Personal Injury Lawyer in Augusta

When we’re walking through life healthy, we have no reason to think about hiring an Augusta personal injury lawyer. Then, an accident happens, and we don’t know what to do. Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. What do you do if you’ve been hurt? Of course, you’ll seek medical attention, but who is going to pay for it? If you can’t work, how will you feed your family? The good news is that if you were injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, they likely owe you compensation. Most people have no idea what they’re owed for a personal injury and just accept whatever settlement the insurance company offers. This is a mistake. It’s a lot to take on, which is why the Hawk Firm is available to answer your questions and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

When one party’s negligence causes another’s injuries, the victim has a right to pursue compensation under Georgia law. If you suffered an injury in Augusta, our team stands ready to help. Our firm’s Augusta personal injury attorney can explain your rights, legal options, and next steps. We provide free consultations for victims and their families.

Talk to a team member from The Hawk Firm about your accident, injuries, and possible compensation for free today. Contact us for more information. We help injured claimants get the money they need to pay for their medical care, lost income, property repairs, and other expenses. You do not have to manage this process on your own.

The Hawk Firm Handles Augusta Personal Injury Claims and Lawsuits

For almost 35 years, firm founder Jacque D. Hawk has fought for the rights of accident victims in Augusta and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). At The Hawk Firm, our trial lawyers believe injury victims deserve justice and accountability. We pursue compensation by holding the negligent party legally responsible. This is why we are one of the most recognized names and successful firms in the Augusta area.

Our clients trust us to provide transparent, compassionate, and knowledgeable legal solutions and services. We use our experience to develop a unique plan for each client, empowering them to feel confident about our ability to manage their case while offering peace of mind. When you work with us, your best interests are most important. We base every decision on what is right for you and your family.

Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

We Manage These Personal Injury Practice Areas in Augusta, GA

The Hawk Firm is a personal injury law firm serving Augusta, GA, and the surrounding areas. In general, personal injuries occur because one party acts negligently and causes another to suffer physical harm. Since 1984, we’ve helped injured claimants recover full and fair compensation for their injuries and losses, and we have a dedicated team of lawyers ready to handle your case, including:

• Augusta Car Accident Lawyer
• Augusta Truck Accident Lawyer
• Augusta Wrongful Death Lawyer
• Augusta Premises Liability Attorney
• Augusta Bicycle Accident Lawyer
• Augusta Brain Injuries Lawyer
• Augusta Construction Accident Lawyer
• Augusta Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
• Augusta Dog Bite Lawyer
• Augusta Medical Malpractice Lawyer
• Augusta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Augusta Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Augusta Workers Compensation Lawyer
• Augusta Workplace Accident Lawyer
• Augusta Slip and Fall Lawyer
• Augusta Birth Injury Lawyer

Handle Wrongful Death Claims in Augusta, GA

Under Georgia law, family members who lost loved ones can recover wrongful death-related damages. Our team represents families in these claims and lawsuits. Our compassionate attorneys support your family during this difficult time while aggressively pursuing the compensation you need to pay your bills, cover your loved one’s lost income, pay for the services they used to manage, and more.

We can review your case with you for free today. During this conversation, we can explain your legal rights and options under the law. You do not have to navigate this difficult time by yourself. Our legal team has the experience necessary to support you.

Our Augusta Law Office and Headquarters

The Hawk Firm has our headquarters located in Augusta at the following address: 448 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901.

Drop by our office to speak with an attorney at no cost about your claim. You can also contact us to set up an appointment for a free consultation.

Augusta Accident Statistics

Augusta is the county seat of Richmond County, Georgia, with a population of more than 200,000. As the home of the University of Georgia, Augusta sees a major influx of college students in the fall and spring, and thousands descend on the area for college football and other events. As such, your chances of getting into a traffic accident someone else caused always exist, and the Georgia Department of Transportation has published the following accident statistics for Augusta over a recent two-year period:

• 18,029 total traffic accidents
• 6,934 total traffic-related injuries
• 56 traffic fatalities

According to the City of Augusta’s website, around 3,500 people suffer critical injuries each year on average because of speed-related accidents, and Richmond County is one of the top ten counties in Georgia for serious and fatal car accidents.

