Stephen Hasner | Personal Injury | December 11, 2025
A serious accident often triggers a chain reaction of medical appointments, sudden expenses, and early calls from an insurer intent on protecting its bottom line. In the middle of this chaos, one decision can shape your recovery more than any other: selecting a personal injury lawyer you trust.
The attorney you select can significantly influence whether you obtain a fair settlement that truly supports your recovery. The wrong choice can cost you financially and emotionally, while the right attorney offers steady guidance, a deep understanding of Georgia personal injury law, and the skill to challenge aggressive insurance companies.
Before speaking with an adjuster or signing any paperwork, take steps to protect your rights. Contact the experienced trial attorneys at Hasner Law for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Call 678-888-HURT (4878) today.
Key Takeaways About Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer
- The right lawyer should focus their practice primarily on personal injury law, as this area is complex and requires specific knowledge of how insurance companies operate.
- Look for a law firm with a verifiable track record of substantial settlements and jury verdicts; this demonstrates their ability to handle complex cases successfully.
- Choose an attorney who is a genuine trial lawyer, not just a settlement mill that avoids court at all costs. An insurer’s offer is often higher when they know your lawyer is not afraid of a trial.
- The attorney-client relationship is important. You should feel comfortable with your lawyer’s communication style and confident that they will keep you informed about your case.
- Understand the fee structure. A reputable personal injury firm should work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless they win your case.
Why Hiring a Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer Who Focuses on Injury Cases Matters
The legal field includes many specialties, and a lawyer who is skilled at drafting contracts may not have the background needed to handle a complex truck accident claim.
Your search should focus on an attorney and a firm that concentrate their practice on personal injury law, rather than a general practitioner who may lack the depth of knowledge and experience required to challenge a well-funded insurance company.
How to Tell Whether a Georgia Law Firm Truly Focuses on Personal Injury Cases
A dedicated personal injury practice means the lawyers live and breathe this area of law. They are familiar with the insurance adjusters, defense attorneys, and judges in your jurisdiction.
They understand the medical aspects of serious injuries and have a network of trusted experts, from accident reconstructionists to medical specialists, who can help build a powerful case. A firm whose website lists a dozen different practice areas may not have the focused experience your case requires.
Verifying a Track Record of Success
Many lawyers will promise strong results, but you should focus on evidence that supports those claims. A reputable firm is open about its past work, and although no prior outcome can predict a future one, a consistent record of substantial settlements and jury verdicts demonstrates meaningful experience.
Reviewing the firm’s case results and asking about similar matters during your consultation can help you understand their capabilities. Remember that a free consultation allows you to evaluate the firm just as much as they are evaluating your case, and thoughtful questions about their background are an important part of making a well-informed choice.
- What percentage of your firm’s practice is dedicated to personal injury cases?
- Have you handled cases with injuries similar to mine?
- Who will be the primary attorney handling my case and my main point of contact?
- How does your firm keep clients updated on the status of their case?
- Can you provide examples of settlements or verdicts you have achieved in similar cases?
The answers to these questions will reveal a great deal about a firm’s focus, communication style, and experience level, helping you distinguish a true advocate from a less qualified practitioner.
How to Choose Between a Georgia Trial Attorney and a Settlement Mill
Some law firms operate on a high-volume model, taking on large numbers of cases and resolving them quickly for whatever the insurance company puts on the table. These firms are often referred to as settlement mills.
A fast payout may seem convenient, but it often results in recovering far less than the claim is worth. Insurance companies pay close attention to which firms are willing to take a case to trial and which ones routinely accept low offers, and they adjust their settlement strategies accordingly.
How Trial Experience Impacts Personal Injury Settlement Value in Georgia
The possibility of a lawsuit gives you significant leverage in a personal injury claim. Because an insurance company is focused on limiting its financial exposure, it pays close attention to whether your lawyer has a proven record of taking cases to court and securing favorable outcomes.
When an insurer believes a trial is likely, the potential cost and unpredictability of a jury often encourage them to make a stronger settlement offer during negotiations. An attorney who never takes cases to court offers little pressure, and insurers respond accordingly.
Investigating a Lawyer’s Reputation and Credentials
A lawyer’s reputation among their peers and in the legal community is a powerful indicator of their skill and professionalism. You can verify an attorney’s credentials and disciplinary history by checking with the State Bar of Georgia. Additionally, look for peer-reviewed ratings and awards.
Accolades from reputable legal organizations often indicate a strong record of professional accomplishment. These recognitions are typically based on peer evaluations and demonstrated achievement, reflecting a lawyer’s standing and respect within the legal community.
