The call comes at dinner. A case drags. Updates feel thin. Confidence drops. The big question arises: can a client change lawyers in the middle of a personal injury case? Yes. The right to switch is real, and smart timing protects the case. This guide shares how to change counsel, what to expect with fees, and how Avrek Law Firm helps keep claims moving. For anyone hit while walking, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Phoenix can make that shift feel manageable.
Yes, You Can Change Lawyers
Clients control who speaks for them. In Arizona, ethics rules say a lawyer must step out without harming the client after discharge. File transfer, and the case continues. The ethics rule on ending representation sets that duty.
Feeling stuck is common. Calls may go unanswered. Strategy never gets explained. A Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney who communicates and plans the case can change the outlook fast.
Signs You May Need A New Advocate
Not every rough week means a switch. Look for patterns. These red flags suggest a change might help:
- There is no clear plan for medical records or experts.
- Missed calls for weeks.
- Pressure to accept a low offer with no analysis.
- Confusion about fees or costs.
- No timeline for treatment updates or demands.
If these issues stack up, consider a pedestrian accident attorney in Phoenix, Arizona, who will reset the plan and keep records tidy.
How To Switch Without Breaking Your Case
A safe switch follows a few simple steps. Keep it calm and organized.
- Read the agreement. Know the fee terms and cost rules.
- Consult a replacement first. Line up the next lawyer before ending the old one. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Phoenix can review the file and map the next moves.
- Send a short termination note. Thank them, ask for the complete file, and name the new lawyer for transfer.
- Tell insurers and providers. Give the new contact info to stop stray calls.
- Confirm deadlines. Ask the new team to check statutes and court dates.
- Track costs. Keep receipts and provider bills for smooth reimbursement.
Fees, Costs, And That Prior Lawyer Lien
Here is the part most clients worry about. Will two lawyers mean two full fees? In a standard contingency setup, the fee is still one percent of the recovery. The former lawyer may claim a share of that fee for the value of past work, or a lien on the settlement. Arizona guidance notes that new counsel should explain that a portion of the contingency may be owed to prior counsel and must hold any disputed funds in trust until resolved.
Arizona ethics rules also require the former lawyer to protect the client during withdrawal. That means prompt file transfer and steps that avoid harm to the case.
Out-of-pocket costs are separate from fees. Medical records, filing fees, and experts fall in this bucket. A new Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer can walk through cost ledgers and request proof before any payout.
Deadlines Matter More Than Feelings
Trust matters. So does timing. Statutes and claim windows keep ticking even during a switch. Move with purpose, since waiting too long can ruin your claim. If a case involves a sidewalk fall, a hit-and-run, or a crosswalk crash, missing a notice window can shut the door. A pedestrian accident attorney in Phoenix will calendar every date and file on time.
Why Work With Avrek Law Firm After A Switch
Avrek Law Firm helps people after sudden injuries, from traffic to rideshare to job-site harm. Managing Attorney Maryam Parman built a team that knows insurer tactics and common delay moves. The team has more than 50 years of experience helping injured people and has recovered $2 Billion for clients. Intake is fast, records get pulled quickly, and a clear case plan follows.
Switches can raise fee-split questions. Avrek Law explains the process, deals with prior counsel, and seeks written resolutions so clients do not stress about escrow math. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Phoenix at Avrek can:
- Review the medical path and refer for needed follow-up care.
- Build a demand that counts every loss, including future care and wage impact.
- Keep a tidy paper trail that insurers respect.
- Coordinate with pedestrian accident attorneys in Phoenix on local issues like crosswalk design, traffic signal timing, and vision-zero projects.
Local Safety Snapshot: Phoenix Streets
Strong counsel matters because Phoenix streets pose a risk to pedestrians. Arizona recorded 302 pedestrian deaths in 2022, a sharp rise from 2021. The following year saw a drop, with pedestrian fatalities down 12.3% statewide in 2023. Risk is still high, and total traffic deaths stayed near record levels.
That context explains why many injured walkers feel like they are walking the line with each decision. Police reports, signal timing data, and dark-hour crash patterns can shape fault arguments. A pedestrian accident attorney in Phoenix uses local data sources and scene photos to make those points clear.
Quick Answers: Clients Ask Most
Will the case slow down after a switch?
There may be a short pause while files move. A steady plan cuts delays.
Do clients pay two fees?
No. The contingency is still one percent. The old and new lawyers sort out the split from that fee, or the court can decide a fair share if needed. See Arizona fee guidance on prior-counsel percentages and trust-held disputes.
What if the old lawyer will not release the file?
According to the Arizona Bar Association, ethics rules require steps that protect the client when representation ends. That includes handing over the file.
Is switching risky right before trial?
It can be. A late change can cost time and money. Talk it through with replacement counsel before sending any letter.
What should the termination letter say?
Keep it short and polite. Name the new contact, request the whole file, and ask for a final cost invoice.
What To Do Next If You’re Considering A Switch
Here is a simple checklist to stay organized:
- Pull the fee agreement and recent emails.
- List treatment providers and unpaid balances.
- Write down all claims or court deadlines.
- Ask for a second opinion call with Avrek Law Firm.
- Decide on a switch date, then send a short notice.
The team at Avrek can review the case posture, talk through lien issues, and set a clean transfer plan.
Ready To Talk?
Change can help. Avrek Law Firm reviews cases mid-stream and sets a clear path forward. Call 24/7 866-598-5548, fill out the form, or start a live chat for a free case review. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Phoenix will look at deadlines, costs, and strategy, then help reset the claim so medical care and fair recovery stay front and center.
