Hawk Law Group | April 1, 2023 | Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured in an accident, understanding your legal options is important. Most personal injury attorneys in Georgia offer free initial consultations to help answer your questions without financial commitment.
These consultations help you understand your rights, evaluate whether you have a viable case, and determine if a particular attorney is the right fit for your needs.
Here’s what you need to know before your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer:
1. A Free Consultation Gives You Face Time With an Actual Attorney
Unlike some firms where you’ll meet with a case manager or paralegal, at Hawk Law Group, your free consultation is with one of our experienced attorneys who will handle your case personally.
What this means for you: You won’t be passed from person to person or have to explain your situation multiple times. The attorney you meet with will be directly involved in your case strategy and representation.
This gives you the opportunity to:
- Explain your situation directly to the lawyer who will represent you
- Assess their communication style and expertise
- Get a feel for whether you’ll work well together
- Ask specific questions about Georgia personal injury law and how it applies to your situation
What to expect during the meeting: Your consultation will typically last between 30-60 minutes. The attorney will ask detailed questions about how your injury occurred, your medical treatment, insurance coverage, and how the injury has affected your life. This conversation is protected by attorney-client privilege even if you don’t end up hiring us.
Our attorneys, including Victor Hawk with over 40 years of trial experience and Kip McAlister who specializes in catastrophic injuries, take these initial meetings seriously as the foundation of our attorney-client relationship.
2. We’ll Provide an Honest Assessment of Your Case
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your potential claim based on Georgia law and our decades of experience with similar cases. This evaluation is critically important – it helps set realistic expectations and determines whether legal action makes sense.
The legal analysis we provide: Our attorneys will consider factors specific to Georgia personal injury law, including:
- Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rules (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33)
- Applicable statutes of limitations (typically two years for injury claims)
- Potential damages available under Georgia law
- Insurance coverage issues particular to your situation
- Local court tendencies in Augusta, Evans, Thomson, and other CSRA jurisdictions
We’ll discuss:
- The legal merits of your case under Georgia law
- Potential compensation you might recover based on similar cases we’ve handled
- Specific challenges we might face with your claim
- Whether legal action is worth pursuing, considering potential costs and benefits
- Alternative resolution strategies if a lawsuit isn’t your best option
Why our assessment matters: About 30% of potential clients who come for consultations discover either that they don’t have a viable case or that the potential recovery doesn’t justify the time and emotional investment of a lawsuit. We believe in complete honesty with our clients. If we don’t think you have a strong case, we’ll tell you upfront rather than waste your time and energy.
If your case does have merit, we’ll outline our recommended approach and next steps so you understand exactly what to expect.
3. Learn About Our Experience With Similar Cases
📊 According to the Georgia State Bar, personal injury law covers over 20 distinct practice areas, from car accidents to medical malpractice.
Our attorneys collectively have over 71 years of experience across these areas.
During your consultation, you can ask about our:
- Track record with cases similar to yours
- Experience in the relevant practice area
- Results we’ve achieved for clients in similar situations
- Approach to handling your specific type of case
4. You’re Under No Obligation to Hire Us
A free consultation is exactly that—free. You won’t be pressured to sign anything or make an on-the-spot decision.
After our meeting, you can:
- Take time to think about your options
- Consult with family members
- Meet with other attorneys
- Choose not to pursue legal action at all
We want you to feel completely comfortable with your decision.
5. Come Prepared With Questions
To make the most of your consultation, prepare questions beforehand. This helps ensure you get all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Consider asking:
- About your case: How strong is my claim? What compensation might I receive? How long might it take?
- About our experience: Have you handled cases like mine before? What were the outcomes?
- About our process: Who will handle my case? How will we communicate? What’s your approach to negotiations vs. trial?
- About logistics: How long will my case take? What’s my role in the process?
6. Be Completely Honest About Your Situation
Honesty is crucial during your consultation. Your attorney needs all relevant facts—even unfavorable ones—to properly evaluate your case and develop an effective strategy.
