Can a defendant make a motion to proceed pro per in a personal injury case?

"A defendant's request to proceed pro per must be unequivocal, voluntary, and intelligent. Often, defendants make a self-representation motion in the heat of the moment, after a different motion has been denied." (People v. Becerra (2016) 63 Cal.4th 511, 519.) "'[A] [Faretta] motion made out of a temporary whim, or out of annoyance or

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frustration, is not unequivocal even if the defendant has said he or she seeks self-representation.' [Citation.]" (People v. Stanley (2006) 39 Cal.4th 913, 932.)