The other day a client came to my office that had been involved in an accident many years ago. The claim sounded serious and he appeared to be anxious and highly stressed, insisting on telling me the entire story. I asked a few questions, but told him as politely as I could that I could not help him. It was not what he wanted to hear especially so early in the interview. He asked why, but it was pretty simple. We take over a lot of claims from other lawyers, but as a general rule we will only take over a file from another lawyer if we are the second lawyer. On a very rare occasion we will agree to accept a file if we are to be the third lawyer, but we don’t accept cases where we will be the fourth or fifth lawyer.
This potential client had already been through many different lawyers. When a person changes lawyers so frequently it is a sign that the client is experiencing difficulty that a lawyer cannot address. Car accidents can be especially difficult on all parties, as psychological injuries suffered add extra stress to the process. Regardless of who is at fault for the need to change lawyers, most experienced lawyers will not take on a file if they are the third or fourth lawyer.
A person who changes lawyers frequently will have a very difficult time finding a good lawyer to take over their claims. If you need a lawyer as a result of a car accident, it is important to choose well the first time. You need a lawyer that has proven ability and record of success, but also a lawyer that understands you and your life. And after you have chosen don’t change lawyers unless you have a good reason and you have tried to work things out. Call us at 416-533-7133 for a free consultation if you are looking for a lawyer.