Can I change my lawyer?

I was involved in a road traffic accident in September 2022 when a small van driver turned across my path and I went over the bonnet.  I was hospitalised for two weeks and am yet to make a full recovery.

I was passed to a firm of solicitors by my insurer and all started well it seemed. However, I am struggling to get hold of them and they don’t return my calls or emails.  I get the impression that my claim is not being progressed and I have lost confidence in them. Can and should I switch solicitors?

Andy, Fareham, by email

Answer

You should expect to be kept updated in your claim to be able to get in touch with the person dealing with it.

You have two options – you can make a complaint to your current solicitors about the service you have received to see if that improves things, or you can do some research to find the most suitable lawyer for you and speak to them to see if you are comfortable with them taking over conduct.

It is sadly often the case when insurers recommend solicitors they are recommending a company on their panel, as opposed to the most suitable lawyer for your circumstances so their quality can vary.  Many of these firms are used to dealing with low value cases and that can become evident when they deal with serious injury claims. You have the right to choose your own lawyer despite what your insurer may have told you.