Stephen Hasner | Personal Injury | October 16, 2025
The six most important elements to look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer are: a dedicated personal injury practice, a verifiable track record, a contingency fee agreement, significant trial experience, a clear communication policy, and the resources to build a strong case.
After an injury, you face a cumbersome claims process where the insurance company’s goal is to protect its bottom line. This means their investigation will look for any reason to minimize or deny your claim. You need to even the odds by finding a firm that understands how to build a case that insurers take seriously.
At Hasner Law PC, we have years of experience handling these exact challenges for our clients. If you have questions about what to look for in an attorney for your specific situation, call us. We’re here to help. Contact our office at 678-888-HURT (4878) for a clear assessment of your case.
Key Takeaways for Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer
- Choose a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. A dedicated practice means the firm has deep knowledge of injury-related laws, established networks of medical experts, and familiarity with insurance company tactics.
- Look for a verifiable track record and trial experience. A firm should be transparent about its case results and testimonials, and its willingness to go to trial gives you leverage during settlement negotiations.
- Insist on a contingency fee agreement. This arrangement, also called a “no-fee unless we win” guarantee, ensures you pay nothing upfront and shows the law firm is confident enough in your case to invest its own resources to win.
1. A Practice That Focuses on Personal Injury
Some law firms are general practices, handling everything from divorce to real estate alongside personal injury. A lawyer who handles a car accident case one day and a business contract the next may not have the depth of knowledge required for the unique challenges of an injury claim.
This lack of focused experience shows up in small but damaging ways. They might not know the top accident reconstruction experts to hire, be up-to-date on the tactics used by specific insurance adjusters, or fully understand the long-term medical costs associated with a serious injury. This leads to leaving money on the table because they don’t know what to ask for or how to prove it.
You wouldn’t ask your family doctor to perform heart surgery. The same principle applies to law.
They Understand the Nuances
Firms that handle these cases daily are familiar with the specific laws, court procedures, and insurance company strategies in Georgia. This familiarity means they don’t just react to but actively anticipate the other side’s moves and build a proactive strategy for your case.
They Have an Established Network
They also have long-standing relationships with medical providers, investigators, and expert witnesses who strengthen your claim. This network is invaluable for gathering the evidence needed to prove the full extent of your injuries and losses.
At our firm, our practice is built around helping people injured in accidents. We don’t dilute our efforts. This focus allows us to provide knowledgeable and effective representation based on years of handling cases just like yours.
2. A Verifiable Track Record of Success
Every law firm claims they get results. It’s easy to make promises, but it’s much harder to back them up with proof. Without evidence, you are basing a decision that could affect your financial future on simple marketing claims.
Hiring a firm without a proven history means you are taking a significant gamble. You have no way of knowing if they have successfully handled difficult cases or if they tend to accept the first lowball offer from an insurer just to close the file. You could end up with a settlement that doesn’t cover your future medical needs, all because you chose a firm with a thin resume.
Look for concrete proof of a firm’s past performance. Do not be afraid to ask direct questions and look for objective signals of their work.
- Client Testimonials: What do past clients say? Look for reviews that speak to the firm’s communication, process, and the client’s feeling of being supported and heard.
- Case Results: While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, a firm should be transparent about the types of results they have secured in cases similar to yours. This shows they have experience valuing claims and pursuing maximum compensation.
- Peer Recognition: Look for awards or memberships in professional organizations. These indicate that other lawyers in the community respect the firm’s work and acknowledge their contributions to the legal field.
3. A “No-Fee Unless We Win” Guarantee (Contingency Fee)
The single biggest worry for most people after an injury is money. With medical bills arriving and no paycheck coming in, the thought of paying a lawyer by the hour is impossible. Some people decide against getting legal help for this reason alone.
This fear forces many injury victims into a corner. They either try to handle the insurance company on their own (and usually get a low settlement) or they accept the first offer they receive out of desperation. The inability to afford a lawyer feels like being shut out from justice.
An ethical and confident personal injury firm will operate on a contingency fee basis. In Georgia, this arrangement must be put in a written agreement, so everything is clear from the start.
What This Means for You
A contingency fee agreement means you pay no upfront costs to hire the lawyer. The firm fronts all the expenses needed to build your case, from filing fees to hiring expert witnesses. The law firm’s fee is a percentage of the final settlement or verdict they secure for you.
What It Signals
This arrangement does two things. First, it gives you access to high-quality legal help regardless of your financial situation. Second, it shows that the law firm is confident in your case. They are investing their own time and money with the belief they will win. If they didn’t think your case was strong, they wouldn’t take that risk.
