The short answer here is yes. You have the right to switch personal injury lawyers in El Paso at almost any stage of your case. If you’ve lost confidence in your attorney and believe they aren’t handling your claim effectively, you can hire a new lawyer without losing your right to compensation.
However, changing lawyers during an active case involves some key steps. It’s important to learning about how the process works and what to expect moving forward.
Reasons You Might Want To Change Lawyers
There are many valid reasons accident victims choose to switch lawyers mid-case. Some common reasons include:
- Lack of communication: Your lawyer doesn’t return your calls and messages
- Disagreements about strategy: You and your lawyer don’t see eye to eye on how to handle the claim
- Unrealistic settlement expectations: Your lawyer is pressuring you to settle for less than you deserve
- Loss of trust: You feel your lawyer isn’t acting in your best interests
- Inexperience: You realize your attorney may not have the experience needed for your case’s complexity
If you’re having doubts, scheduling a free consultation with another Texas personal injury attorney can help you decide whether switching is the right move.
How the Process Works
Switching lawyers during a personal injury claim is typically straightforward. Once you’ve chosen your new attorney, they will handle most of the transition for you.
You’ll need to sign a letter of termination officially ending your relationship with your current lawyer. Afterward, your new attorney will contact the previous one to obtain your case files, evidence, and other relevant materials.
In most cases, your new lawyer will also handle any communication with insurance companies or opposing counsel to avoid confusion or delay in your case.
What Happens to Legal Fees
One of the biggest concerns people have about switching lawyers is how fees are handled. In Texas, personal injury lawyers usually work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation.
If you change lawyers, the old and new attorneys will typically divide the final fee once your case is resolved. You won’t have to pay both lawyers out of pocket. The division is usually based on the amount of work each attorney completed.
Texas law also requires that legal fees be “reasonable,” so courts can intervene if there’s a dispute between lawyers about the fee split.
Will Switching Delay My Case?
In most cases, switching lawyers doesn’t cause major delays, though it can depend on the circumstances of your situation. The sooner you make the change, the easier it will be for your new lawyer to review your case and continue negotiations or prepare for trial.
It’s best not to wait until your case is about to settle or go to court before deciding to switch. Making the change early ensures a smoother transition and helps your new attorney represent you effectively.
Contact Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC for Help With Your Case
If you’re thinking about changing personal injury lawyers in Texas, you have every right to do so. The attorney-client relationship should be built on trust and communication, and you deserve to feel confident in your legal representation.
Schedule a free consultation with Cal Mundell Law Firm today at (918) 250-0700 to learn more about your legal rights and options. We’ll make your case our priority from the moment you hire us to represent you.