The legal protection of your honesty: In Georgia, as in all states, attorney-client privilege is a foundational legal principle that protects your communications with your lawyer. This means:
- Total confidentiality: What you tell your attorney stays private, even if you decide not to hire them after the consultation
- Legal protection: The attorney cannot be forced to disclose your communications in court (with very limited exceptions)
- Scope: The privilege covers all relevant information related to your potential case
Why honesty matters to your case outcome:
- Case evaluation: We can only accurately assess your case’s strengths and weaknesses if we have all the facts
- Strategy development: Potential problems we know about can be addressed proactively; surprises can devastate a case
- Credibility preservation: Your credibility is one of your most valuable assets in a personal injury case—protecting it requires addressing potential issues head-on
Common concerns clients hesitate to disclose:
- Prior accidents or injuries
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Partial fault in causing the accident
- Gaps in medical treatment
- Social media posts about the accident or activities since the injury
- Previous legal issues or claims
Remember:
- Attorney-client privilege protects your discussions
- Hiding information can harm your case later
- We need to know potential weaknesses to prepare for them
Hypothetical Scenario: A client is injured in a car accident but doesn’t mention their previous back injury. At trial, the defense discovers this history and argues the current pain is pre-existing. Had we known from the start, we could have gathered medical evidence showing how the accident worsened the condition rather than being caught off-guard.
How we handle unfavorable information: At Hawk Law Group, we’ve handled thousands of personal injury cases and have strategies for addressing virtually any challenging fact. Often, what clients think will hurt their case can be effectively explained or mitigated with proper preparation.
7. Understand Our Fee Structure Before You Leave
At Hawk Law Group, we take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This approach to legal fees is designed to give everyone access to justice, regardless of financial resources.
Understanding contingency fees in Georgia: Unlike criminal defense or family law where attorneys typically charge hourly rates or flat fees, personal injury representation in Georgia operates differently. The Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct permit contingency fee arrangements, where your lawyer’s compensation depends entirely on securing a favorable outcome.
| Settlement Amount | Attorney Fee (33%) | Case Expenses | Client Receives |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $33,000 | $5,000 | $62,000 |
| $250,000 | $82,500 | $10,000 | $157,500 |
| $500,000 | $165,000 | $25,000 | $310,000 |
During your consultation, we’ll explain:
- The specific percentage we take from your settlement or verdict (typically 33-40% depending on case complexity and whether a lawsuit is filed)
- How case expenses are handled (including who advances costs for expert witnesses, court filings, medical record retrieval, etc.)
- When and how costs are reimbursed from settlement proceeds
- What happens if your case isn’t successful (you owe no attorney fees)
- Any potential fee adjustments for exceptional circumstances
Our written fee agreement: If you decide to hire us, we’ll provide a clear, written contingency fee agreement that details all financial aspects of our representation. Georgia law requires that contingency fee arrangements be in writing and signed by both the client and attorney.
This transparency ensures there are no surprises down the road about the financial aspects of your case. You’ll know exactly how much of your settlement will go toward legal fees and costs before you sign anything.
8. Discuss Communication Expectations
Effective communication is vital to a successful attorney-client relationship. During your consultation, we’ll discuss:
- How frequently you’ll receive case updates
- Your preferred communication method (phone, email, text)
- Who to contact with urgent questions
- Our response time standards
Our clients in Augusta and throughout the CSRA can expect prompt responses and regular updates throughout their case.
9. The Consultation Is an Opportunity to Evaluate Us, Too
⚖️ While we’re assessing your case, you should be evaluating whether we’re the right fit for you. This two-way assessment is crucial for establishing a successful attorney-client relationship.
How to evaluate a personal injury attorney:
- Active listening skills: Does the attorney listen carefully to your entire story without rushing or interrupting? Do they ask thoughtful follow-up questions that show they’re processing what you’ve shared?
- Clear communication: Does the attorney explain legal concepts in terms you understand without unnecessary jargon? Are they willing to break down complex ideas when you ask for clarification?
- Transparency about challenges: Do they honestly discuss potential weaknesses in your case, or do they make unrealistic promises about outcomes?
- Specific strategy discussion: Do they offer concrete thoughts about how they would approach your case, or only vague assurances?
- Professionalism and demeanor: Do they maintain professional boundaries while still showing empathy? Are they respectful of your time?
- Office environment: Is the office organized? Are staff members professional and courteous?
