Every now and then, someone comes into our Athens office to meet with a car accident lawyer, explaining that they have an attorney but aren’t happy with them. We’ll explain how you go about the process of changing accident lawyers halfway through your case. If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to contact our office directly.
You and Your Athens Accident Attorney May Not Work Well Together
There are times when you and your lawyer just don’t work well together. Maybe at first, the two of you get along great. Your lawyer returns your phone calls and appears to be working diligently on your case. Over time, however, you start to feel ignored and decide you want a new attorney who will give you personalized attention.
You Have the Right to Change Lawyers Halfway Through Your Auto Accident Case
The truth is that plaintiffs in Athens, Georgia have a right to choose their own counsel. Nobody can force you to hire an accident attorney. Nobody can force you to stay with one either.
If you decide that it’s in your best interest to hire a new car accident lawyer, then that’s what you need to do. Even if you’re halfway through your case, you still have the right to do this.
Why Would You Want to Find a New Athens Car Accident Lawyer?
You may be wondering why somebody would want to change lawyers in the middle of their case. You’re probably afraid that doing this could seriously hinder your ability to collect damages.
The truth is that hiring a new Athens car accident lawyer won’t hurt your case. As long as you choose an attorney that knows the law and has your best interests at heart, you’ll be fine.
How Do You Go About Firing Your Previous Athens Car Accident Lawyer?
You may be uncomfortable telling your current lawyer that you aren’t happy. The good news is that all you have to do is notify your current car accident lawyer that you’re no longer in need of their services.
According to Georgia Court Rule 3.3.11, your lawyer will have to submit a “Substitution of Counsel” form to the court. Your new car accident attorney will do the same thing. Essentially, you need to communicate to the clerk of court that you have a new attorney of record.
You Must Notify Your Previous Lawyer in Writing
It’s not enough that you call your current attorney and tell them you’re firing them. You must notify them in writing. You also need to send your letter via fax and certified mail. The court will need proof that you notified them should your current attorney demand a contingency fee when you settle your case.
The same thing works in reverse. If your Athens accident attorney doesn’t want to represent you anymore, they can request that court approve their removal. They will notify you that they intend to seek removal from your case.
How Can Changing Attorneys Impact Your Chances of Collecting Damages?
You may wonder how changing attorneys will affect your case. As long as you aren’t all that far along, there shouldn’t be any significant changes at all. Your new Athens accident attorney will let the defendant and their attorneys know that they are now handling your case.
If your case is close to settling, hiring a new Athens car accident lawyer could impact your case. The insurance company may say that any previous settlement negotiations are null and void.
If this happens, your new Athens accident attorney will have to build their own relationship with the defendant’s attorney. Then, they’ll be in a better position to negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
If You Aren’t Happy With Your Current Athens Accident Lawyer, Contact Our Office Today
It can be hard to change lawyers in the middle of your car accident case. Most people just stay with their initial attorney because they’re afraid or embarrassed to find a new Athens accident attorney.
We understand how difficult it can be to let your lawyer know that you’re not happy. What you need to remember is that it’s not personal and your attorney won’t take it personally.
Of course, if your car wreck lawyer has done a lot of work on your case, they won’t be thrilled. However, the Rules of Civil Procedure in Georgia give the client this right.
If you’re not happy with your current attorney, contact our office. You can sit down with one of our seasoned Georgia injury lawyers and discuss your case with them. If you decide you want to retain our firm, we’ll take care of the paperwork for you.
We suggest that you contact our office at (770) HELP-NOW and schedule your free, initial consultation.