- Martindale-Hubbell: This is one of the oldest and most respected rating services. An AV Preeminent rating is the highest possible mark for both legal ability and ethical standards.
- Super Lawyers: This service identifies outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100: This is an invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from each state.
The presence of these types of honors suggests that the attorney is well-respected by judges, opposing counsel, and other leaders in the legal field.
What Quality Client Service Looks Like in a Georgia Personal Injury Law Firm
It’s important to choose a personal injury lawyer whose communication style fits your needs and who treats you as a person rather than a file on their desk. Many clients report frustration when lawyers fail to provide updates, so clear and consistent communication should be a priority in your decision.
How to Confirm Who Will Manage Your Georgia Personal Injury Case
At some large firms, you might meet with a senior partner during the initial consultation, only to have your case immediately passed off to a less-experienced associate or even a non-lawyer case manager.
It is a fair and important question to ask who will be your primary point of contact and who will be in charge of the day-to-day work on your file. You have the right to know who you will be speaking with when you have questions about your medical treatment or the status of your case.
How Contingency Fees Work in Georgia Personal Injury Cases
The cost of hiring a lawyer is a major concern for anyone recovering from a serious injury. Reputable personal injury law firms understand this, which is why they work on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement provides everyone with access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
What a Contingency Fee Means for Your Georgia Injury Claim
A contingency fee agreement allows you to hire an attorney without paying upfront. The lawyer is compensated only if they secure a recovery for you, earning a fixed percentage of the settlement or verdict. Georgia Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(c) requires this agreement to be in writing and to clearly explain how attorney’s fees and expenses are handled.
Your responsibility for case-related expenses if there is no recovery depends on the specific terms of your written agreement.
Often called a “No Fee Unless We Win” arrangement, this structure aligns your attorney’s financial interests with your goal of achieving the best possible result.
How Personal Injury Case Costs and Expenses Are Handled in Georgia
In addition to attorney’s fees, a personal injury case involves certain costs, such as court filing fees, fees for obtaining medical records, and payment for expert witnesses. You need to have a clear understanding of how the law firm handles these expenses.
Most firms will advance these costs on your behalf and then deduct them from the final settlement. This should all be clearly explained in the written fee agreement you sign.
Why Injured Clients Across Georgia Choose Hasner Law
Choosing the right lawyer means choosing someone who will stand by you throughout your case. At Hasner Law, we fight for injured clients from day one and prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach strengthens your leverage with insurance companies, who know we are ready for the courtroom and won’t accept low offers.
With more than 80 years of combined experience and over $1 billion recovered for our clients, our firm brings proven results to every claim. We focus exclusively on personal injury law and represent people hurt through negligence across Georgia, from car and truck accidents to slip and fall cases.
When you choose Hasner Law, you get a team of dedicated litigators handling every step of your case so you can focus on healing. And with our No Fee Unless We Win promise, our goals are fully aligned with yours.
FAQs for Personal Injury Lawyers
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs. The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the money they recover for you, and if they do not win your case, you do not owe them an attorney’s fee.
What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury case in Georgia?
Most Georgia personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. Some cases, such as claims against government entities or those involving minors, follow different timelines. An attorney can help confirm the exact deadline for your situation.
What should I bring to my first consultation with an attorney?
Bring any documents you have related to your accident. This includes the police report, photographs of the scene and your injuries, medical records, bills, and any correspondence you have had with an insurance company. The more information you can provide, the better the lawyer can evaluate your case.
The insurance company already offered me a settlement. Should I take it?
You should never accept an insurance company’s initial offer without first speaking to an experienced personal injury attorney. Early offers are almost always far less than the full value of your claim. The adjuster’s goal is to close your case quickly and cheaply before you understand the potential long-term costs of your injury.
Will my personal injury case go to trial?
The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court. However, the best way to get a fair settlement is to have a lawyer who is fully prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to be reasonable.
Start Your Georgia Personal Injury Claim with Confidence
Choosing your legal representative is a decision that will shape the outcome of your case and your future. It is your right to ask tough questions, demand transparency, and select an advocate who gives you confidence. Your recovery is too important to place in the hands of an unqualified or inattentive attorney.
Take control of your claim. Contact the dedicated and trial-ready attorneys at Hasner Law. We have the experience, the resources, and the resolve to fight for you.
Call our office at 678-888-HURT (4878) to schedule your free, confidential consultation and learn how we can help. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