- Accessibility: Does the attorney explain how accessible they’ll be? Will you be able to reach them directly when needed?
- Your comfort level: Trust your instincts about whether you feel comfortable with this person. You’ll be sharing personal details and working closely with them, potentially for months.
Red flags to watch for:
- Guaranteeing specific outcomes or settlement amounts
- Pressuring you to sign a contract immediately
- Being unable to answer basic questions about their experience with similar cases
- Dismissing your concerns or questions
- Unclear explanations about fees or costs
The right attorney will not only have the necessary expertise but will also make you feel confident and comfortable. Remember, you’re hiring someone to advocate for you during a difficult time—make sure it’s someone you trust and can communicate with effectively.
Quality standards you should expect: At Hawk Law Group, our attorneys adhere to the highest ethical standards as required by the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. We’re committed to zealous representation within the bounds of the law, maintaining client confidentiality, and providing competent legal services.
What to Bring to Your Free Consultation
To make your consultation as productive as possible, bring relevant documentation if available. The more information you can provide, the more specific and valuable our initial assessment will be.
Essential documents to bring:
- Police or accident reports: These contain crucial details about how your accident occurred and who was involved. In Georgia, you can obtain accident reports from the Georgia Department of Transportation or the law enforcement agency that responded to your accident.
- Medical records and bills: Bring any discharge summaries, diagnosis information, treatment plans, and medical bills you’ve received. These help establish the nature and extent of your injuries.
- Insurance information: Bring your own insurance policy information (auto, health, homeowners) and any correspondence from insurance companies, including policy limits and claim numbers.
- Evidence from the accident scene: Photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, hazardous conditions, or other relevant evidence.
- Employment documentation: Pay stubs, time off requests, or communications with your employer about missed work due to your injuries.
- Personal injury journal: If you’ve been keeping notes about your pain levels, limitations, medical appointments, or how the injury has affected your daily life, this can be extremely valuable.
- Correspondence: Any letters, emails, or text messages related to the accident or your injuries, especially communications with insurance adjusters.
- Witness information: Names, phone numbers, and addresses of anyone who witnessed your accident.
Organization tips: Consider creating a simple timeline of events from the accident to the present, noting important dates such as when the accident occurred, when you first sought medical treatment, when you notified your insurance company, etc. This helps us quickly understand the chronology of your case.
Don’t worry if you don’t have all these items—we can help gather necessary documentation after you hire us. But bringing what you do have will make your consultation more productive and allow us to give you more specific feedback about your case.
The Initial Consultation is Just the Beginning of Our Commitment to You
A free consultation is just the first step in our client-centered approach to personal injury representation. If you choose to work with Hawk Law Group, here’s what happens next:
After your consultation:
- Case investigation begins immediately: We’ll start gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing records.
- Medical coordination: We work directly with your healthcare providers to ensure proper documentation of your injuries and establish links to the accident.
- Regular communication: You’ll receive updates on your case status at least every two weeks, with more frequent communication during active periods.
- Strategic planning: We’ll develop and implement a tailored legal strategy based on your specific circumstances and goals.
- Aggressive advocacy: Whether negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court, we’ll fight tirelessly for your maximum recovery.
As our client testimonials and case results demonstrate, we’re committed to excellence in every aspect of your representation. With over 71 years of combined experience and millions recovered for our clients, Hawk Law Group has the knowledge, resources, and dedication to handle your case effectively.
Contact Our Augusta Personal Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation Today
A free consultation with Hawk Law Group gives you the opportunity to understand your legal options without financial risk.
Our experienced attorneys will provide straightforward advice about your situation and help you determine the best path forward.
Remember, you’re not obligated to hire us after the consultation, but if you do, you’ll have a dedicated legal team fighting for your rights and maximum compensation.
How to schedule your free consultation:
- Call us directly: (706) 707-2950 for immediate assistance
- Visit our website: Complete our contact form at hawklawgroup.com/contact
- Visit any office: Walk-ins are welcome during business hours (9AM-5PM Monday-Friday)
- Evening and weekend appointments: Available upon request
- Home or hospital visits: Available for seriously injured clients
We’re proud to serve the entire Central Savannah River Area including Aiken County and Thomson.