Total crashes in Augusta from 2013 to 2018

Source: gahighwaysafety.org

What are the Most Common Personal Injuries in Augusta?

When it comes to accidents, automobile accidents are at the top of the list. Millions of accidents every year take place in the United States alone. These can include but are not limited to, car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. Let’s not forget about less obvious automobile accidents, like a driver opening their door and injuring a cyclist or a pedestrian accident. Other common personal injuries include food poisoning, slip and fall accidents, sports injuries, dog bites, and more.

Some of the common personal injuries we help people recover compensation for at the Hawk Firm include:

• Cuts and Abrasions: These can result from contact with sharp objects, broken glass, or abrasive surfaces.
• Sprains and Strains: Overstretching or tearing of ligaments, tendons, or muscles, often due to sudden movements or falls.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Bones can break or fracture in accidents, and the severity can vary from hairline fractures to compound fractures where the bone breaks through the skin.
• Head Injuries: Including concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and skull fractures, often associated with falls or motor vehicle accidents.
• Neck Injuries: Whiplash is a common neck injury caused by sudden back-and-forth motion, often in car accidents.
• Back Injuries: Such as herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, or muscle strains, often due to heavy lifting or falls.
• Burns: Caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
• Electrocution Injuries: Resulting from contact with live electrical wires or appliances.
• Chemical Exposure: Inhaling or coming into contact with hazardous substances can cause various injuries, including respiratory problems, burns, or skin reactions.
• Eye Injuries: Foreign objects, chemicals, or blunt trauma can damage the eyes.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys can occur in accidents, often from blunt trauma.
• Amputations: The loss of a limb or part of a limb due to crushing injuries, accidents with machinery, or severe trauma.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments that can lead to pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
• Crush Injuries: Resulting from being trapped or pinned under heavy objects, often causing severe tissue damage.
• Drowning and near-drowning injuries: Associated with accidents in water, including swimming and boating accidents.
• Psychological Injuries: Not all injuries are physical; accidents can also lead to emotional and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.

It’s important to note that the severity of these injuries can vary widely, and some may require immediate medical attention, while others may be less severe and heal with time and proper care. In any accident, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation and treatment when needed to ensure the best possible outcome.

If you’ve been injured in an accident that was preventable, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer and find out if filing a personal injury claim is right for you.

What Should I Do After Getting Hurt in Augusta, GA?

After suffering harm due to negligence in Augusta, the following measures could promote your injury case’s outcome:

Seek Help From a Healthcare Provider

Negligence-related incidents can cause life-altering injuries, from brain trauma to paralysis. Yet, even a seemingly “minor” injury requires prompt medical attention.

That’s because:

• You could develop serious symptoms and complications after the incident.
• You want to draw a firm connection between the accident and your injuries.
• Seeking medical care creates a “paper trail” of information that could supplement your case.

You may have concerns about affording medical care—especially if you’re in dire financial straits. Yet, know that you could recoup these costs through a claim or lawsuit.

Limit What You Share With the Insurer

The Hawk Firm knows that insurance companies don’t always treat claimants fairly. That’s why we manage all claim-related communications when we take you on as a client. We can give the insurer your name, policy number, and other applicable information to support your case. Otherwise, you risk saying something that could compel the insurer to offer less than you need.

Consider Your Legal Options

You don’t have to manage a complicated insurance claim alone. You don’t have to file a lawsuit without assistance, either. Our team stands ready to help with every aspect of your case, from its initial filing to its resolution. A personal injury attorney from our firm serving Augusta can set your case in motion today. While you focus on healing from your condition, we can focus on supporting and building your injury case.

Limit Your Social Media Use

The claims adjuster could scour your online profiles, looking for anything to assert:

• You’re not as seriously injured as you claim.
• You caused your accident and injuries.
• You don’t deserve as much compensation as you’re requesting.
• Your injuries resulted from something other than a negligence-based incident.

Anything you share online, even an old photo of yourself, can discredit your injury case. That’s why we encourage you to limit online communications during this challenging time.

