What to do if your lawyer drops your car accident case?
We’ve had calls where a person starts off by saying, “my lawyer dropped my car accident case please help!” And for every call like that, there are 100 calls where people don’t even try. Our best advice is simple: the first thing you should do is not panic. It is not uncommon for lawyers to drop cases, especially if they do not feel comfortable taking them on. If your lawyer has dropped your case, it does not mean that you do not have a case or that you will not be able to find another lawyer to take it on.
The truth is that your lawyer likely works on a contingency basis. This means that they only get paid if you win your case or settle it out of court. If your lawyer does not think that they can win your case, they may drop it so that they do not waste their time.
That being said, we’ve won cases for clients where other attorneys or insurers or third parties have said that they weren’t entitled to compensation or that acquiring it was unlikely. Just as you would with a serious medical diagnosis, get a second or third opinion. When you’ve made up your mind to try again, what do you do next to ensure you find the right attorney for your car accident case? Because, you wouldn’t want it to get dropped again right?[/fusion_text][fusion_menu_anchor name=”how” /][fusion_text]
How to find a new lawyer?
Before anything, it’s important to understand that while winnable cases are dropped often, it is just as common that dropped cases may simply be unwinnable. Lawyers are often asked to look into cases that simply have no merit. To understand if your situation may or may not have a chance, read this blog:
In essence, you need to prove damages were incurred and compensation is merited. That being said, if you feel that this defines your situation and your case has just been dropped. Here are a few tips to finding a new lawyer.
- Talk to friends and family – When looking for a new lawyer, one of the best places to start is by asking your friends and family if they know anyone who may be able to help you. If you know someone who has worked with a personal injury lawyer before, they may be able to give you a good referral.
- Look online – Another great way to find a personal injury lawyer is by looking online. There are many websites that allow you to search for lawyers in your area, such as Avvo, Nolo, and Lawyers.com. You can also check with your state’s bar association to see if they have any recommendations.
- Contact a local law school – If you cannot find a lawyer on your own, you may want to consider contacting a local law school. Many law schools have clinics where students can help with cases like yours.
- Talk to other lawyers – If you know any lawyers, even if they do not practice personal injury law, they may be able to give you some good referrals.
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What to do while you’re waiting for a new lawyer?
If you have already contacted a few lawyers and are waiting to hear back from them, there are a few things you can do in the meantime. First, gather all of the documentation related to your case, including police reports, medical records, insurance information, and any other paperwork. This will streamline the process for your new lawyer and make it easier for them to take on your case. Additionally, you should keep a journal of any developments related to your case, such as conversations with insurance adjusters or meetings with doctors.
This will be helpful for your new lawyer to have as they begin working on your case. Keep in mind, you need to present to a court a case that has damages and failure for compensation that you feel you are entitled to. Any information that helps the court understand this, a lawyer will need.[/fusion_text][fusion_menu_anchor name=”whenshould” /][fusion_text]
When should you start looking for a new lawyer?
If you have not heard back from a lawyer within a few days of contacting them, it is probably time to start looking for someone else. You should not wait too long to find a new lawyer, as this could delay the process of getting your case resolved.
Urgency is of the essence after a car accident and if you’ve lost time with a lawyer already then it is even more urgent. The reason why its important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident is because the evidence starts to disappear quickly. Eyewitness memories fade, skid marks are erased by the weather, and vehicles are repaired. So if you’ve been in a car accident, time is of the essence.
Additionally, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they do not get paid unless you win your case. This means they are motivated to get you the best settlement possible so they can get paid. So if you feel like your case is not being given the attention it deserves, it may be time to find a new lawyer.[/fusion_text][fusion_menu_anchor name=”howchoose” /][fusion_text]
How to choose the right lawyer for you?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a new lawyer. First, you should make sure that the lawyer you choose specializes in car accident cases. Additionally, you should ask for referrals from friends or family who have used a lawyer in the past. Finally, you should meet with a few different lawyers to get a feel for their personality and how they would handle your case.
Things you want to look out for when hiring a car accident attorney after your case has been dropped:
- Make sure they specialize in car accident cases
- Ask about past results
- Do they have a team?
- Do they outsource their workload to smaller firms or fulfill without third party assistance?
- Have they been featured in periodicals or in the news?
These should get you enough information to bounce back after a previous attorney has passed on your case.
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Tips for working with your new lawyer
Once you have chosen a new lawyer, there are a few things you can do to make the process of working with them go smoothly. First, make sure that you keep them up to date on any developments in your case. Additionally, be sure to communicate your expectations for the case and how you would like them to handle it. Finally, be sure to provide all of the documentation and information related to your case so that they can properly represent you.
And, to reiterate once more, damage is the name of the game. If a car clipped your rear view mirror while you were shopping in a store. Your insurer will likely take care of you. No need to go to a lawyer usually.
BUT, if you are rear ended and think “well it wasn’t that bad and it could have been worse!” STOP. Rear end accidents may seem small and are sometimes dropped by attorneys but the truth is that even smaller rear end accidents can lead to small injuries in the present that can get worse over time.
The point is, call an attorney if you’ve been in a car accident. Especially call an attorney if your case has been dropped. A second opinion never hurts. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you through this process and get you the compensation you deserve.
