If you’ve been injured in a car accident and have hired an attorney, you have a right to hear from your attorney. Therefore, if you’ve provided your attorney sufficient time to call you back and not received a response, you should demand to see them in person. Remember that under Virginia law, you’re always free to fire your attorney. If they aren’t showing you the respect that you deserve, they don’t deserve to represent you in court.
To be clear, however, you shouldn’t expect your attorney to be on call 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. I truly believe that for an attorney to be good at what he or she does, he or she needs to have a full, well-rounded life. Being a trial attorney is a very stressful job that pulls people in many different directions. You want your attorney well balanced, living a social life, and being more than just an attorney. Because, ultimately, relating to juries and insurance companies require a full, well-rounded person who lives a happy life. People that love what they’re doing and are happy in their jobs are the best suited to get you what you need.
I can tell you that in my experience that when clients are reasonable with me and have reasonable expectations about communication, we often get along very, very well. We frequently exchange communications in off hours if a client truly needs it. We do our best to provide updates as soon as possible.
However, just like we say that a client has a right to demand respect from us, we have a right to demand respect from our clients. Therefore, you should also be aware that when communicating with your attorney that you’re showing them the respect that they deserve. In the long run, it will be most helpful for your case.
And while you have every right to fire an attorney, doing so can be disruptive. Therefore, just like any relationship, make your effort to be fair and reasonable in your communications. But if they are not responding in turn, feel free to get second opinions. You always have the right.If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to Abrenio Law at 703.570.4180. Feel free to review our blogs, articles, and videos where we have provided information about Virginia personal injury law.