How Our Personal Injury Team Intends to Build Your Augusta Injury Claim

Here’s what you can expect when our law firm manages your injury claim or lawsuit:

We Prove Negligence

Most personal injury cases, from car accidents to wrongful death, require us to prove negligence.

This means showing:

• Duty of care: The other party needed to behave a certain way to prevent harming others.
• Breach of duty: The other party acted carelessly or recklessly.
• Causation: This breach of duty caused your accident or incident.
• Harm: You suffered physical, psychological, and/or financial harm.

Consider this scenario to see these elements in action:

• A motorist had a duty of care to follow the speed limit.
• That motorist breached their duty of care by speeding.
• The driver caused your accident and injuries.
• You have various losses stemming from your collision.

Proving negligence can be difficult without legal help. Yet, you don’t have to worry about demonstrating these elements. The team at The Hawk Firm can accomplish it for you.

We Investigate Your Case and Gather Evidence

Pursuing compensation requires us to supplement your case with evidence. Our lawyers double as investigators, doing everything in their power to gather that information.

We aim to support your case by:

• Obtaining relevant medical records
• Gathering documentation of your losses
• Identifying and interviewing eyewitnesses
• Collecting and analyzing photos and videos
• Seeking any official reports filed from the scene, such as police accident reports
• Working with experts to better understand what happened, your injuries, future care needs, and prognosis
• Preserving any evidence held by the liable party

We Manage All Claim-Related Obligations

Insurance claims require more than filling out some paperwork and waiting for compensation.

It requires us to:

• Understand your damages’ cost
• Know the cause of your accident
• Identify the at-fault and liable parties
• Send your demand letter
• Negotiate with the insurer

We can also protect you from bad faith insurance practices. These are tactics that insurers employ to derail valid claims. Yet, you don’t have to worry about these with us on your side. We intend to protect you from any tactics that threaten your right to compensation.

We Can File Your Civil Lawsuit

We hope to resolve your case through insurance negotiations. However, not all cases end this way. Sometimes, we must file civil lawsuits to recover what our clients need.

This requires us to:

• File your lawsuit with the appropriate circuit
• Communicate with paralegals, judges, and prosecutors
• Present your case’s argument (and your damages’ cost)
• Apply civil law to your case

Filing a lawsuit isn’t like the 30-minute courtroom dramas you’ve seen on TV. It requires weeks of preparation and due diligence. We hope to guide your lawsuit to a fair conclusion.

Your Injury Attorney Serving Augusta Can Seek These Injury-Related Losses

Often, injured claimants ask us: “How much can I recover for my injuries?” The answer largely depends on their condition, the value of their financial losses, and other related factors. The Hawk Firm can evaluate your losses from many angles to determine their value.

Recoverable damages in your case could include:

• Pain and suffering and other intangible losses
• Medical bills, current and future
• Treatment-related expenses
• Lost income from time missed at work
• Diminished earning capacity caused by lasting injuries
• Property repair or replacement
• Miscellaneous-related expenses, with receipts

We Supplement Your Damages’ Value Using Documentation

Before we demand compensation from the liable party, we need to calculate your losses.

We do this by evaluating your losses based on:

• Medical bills
• Receipts for related out-of-pocket expenses
• Estimates or statements for other costs
• Information from field consultants

We want to recover damages for everything you need to make a full recovery. That way, you can start pursuing a happy and healthy future.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Augusta?

Every state has a statute of limitations, which is a designated amount of time you have from the time of your accident to the time you file a claim. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you need to figure out if you’re eligible to file a personal injury claim as soon as possible. An Augusta personal injury lawyer can explain what your options are. If you don’t bring your personal injury claim forward within the statute of limitations, your claim will be denied. Of course, there are always exceptions, which is why it’s important to bring your case to an experienced personal injury attorney right away.

The State Imposes a Filing Deadline on All Civil Cases

We often settle personal injury cases without suing. However, sometimes lawsuits are necessary or are the best option based on the circumstances. There is a deadline for suing in Georgia.

Per Georgia law, most victims only have two years from their injuries to sue the liable party or parties. This deadline applies to filing our original complaint in a Richmond County civil court. Missing the prescribed deadline could mean losing your right to sue, so we must file the necessary paperwork promptly.

