Can One Attorney Represent Multiple Family Members in an Accident Case?

Getting into an accident while your family, including your children, is in the same car is probably one of the most stressful events you can imagine. While minor fender benders may take a few minutes to settle and pose a minor inconvenience, it is a different story when someone is injured. Often, family members wonder if they can get one attorney to represent all of them.

In the aftermath of a significant car accident, families are often dealing with different challenges, such as physical injuries, emotional distress, and possibly additional financial burdens. These challenging times require a personal injury attorney to help navigate insurance claims and possible legal proceedings. An attorney will guide you on what to do next and ensure you understand what's happening.

Can one attorney represent different family members?

One common question that often arises in these types of accidents is, "Can one attorney represent multiple family members in the same accident case?" In most cases, the answer is yes. One attorney can legally represent all the members of a family. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

The main exception is if there is a conflict of interest. Conflict of interest occurs when a lawyer represents one client, in this case, a family member, but might harm the interests of the other family member. In a car accident, this conflict of interest could arise if a family member is responsible or partially responsible for another family member's injuries.

For example, two family members were in the car when another car ran a red light and hit them. The family member driving the vehicle is uninjured, but their passenger is hurt in the accident. Both driver and passenger can take legal action against the other car's driver who ran the red light. However, the passenger can also sue the driver/family member she was riding with because she got injured.

In this case, an attorney cannot represent both family members because there will be a conflict of interest. Each family member should work with their own lawyer to avoid any conflict that might arise.

Another example of a conflict of interest that may arise if the settlement or damages amount is insufficient to cover what each party is asking for. For example, the total insurance coverage is $100,000, or $50,000 per person, but there are three claimants, including two family members. It will be hard to determine who gets how much, especially if the same attorney represents two out of three claimants.

In summary, one attorney can legally represent multiple family members in an accident (and often does), but conflict of interest is always possible. If you want to avoid issues or problems that may arise from conflicts, we recommend getting individual representation.

Adesola Adeyemi is an experienced personal injury lawyer who focuses on working with under-represented, hard-working victims. She can represent you or your family members in an accident case. Contact her today to learn about her services and how she can help you.