You’re hurt. You’re stressed. You don’t know what your claim is really worth. And that’s exactly what the insurance companies are counting on.
The truth?
You shouldn’t have to deal with aggressive insurance adjusters, endless paperwork, and settlement tricks while recovering from an injury. You deserve maximum compensation and someone who will fight for every dollar you’re owed.
That’s why hiring a skilled personal injury attorneys immediately after your accident is crucial. Our Lawyers level the playing field, protect your rights, and ensure you don’t walk away with less than you deserve. Give us a call us at (706) 948-8903 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our compassionate team.
If you still need more information before doing so, read this guide to discover some telltale signs it’s time to pick up the phone.
Do I Have A Personal Injury Case? Here’s How To Tell
Not every accident leads to a valid personal injury claim. To determine if you have a case, you must meet three key legal requirements:
| Requirement | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Negligence (Someone else was careless) | Another person or entity acted recklessly or violated a duty of care. | A truck driver runs a stop sign and crashes into your car. |
| Causation (The negligence caused your injury) | Your injuries must be a direct result of the negligent act. | You suffered whiplash and broken bones from the crash. |
| Damages (You suffered losses) | The injury led to medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. | You need surgery, miss work, and experience ongoing pain. |
If all three apply to your situation—you likely have a case. If you’re unsure, speaking with a personal injury attorney can clarify your options.
At Hawk Law Group, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights. Call 706-444-4444 today to see how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Still unsure if you have a case? Let’s take a closer look at when hiring a personal injury attorney is absolutely necessary…
You Suffered Severe Injuries
If your injuries are severe—such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or broken bones—you could be facing long-term medical care and significant financial strain.
A personal injury attorney will:
- Work with medical experts to calculate future expenses
- Ensure your settlement covers long-term care needs
- Fight for the maximum compensation you are legally entitled to
Here’s a testimonial from a Brain Injury client we helped…
You’re Facing Excessive Medical Bills
When the accident is severe, you most likely have suffered extensive injuries. With these injuries come high medical bills and multiple doctor’s appointments that you may try to juggle. An attorney will be able to organize and manage your medical bills and claims to ensure you focus on getting the treatment you need.
For example, an attorney could recommend top-rated Georgia medical professionals for your injuries. They can also help ensure that you attend all required appointments.
Multiple Parties Are Involved
When multiple parties are involved, the fault may not be so apparent. For example, each party may try to point fingers at one another. In some cases, you may even be blamed for causing the accident yourself. But you could still recover compensation in Georgia if you were less than 50% at fault. When multiple parties are involved, an attorney will investigate the cause of the accident to determine the percentage of liability from all parties.
Complex Legal Theories Are at Issue
Sometimes, an accident involves more than just the person who hit you—it may require proving a complex legal theory. For example, if a truck driver caused your accident while on the job, their employer may also be legally responsible. This is called vicarious liability, which means a company can be held accountable for its employees’ mistakes.
Not all accidents are simple. Some require months of investigation and legal research to uncover all responsible parties. That’s where a personal injury attorney comes in—to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve.
Example (Fictional, But Realistic)
| Let’s say Mike is driving home from work when a delivery truck slams into his car at a red light. At first, it seems like the truck driver is the only one responsible. But after investigating, Mike’s attorney discovers that the delivery company was pushing drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, causing them to speed and drive recklessly. Because the company created a dangerous situation, they can also be held accountable—which means Mike could seek compensation from both the driver and the company (who likely has bigger insurance coverage). This is why hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is so important. They uncover details that you wouldn’t know to look for, helping you maximize your claim. |
You Need to Comply With Filing Deadlines
You should hire an attorney as soon as possible if you believe you have the right to get compensated for the injuries caused by a negligent party. The statute of limitations determines when a party can file a lawsuit. If a party files a lawsuit too late, they will lose their file rights forever.
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the injury or accident. However, the statute of limitations may extend for injuries not immediately discovered after the accident. This is a complex topic, and we recommend speaking with our attorneys to discuss your specific statute of limitations.
The Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
You should hire an attorney if you have filed a claim with an insurance company and it has been denied. When you file a claim with an insurance company, they will investigate the cause of the accident. An adjuster is usually assigned to your claim, and they will look into all the facts of the accident, including interviewing witnesses and reviewing photos and vehicle invoices.
After reviewing all evidence, they will determine whether you are entitled to all, some, or no insurance payouts. If you have been denied or approved for only a partial insurance payment, contact an attorney immediately.
What Should You Look for In a Georgia Personal Injury Attorney?
There are some key traits you should look for when hiring an attorney, including the following:
- Experience: Hire an attorney who has represented a case similar to yours. For example, if you have been involved in an accident with another vehicle while riding a motorcycle, ensure your attorney has represented injured motorcyclists.
- Legal resources: One of the most important qualities an attorney could have is a top-rated network of experts and legal staff. During your consultation, you should ask the attorney about their support staff.
- Recommendations: You could ask your friends and family for any recommendations they have for personal injury attorneys they have worked with in the past.
- Testimonials: Law firms usually post testimonials on their websites. These testimonials help you better understand how the attorneys handle your case.
- Communication skills: During your case consultation, you should review the attorney’s communication skills. Analyze how they talk and whether they will inform you during your lawsuit process.
The above are some key traits to look for when hiring a personal injury attorney in Georgia. However, remember that each case may vary.
Talk To an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today
The minute an accident occurs, insurance companies may try to get involved and settle as soon as possible. It could be a very daunting experience doing it all alone. We recommend having an experienced lawyer on your side before talking to anybody, including insurance adjusters.
The first step in hiring an attorney is a case evaluation. A case evaluation is an excellent way of getting to know our attorneys and the experience we have in representing similar cases. Our lawyers offer complimentary case evaluations, during which you can discuss your case in detail with a highly-rated lawyer. Each case is different, and our attorneys provide a unique strategic approach to each type of case.
Contact Hawk Law Group for a free consultation today at 706-722-3500 and learn more about how our personal injury lawyers can help with your case.