When we hire a lawyer to represent us for a crime or an accident, we expect them to represent us to the best of their abilities. After all, that’s what we’re paying them for. Working with reputable law firms typically allows you to work with a trustworthy lawyer. However, that doesn’t mean some people don’t feel like their lawyer doesn’t have their best interests at heart. You might be suspicious that your lawyer is selling you out or isn’t on your side when they do the following things: 

Miss Deadlines and Appointments

When you work with trustworthy lawyers like Travis Heller for accident cases, you don’t typically have to worry about them missing important deadlines and appointments. They behave ethically and professionally because they know how important their actions can be for a case. 

However, if your lawyer repeatedly misses appointments and deadlines, resulting in case delays or adverse outcomes, there are often two possible reasons: poor time management skills or they’re purposely trying to affect your case. 

They Want to Settle Quickly

If you’ve been involved in an accident due to someone else’s actions, you want to ensure you’re adequately compensated. After all, medical bills, car repairs, and time off work can have severe financial repercussions. 

Most reputable lawyers will fight for your right to the compensation you deserve, even if it means taking your case to trial. However, lawyers that are only interested in money and an easy case might be more inclined to encourage you to accept the insurance company’s first offer and settle the case. Doing so might mean you don’t cover all your accident-related costs, but your lawyer still gets paid. 

They’re Poor Communicators

Being involved in a legal case can be daunting, and you likely have many questions about what you need to do and how the case will play out. You typically expect your lawyer and their firm to answer any questions you might have, but not all lawyers can be relied upon. 

You might believe your lawyer isn’t on your side if they avoid your calls, don’t return them, and have poor communication skills in general. In some situations, poor communication can have a detrimental impact on case outcomes, especially if details are lost or missed. 

They’ve Broken Attorney-Client Privilege

Attorney-client privilege is a legal privilege in which confidential communications between lawyers and their clients are kept private. Clients have the right to waive attorney-client privilege and avoid using it as a defense, but lawyers aren’t afforded those same rights. 

While there can be a few exceptions to the rule, the attorney-client privilege is typically quite strict to ensure clients feel comfortable sharing potentially damaging, commercially-sensitive, or embarrassing information. 

However, you might be suspicious about your lawyer’s motives if you hear your private information shared only with them from someone else. This might be a blatant breach of attorney-client privilege, resulting in repercussions and possible disciplinary action for the lawyer. 

Lawyers don’t have to like you but must represent you to the best of their ability when they take on your case. That might not be the case if you can relate to the above mentioned scenarios.

Eric Ward
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