think it through. You will need to give your new legal team enough time to learn the facts of your crash so they can catch up. It is always a smart move to get a second opinion before you send that termination letter. You want to be sure your new firm has a strong track record and great reviews from other people in your situation.
Dealing with the costs of switching
A major worry for most people is the bill. Most personal injury lawyers work for a contingency fee, which means they only get paid if you win. You might worry that you will have to pay two separate fees and lose all your money, but that is not how it works. Your new lawyer will talk to your old one and they will divide the single fee based on how much work each person actually did. However, you should check your original contract for any specific debts or costs you still owe for things like filing fees. Switching very late in the game can be more expensive if the new lawyer has to rush to catch up on months of work. Always check your budget and the timing of your case before making the move.
Timing and the statute of limitations
Time is a huge factor in any legal claim. Every state has a strict deadline called the statute of limitations. If you wait too long to switch, a new car accident lawyer might not have enough time to build a strong case before the clock runs out. If a trial is starting in a few days, a judge might even block the switch to keep the court on schedule. It is better to make the change as soon as you feel like something is wrong.
Choosing the right help can change the outcome of your life. You deserve someone who will fight for the money you need for medical bills and lost wages. If you are not happy with your current representation in Las Vegas, call Friedman Injury Law at (702) 970-4222. We can look at your case and help you decide if making a switch is the right move for your future.