When it comes to personal injury attorneys, it’s important to be aware that not all of them are created equal. Choosing the right experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial for getting the best possible outcome for your case. Here are five signs it may be time to switch to a new lawyer.
- The Communication with your Lawyer Breaks Down
One of the most important aspects of the attorney-client relationship is clear and regular communication. Your lawyer should be keeping you updated on the status of your case, explaining things in terms you understand, and answering your questions promptly. If your calls and emails are going unreturned for days or weeks, it’s likely time to find someone new.
- Your Personal Injury Attorney Seems Overloaded with Cases
Despite the number of lawyers steadily increasing over the past few years, with more than 1.32 million active in the US as of 2024, many lawyers still find themselves overrun with cases. This can negatively impact your chances of winning. For this reason, you want to ensure yours has a reasonable caseload. While an experienced personal injury attorney will have a number of active cases at any given time, they shouldn’t be so overloaded that yours gets neglected, because that could be considered as law malpractice. If they are stretched too thin, it may be a sign it’s time to switch to someone who can provide more focused attention to your case.
- You Don’t Feel Your Attorney Has Your Best Interests in Mind
A good personal injury lawyer should make you feel like a priority, not just another case file. If you get the sense that yours is more concerned with quickly settling for their own bottom line versus fighting for the full value of your claim, it may be wise to look elsewhere.
With the median award for personal injury cases being $31,000, you need an attorney truly committed to securing the maximum damages, not pushing for a quick settlement. If it doesn’t seem like yours has your best interests at heart, it could be time to find one who does.
- The Personal Injury Lawyer Lacks Relevant Expertise
Not every personal injury lawyer has the same background and skills. For instance, a car accident claim requires different expertise than a medical malpractice suit. Make sure any lawyer you hire has specific experience handling cases similar to yours.
- Your Case Has Stalled
In recent years, the number of cases filed in the United States has been increasing, with 65.5 million in 2022. With heavy caseloads bogging down the legal system, you need a personal injury lawyer who will take action to move your case forward in a timely manner actively. Don’t settle for delays.
If it’s been months since your lawyer has made any progress moving your injury claim forward, this lack of action could signify it’s time for a change. From collecting evidence and conducting investigations to negotiating with insurance companies, an experienced personal injury lawyer should be actively working to advance your case and get results. Unreasonable delays could negatively impact your claim. Don’t stick with a lawyer who drags their feet.
Choosing the wrong personal injury lawyer can sabotage your chances at fair compensation. Pay attention to any of these five red flags that it’s time to switch representation. Finding one with the skill and dedication to fight for your desired outcome makes all the difference.