4. A Willingness to Take Your Case to Trial
The vast majority of personal injury cases settle out of court. Because of this, some lawyers build their entire practice around settling cases quickly, even if it means accepting a lower amount. They have little to no experience arguing a case in front of a jury.
Insurance companies know which law firms are willing to go to trial and which ones are not. If your lawyer has a reputation for always settling, the insurer has little incentive to offer you a fair amount. They know your lawyer will likely fold and accept a lower offer to avoid a courtroom. This puts a ceiling on what you recover before negotiations even begin.
You need a lawyer with real trial experience. Even though your case will probably settle, the mere threat of a trial is the single most powerful tool you have during negotiations.
What to Ask a Prospective Lawyer
During your initial consultation, ask the lawyer about their trial experience. Ask them how they prepare cases for trial, not just for settlement. Their answer will tell you a lot about their approach and whether they are prepared to see your case through to the end.
Our approach is to prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This meticulous preparation sends a clear message to the insurance company: we are ready to pursue the maximum compensation available, whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.
5. A Clear and Consistent Communication Policy
One of the most common complaints people have about lawyers is a lack of communication. They sign the paperwork and then hear nothing for weeks or months, leaving them feeling anxious and ignored during an already stressful time.
Being left in the dark creates unnecessary worry. You start to wonder if anything is happening with your case, if you’ve been forgotten, or if bad news is being withheld. This uncertainty adds emotional strain to the physical and financial burdens you’re already dealing with. A lawyer who doesn’t communicate well makes you feel like a case file, not a person.
A good law firm will have a clear policy for client communication from the very beginning. They should explain how and how often you will receive updates.
Set Expectations Early
Ask about their communication process during your first meeting. Who is your primary point of contact? Will you get regular updates, even if there’s nothing new to report? A firm that values its clients will have clear answers to these questions.
Accessibility Matters
A good lawyer should be accessible. While they may be in court or meetings, you should have a reliable way to get your questions answered, whether through a paralegal, a case manager, or a scheduled call with the attorney.
6. The Financial Resources to Build a Strong Case
Properly litigating a serious personal injury case is expensive. Costs include hiring investigators, retaining medical experts, paying for accident reconstruction analysis, court filing fees, and deposition transcripts. Small firms or solo practitioners may not have the financial stability to cover these significant upfront costs.
If a firm is operating on a tight budget, they may be forced to cut corners. They might avoid hiring a necessary expert witness because of the cost or feel pressured to accept a quick, low personal injury settlement just to cover their expenses and close the case. This financial pressure on your law firm directly impacts the value of your case.
You need a firm with the financial resources to go toe-to-toe with large insurance corporations.
Why It Matters
A well-funded firm builds the strongest case possible. They hire the best experts and aren’t afraid to spend what’s necessary to prove your claim’s full value. This levels the playing field against well-funded insurance company legal teams.
A Signal of Stability
The ability to fund difficult litigation shows that the firm is established and successful. They have the staying power to see a case through a long and messy process without being pressured by their own financial needs.
Common Questions About Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
How much will it cost me to talk to you about my case?
Nothing. Our initial consultation is completely free, and there is no obligation to hire us. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win a settlement or verdict for you.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Georgia?
In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is two years from the date of the injury. For claims against a city or county government, you may have only six months. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to file a claim.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You may still recover compensation. Georgia uses a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means you recover damages as long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault, according to O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering anything. Your potential recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long will my personal injury case take?
This is impossible to predict, as every case is different. Simple cases might resolve in a few months, while difficult cases that go to trial take more than a year. An experienced lawyer gives you a rough estimate based on the specifics of your situation.
What is my case worth?
An exact case value cannot be determined in an initial consultation. The value depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total of your medical bills and lost wages, and the amount of available insurance coverage. A lawyer gives you a better idea after they have thoroughly investigated your claim.
Make an Informed Choice and See If We’re the Right Fit for You
The firm you choose will shape the course of your recovery, not just legally, but emotionally and financially. It’s smart to shop around, ask questions, and compare your options. You should never feel pressured or rushed into a decision that affects your future.
At Hasner Law PC, we believe in transparency and fit. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation consultation where you can ask questions, share your concerns, and get a sense of how we work.
We invite you to call us and see if we’re the right team to guide you through this. Reach out to Hasner Law PC at 678-888-HURT (4878) for a clear, honest conversation about your case. Whether you choose us or another qualified firm, the most important thing is that you feel confident in your representation.
