“Can I Switch Personal Injury Law Firms After Signing With One?” What Injury Victims Should Know

Yes, in Most Cases, You Can Change Lawyers, and if You Were Pressured or Solicited by a “Runner,” You May Have Even More Reason To.

Choosing a personal injury lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after an accident.

This is the person or team responsible for protecting your medical rights, negotiating with insurance companies, calculating your damages, and fighting for the compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life.

So what happens if, after signing, something doesn’t feel right?

Maybe communication is lacking. Maybe you feel pressured to settle. Maybe you never really chose them in the first place, and rather, they found you. Or maybe you’re just realizing you didn’t have the chance to slow down and compare your options.

Here’s what many injury victims don’t realize: You’re not stuck with a lawyer just because you signed a contract.

In most situations, you can change law firms, and doing so may actually protect your case, not hurt it.

And if you were approached or pressured by a hospital “runner,” meaning a non-lawyer employed or contracted by unethical personal injury attorneys to solicit accident victims, switching may be one of the smartest decisions you make.

Let’s walk through how it works and what you should know before deciding your next step.

First Thing to Know: You’re Not Stuck 

This is the biggest misconception injury victims have.

They assume that once they sign a contingency-fee contract, they’re locked in for the entire case. That’s rarely true.

In personal injury law, you are the client, not the property of the law firm. That means you generally have the right to:

• Change attorneys
• Get a second opinion
• Move your case elsewhere
• Choose representation you trust

You have these rights even after signing paperwork, even weeks or months later, and even if work has already started. Your case belongs to you. Always.

Why People Feel Trapped in the First Place

So why do so many people think they can’t switch? Because they’re often told, directly or indirectly, that they can’t. Some firms may say things like “It’s too late to change now,” or “You’ll owe us money if you leave,” or even “Switching will ruin your case.”

Statements like that can sound intimidating, especially when you’re already overwhelmed by your accident and subsequent injury, but fear shouldn’t decide who represents you. Facts should.

And the fact is: clients change lawyers every day. It’s normal. It’s legal. And it’s often a smoother process than people expect.

What Are “Runners,” and Why Does It Matter?

If you were signed up extremely quickly, especially at a hospital or rehab, there’s a chance you encountered what’s known in the industry as a runner.

A runner is someone who:

• Seeks out accident victims
• Approaches them in hospitals or care facilities
• Encourages immediate signups
• Works to funnel cases to specific firms

They may present themselves as a:

• “Case manager”
• “Patient advocate”
• “Legal helper”
• “Friend of the doctor”

But their goal isn’t medical care or guidance. It’s getting your signature.

While laws vary by state, many legal professionals agree this type of solicitation raises serious ethical concerns. Approaching injured, medicated, or vulnerable people and pushing contracts isn’t about protecting victims. It’s about volume.

If that’s how you hired your lawyer, it’s fair to ask, “Did I choose them, or did they choose me?”

If the relationship started with pressure, you shouldn’t feel obligated to stay.

Signs It Might Be Time to Switch

Not every law firm is the wrong fit. But if you’re experiencing any of these issues, it may be worth exploring your options:

• You rarely speak to your actual attorney
• Calls and emails go unanswered
• You feel rushed to settle
• Your questions aren’t explained clearly
• You’re pushed toward certain doctors or clinics
• You feel like just another file number
• You regret signing so quickly

Trust your gut. A good attorney-client relationship should feel collaborative, not stressful. If you dread calling your lawyer or feel ignored, that’s not how it’s supposed to work.

How Switching Lawyers Actually Works (Step-by-Step)

Many people imagine that switching firms will be complicated or dramatic. In reality, it’s often simple and professional. Here’s what typically happens:

Step 1: Get a second opinion

Talk to another firm about your concerns. At Morgan & Morgan, case evaluations are free, so you can learn about your legal options with no obligation.

Step 2: Review your current agreement

If you find the right law firm, the new firm will explain your contract and your rights.

Step 3: Sign new representation paperwork

If you decide to move forward, you authorize the new firm to take over.

Step 4: They handle the transition

Your new attorneys usually notify the old firm, request files, and transfer everything for you.

Step 5: Your case continues

You don’t start over. The work already done stays with the case. Most of the time, the process happens behind the scenes with minimal disruption to you.

Will It Cost More to Change Lawyers?

This is one of the most common fears. People may think, “If I switch, I’ll have to pay two law firms.” That’s usually not how it works.

In many contingency-fee cases, the overall fee percentage stays the same, and attorneys divide fees among themselves. You still don’t pay out of pocket and only pay if your case is successful and you recover compensation. Fee allocation is typically handled between the firms, not added onto your bill.

The goal is to make sure clients aren’t punished for choosing better representation.

Why the Right Firm Makes a Real Difference

Choosing the right personal injury law firm isn’t just about comfort. It directly impacts how thoroughly your case is investigated, whether key evidence is preserved, how aggressively insurers are challenged, and, most importantly, the value of your settlement or verdict.

Some firms focus on quick settlements. Others prepare every case as if it might go to trial. That difference can mean thousands or even millions of dollars, and it can mean the difference between feeling ignored and feeling protected.

At Morgan & Morgan, the approach is simple: clients come first. No hospital pressure tactics. No runners. No rushed signatures. Just clear answers, real advocacy, and the resources to take on powerful insurance companies when it matters most.

For over 35 years, Morgan & Morgan has fought For the People, and we’ve recovered over $30 billion in compensation while doing so.

Questions to Ask Before You Switch Lawyers 

If you’re considering a change, ask:

• Will switching delay my case?
• How are fees handled?
• Who will manage my case day-to-day?
• How often will I get updates?
• What would you do differently?

A trustworthy firm won’t hesitate to answer. Transparency is a good sign. Pressure isn’t.

Need to Know More? Contact Morgan & Morgan Anytime

After an injury, so much feels out of your control: medical appointments, insurance calls, bills, and recovery timelines. Your lawyer shouldn’t be another source of stress.

If something feels wrong, you don’t have to accept it. You’re allowed to ask questions. You’re allowed to compare options. You’re allowed to change your mind.

And you’re absolutely allowed to choose a team that treats you with respect.

Because this isn’t just a case. It’s your life.

Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.