Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Augusta

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Augusta, Georgia?

  The non-emergency number for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office is 706-821-1080.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Augusta, Georgia?

  You can receive a copy of a police report from the records bureau of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office after completing a request form. You can also contact the records bureau at 706-821-1010 to ensure that the requested report is available.

• Are you required to have an attorney during a personal injury claim in Augusta?

  Georgia law does not require you to have a lawyer represent you in your personal injury case in Augusta. You are allowed to handle your own claim. However, you shouldn't represent yourself if you are uncomfortable with compiling evidence, doing legal research, and talking with insurance adjusters.

• What are the factors that determine the duration of a personal injury case in Augusta?

  In Augusta, a personal injury case could take longer if the injured party requires further medical treatment. A primary doctor will often recommend that the injured person goes through conservative treatment, such as medications and physical therapy, which can take months. Negotiations with the insurance adjuster can also prolong a personal injury case.

• How can you strengthen your slip and fall personal injury claim in Augusta?

  If you're injured in a slip and fall accident in Augusta, you must prove that it was the property owner's negligence that caused your injuries. You must provide verifiable proof that supports your claim, including any witnesses that saw you got hurt, government paperwork on building code violations, and video or photograph evidence of the fall.

• Is there a deadline for filing a personal injury case in Augusta?

  In Augusta and throughout Georgia, the statute of limitations for wrongful death, car accidents, and other personal injury claims are two years from the date of the injury. The statute of limitations can be extended if the party involved is a minor or is diagnosed with mental incapacity. It may also be extended if a medical problem could not have been reasonably discovered within the two-year time limit.

• What types of damages are recoverable in an Augusta personal injury claim?

  An injured Augusta resident is eligible to recover economic and non-economic damages in their personal injury case. Economic damages include property damages, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, medical expenses, and home adjustments to accommodate the disability. Non-economic damages are related to the pain and suffering that the victim experienced due to the incident, including trauma, quality of life issues, and psychological and emotional effects.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.