Can An Attorney Represent More Than One Accident Victim?

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If you were in a vehicle accident and there were other passengers in the vehicle who were also injured, it's likely that you will all want to file a claim for damages. With that being said, you might even be wondering whether or not you should all file your claim together. Unfortunately, there is no definite answer to this question, as there are several factors that should impact your decision.

Conflict of Interest

When it comes to automobile accidents, vary rarely is a single driver solely responsible for the entire accident. For example, one driver might have run a red light, but the other driver might have been speeding. Insurance companies will use any sense of fault they can to reduce the amount of money they award a victim. 

If you were a passenger in the vehicle, this factor can create a conflict of interest between you and the driver of the vehicle. If the two of you are represented under the same claim, it can make it harder for their fault not to impact the value of your claim.

Family Matters

One instance when it typically makes the most sense to have a single attorney represent multiple victims in a personal injury claim is when all the victims are in the same family. For example, if both the parents and children were all injured in an accident, one attorney to represent everyone is generally the easiest solution.

Given this example, if the children are minors, they will need their parents to sign off on the claim and speak on their behalf. If there is a single attorney handling the matter, it's much easier to get the information you need in a timely manner.

Attorney Concerns

All attorneys are equipped to help accident victims, but it's not to say that every attorney is for everyone. If you were in an accident with someone else and they tell you that they've already chosen an attorney, don't assume that you have to follow suit. It's always best to do your research and find an attorney that you are comfortable with.

While you can change attorneys later on down the line, the process is not always an easy one, and depending on how far you've progressed with your case, it might be difficult to find an attorney who is willing to take your claim. 

Keep in mind that attorneys are well equipped to take on claims with more than one victim, but ultimately, the choice is yours. If you have questions about how to move forward with your case, it's always a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney.


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