Can an attorney represent multiple family members in an accident?
What happens when more than one family member gets injured in the same car accident?

You and your family member both receive injuries in an auto accident. Can the same attorney represent both of you? Most likely, yes. But, some exceptions exist. Check out why and what they could be.

What happens when more than one family member gets injured in the same car accident? Can you all share the same lawyer? 

You and your family member both receive injuries in an auto accident. Can the same attorney represent both of you? Most likely, yes. But, some exceptions exist. Check out why and what they could be.

The Biggest Problem: A Conflict of Interest

Legally, a “conflict of interest” happens when a lawyer represents one client, but that could harm the interests of another client. It could happen in a car accident case where either you or your family member had partial fault for your injuries.

Another situation where this could happen is when not enough money’s available to compensate both you and your family member for your injuries.

For example, if the vehicle that caused the accident had 2 passengers in it that were also injured and only $60,000 was available to compensate all injured parties an attorney could be forced into a situation where they would have to “Rob Peter to Pay Paul.”

What Happens When You Have Partial Fault?

Let’s say your accident happened when you hit another car in an intersection. Both of you tried to run a red light. Now, this puts your lawyer in a bit of a jam. The passenger in your vehicle clearly had no fault, so they have a claim against the other driver. But, they also possibly have a claim against you, depending on what the evidence of your case reveals.

Technically, you and your family member could sign a potential conflict of interest waiver. But almost every lawyer advises that you and your family member simply get different lawyers because a strong likelihood would exist that an actual conflict of interest could arise during the course of the representation.

What if the Defendant Likely Doesn’t Have Enough Money?

Let’s say you are in a pretty serious accident. The other driver has $50,000 / $100,000 in coverage. If you and your family member were the only ones injured and both had cases deserving of the $50,000.00 per person limit no conflict would exist.

What would happen, however, if the at-fault motorist had a passenger in his or her vehicle that was also seriously injured? Now the $100,000.00 per accident policy limit would have to be divided among 3 claimants.

When this situation arises, your lawyer has to allow another attorney to represent either you or your family member and could also be barred from continuing to represent the other party.

So yes, in most cases a Personal injury attorney will choose to represent both you and your family member. Just be prepared in case one of these “conflicts of interest” exceptions comes up.

And remember, the counselor is just trying to do the right thing for all parties involved if they choose to send either you or your family member to another lawyer.

Join The Family That Wins

In the last 3 years, we’ve made TopVerdict’s annual Texas “Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” list 43 times.

2022 Texas Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2021 Texas Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements Mullen & Mullen
Award for Texas Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements 2021 by Top Verdict
2021 Texas Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2020 Texas Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2019 Texas Top 20 Settlements All Practice Areas Mullen & Mullen

Why Choose Mullen & Mullen to Handle Your Case?

According to TopVerdict.com, our Dallas attorneys consistently achieve some of the highest recoveries in the state of Texas. As a matter of fact, in the last three years we’ve made their “Texas Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” list 43 times. For example, in 2021 one of our claims made the Top 10 list, eight made the Top 11-20 list, and ten made the Top 21-50 list. When you factor in our reduced 29% contingency fee, we are confident we will help you recover more. At Mullen & Mullen, we pride ourselves on routinely recovering full policy limits for our clients without the necessity of costly and time-consuming litigation.

We have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic technology through well-established relationships with medical doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, chiropractors, neurologists, counselors, and other healthcare providers in the entire DFW Metroplex. You receive the quality medical attention you need from local providers near where you live or work. These providers specialize in treating people hurt in accidents of all kinds and they know how to properly document injuries to meet the legal burden of proof in your personal injury case. These providers are also willing to delay billing collections until after your case is resolved so you can focus on recovering without additional stress. Physicians that don’t routinely treat accident victims as part of their practice usually turn away patients over fear of being involved in the legal process or fear of health insurance companies refusing to pay accident-related healthcare bills. Please call us at 214-747-5240 for a free consultation and some advice.

Even if you don’t have health insurance or can’t afford your deductible, Mullen & Mullen will secure you the quality healthcare and state-of-the art diagnostics you deserve with no upfront out of pocket costs.

