Each year, dozens of crash survivors contact the Crash Support Network looking for help not just with regards to medical treatment or insurance questions, but with a much more personal concern: “How do I switch my personal injury lawyer?” If you’re asking that same question, you’re not alone. This year, several survivors have already reached out to us, frustrated by poor communication, inaction, or just feeling like their lawyer doesn’t care about their claim. Changing representation during your claim might feel daunting, but it’s more common than you think.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer after a motor vehicle crash is one of the most important steps in protecting your rights and pursuing compensation. But what happens if you’re not satisfied with your current lawyer? Can you switch? Should you? The short answer: Yes, you have the right to change lawyers at almost any point in your case. However, it’s a decision that should be made thoroughly. Here’s what you need to know about switching personal injury lawyers and how it could affect your case.
Why Crash Survivors Consider Changing Lawyers
Every lawyer-client relationship should be built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. When that breaks down, many crash survivors feel stuck.
Common reasons individuals decide to change their legal counsel include:
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Poor communication: You feel left in the dark about your case.
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Lack of confidence: You’re not sure your lawyer is fighting for your best outcome.
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Personality conflicts: You feel dismissed or uncomfortable during conversations.
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Stalled progress: It seems like nothing is happening and no one is explaining why.
- No one is responding to your emails and/or phone calls.
Yes, You Have the Right to Change Lawyers
You are legally allowed to change lawyers at any time during your personal injury case. Your new lawyer can even help handle the transition and communicate with your former lawyer on your behalf. Most importantly, most personal injury claims are taken on a contingency fee basis meaning your lawyer only gets paid if you win. If you switch, the lawyers will usually work out how to split the fee, so you don’t pay twice.
Steps to Take If You’re Thinking About Switching
If you’re unsure whether to make a change, here’s how to protect yourself and your case:
- Talk to a new lawyer first – Try not to drop your current lawyer until you’ve found someone ready to take over your case.
- Review your agreement – Look at your contract to understand any terms related to ending your representation.
- Send a written notice – You or your new lawyer will need to formally end the current relationship.
- Transfer your file – Your new lawyer will request all relevant documents and case files from your former lawyer. Your new lawyer should be able to look after the transfer of files on your behalf.
Will Switching Lawyers Hurt Your Case?
Switching lawyers can feel like a disruption, but it often leads to a better outcome. A more responsive, experienced, or dedicated lawyer can significantly impact the quality of your case preparation, negotiation, and even trial strategy. That said, timing matters. If your case is already deep into litigation, the process may be more complex—but not impossible.
You’re Not Alone
We understand this is a hard decision for you to make but you are not the only one thinking about it. This year alone, multiple crash survivors have reached out to the Crash Support Network for guidance on this very issue. Many found peace of mind and better representation after making a change.
Always remember that choosing the right person to represent you can make or break your case. If you feel like your current lawyer isn’t meeting your expectations, you have every right to explore other options. Before making a move, consult with a new personal injury lawyer who has the experience and resources to handle your case properly. The most important thing is ensuring that your rights are protected and your case is handled with the attention it deserves. Communication is key!
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
The Crash Support Network is a unique one-of-a-kind website consisting of an online support group, a crash survivor blog, a quarterly newsletter, “Sharing Our Recovery” as well as highly informative articles. Our website is based on relationship-building and puts the needs of survivors first by creating a helpful resource for victims and survivors of motor vehicle crashes.