Shane, Joseph and Regis have almost 100 years of combined experience practicing personal injury law. That doesn’t even include the combined experience of the attorneys that serve as of-counsel to Mullen & Mullen at no additional cost to our clients. Our firm continues to evolve, but we never forget our Core Values. We do the right thing, handle cases the way we would want our own case handled, and we truly listen to clients. We have over 40 years of local knowledge, and that matters!

Some lawyers forget that they represent the client, but we never have. Our legal team will make YOU the priority. You are the boss, and we will respond quickly to your requests for case updates and assistance. We guarantee that when you need to speak to your counsel, you will speak directly to your counsel, not to a paralegal or secretary, because that’s the way it should be.

Most firms hire an investigator to help develop evidence on your case and charge you back for that service. Our firm, however, has 2 full-time accident investigators on staff and we offer their services to you for free. This is another way we will maximize your compensation.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Video footage is worth a lot more. Our in-house videographer allows us to capture the true impact the accident has on your life beyond mere words on a piece of paper.

When necessary, Mullen & Mullen Law Firm uses cutting edge technology like 3D imaging videos to fully demonstrate the extent of our clients’ injuries to the insurance companies. This also helps maximize the value of your claim.

Mullen & Mullen’s attorneys live and work right here in Dallas, and always have. We believe in paying our success forward by helping people in the North Texas community, and are dedicated to supporting these local charities.

More Than Just Legal Representation
Mullen & Mullen:
The Mullen & Mullen Way

Success

Our success rate speaks for itself. We consistently earn awards from TopVerdict.com for achieving the highest settlement amounts in Texas. In fact, no other law office made their 2021 Texas "Top 50" personal injury settlements list as many times as we did. We placed on it nineteen times in a single year.

Responsiveness

You'll always be kept in the loop regarding the status of your case. Calls are answered promptly, and you can even text your dedicated legal team directly 24/7.

Caring

We'll make you feel like part of the family, not just another case. Our compassionate lawyers will take the time to listen to your story, comprehensively understand your unique circumstances, and we will tailor our legal strategies accordingly. Your best interests are at the forefront of everything we do.

Local

Mullen & Mullen has been a mainstay in the North Texas community since 1983. Our attorneys are always willing to meet with injury victims face-to-face. You won’t be dealing with some call center hundreds of miles away or on the other side of the country (or world).

Aggressive

We won’t back down or be intimidated in any form or fashion. We will not allow insurance carriers to delay, deny, or minimize your claim. We never hesitate to recommend litigation if it is necessary to achieve a just outcome.

Attorney Access

When you work with a big law firm, you'll most likely be assigned a case worker and may never even talk to your attorney. Our attorneys make themselves available and invest in your case personally.

Discounted Contingency Fee

Of course we only get paid when you do. And when we do, we discount our legal fees to 29% instead of the industry standard 33.3% for claims that settle without litigation.

Top Reviewed

It's not just the hundreds of 5-star reviews that we've earned, but the things that our clients say. Read our reviews and you'll quickly see that we put passion into our work.

What's Next?
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Case Evaluation
Following an accident or injury, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney about the specific circumstances of your potential personal injury case.
Accident Investigation
We always investigate each personal injury claim, thoroughly gather evidence, and consult with experts when necessary to develop a strong foundation for your personal injury case. Unlike most law firms, our in-house investigative team - and dedicated videographer - are included at no additional cost to you.
Legal Strategy
Every personal injury claim is unique. Our attorneys will create a highly customized legal strategy tailored to fit the individual circumstances of your case.
Demand Letter
A settlement demand package is prepared that outlines liability and damages including injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. It is typically sent to the at-fault party's insurance company.
Case Settles or Goes to Litigation
Most of our claims settle during the demand negotiation process. We’re dedicated to getting the best possible result for all clients, however, and never hesitate to recommend the filing of a personal injury lawsuit if we believe that is what is required to maximize YOUR compensation.
Ready to Get Started?

The Mullen & Mullen family is here to address your concerns and make the path to recovery smooth. There are no fees to get started and you pay $0 if we don’t settle your case.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation Now