Even when we sue, cases often settle without going to trial. Our trial lawyers are ready to represent you to the judge and jury and present strong evidence for a favorable verdict. We can discuss the possible legal solutions for your case during your initial consultation and as your case progresses.

How Much Does an Augusta Personal Injury Attorney Cost?

We are a contingency-fee law firm. We do not charge our clients any fees upfront. We don’t think it’s right to charge attorney’s fees when you’re dealing with expensive damages. We use our firm’s resources to investigate, build claims, and negotiate with insurers. If we need to sue, we pay for the costs associated with litigation. We only charge attorney’s fees if your case succeeds.

How Long Will My Augusta Personal Injury Claim Take to Resolve?

The time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim in Augusta, or anywhere else, can vary significantly depending on several factors. It’s challenging to provide an exact timeframe, as each case is unique. However, the typical stages involved and the factors that can influence the duration of your personal injury claim include:

• Medical Treatment: The first priority after an accident is to seek medical treatment and ensure your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. The length of time you require for medical treatment and recovery can significantly impact the overall timeline of your claim.
• Investigation: Your attorney, if you have one, will conduct an investigation to gather evidence related to your case. This can include collecting medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other relevant documentation. The complexity of the case and the time it takes to gather evidence can vary.
• Negotiation: Once your attorney has gathered sufficient evidence, they may enter into negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company to reach a settlement. The length of negotiations can depend on how cooperative the insurance company is and how close both parties are to reaching an agreement.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney may file a lawsuit on your behalf. The legal process can be lengthy, involving pre-trial motions, discovery (the exchange of evidence between parties), and potentially a trial. Trials can be time-consuming and may further delay resolution.
• Settlement or Trial: The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled before they go to trial. However, the timeline for a trial can vary significantly based on court schedules and case complexity. Trials can take months or even years to conclude.
• Appeals (if applicable): If either party is dissatisfied with the outcome of a trial, they may choose to appeal the decision. Appeals can further prolong the resolution process.
• Resolution: Once a settlement is reached or a court makes a final decision, your claim will be resolved. At this point, you should receive compensation for your injuries and damages.

It’s essential to keep in mind that insurance companies often prefer to settle claims as quickly and for as little money as possible. While you may want a swift resolution, it’s crucial not to rush into accepting a settlement that does not adequately compensate you for your injuries and losses.

To get a more accurate estimate of how long your specific personal injury claim may take to resolve, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Augusta. They can assess the unique circumstances of your case and provide guidance on what to expect in terms of the timeline.

Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially At Fault for the Augusta, GA, Accident?

In Augusta, Georgia, you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for an accident. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, specifically the 50% rule. Under this system, you can seek compensation for your injuries and damages as long as your degree of fault is not equal to or greater than 50%.

Here’s how the modified comparative negligence rule works in Georgia:

• Percentage of Fault: After an accident, the degree of fault is determined for all parties involved, including you. Your percentage of fault is calculated based on your actions or negligence contributing to the accident.
• Damages Calculation: The total amount of damages you are eligible to receive is determined based on the total damages suffered, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Reduction in Compensation: Your compensation is then reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your total damages are $10,000, but you are found to be 30% at fault, you would receive $7,000 ($10,000 – 30% = $7,000).

However, if your degree of fault is found to be 50% or greater, you would not be eligible to recover damages in Georgia under this system. In other words, if you are equally or more at fault than the other party, you may not recover any compensation.

It’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Augusta to assess your case’s specific circumstances and determine your degree of fault accurately. An attorney can help protect your interests, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation available based on the laws of Georgia. Additionally, they can help establish liability and gather evidence to support your claim.

We Encourage You to Consider Your Legal Options Immediately

Our attorneys encourage you to connect with our team as soon as possible. That’s because gathering evidence is a time-sensitive matter. Some evidence disappears within hours of an incident. If you slid in a spill, the hazard was likely gone before you made it to the hospital. Forensic evidence could wash away from the accident site after a collision.

By promptly connecting with our team, we can gather the information needed to supplement your case. This information can include traffic camera footage, eyewitness testimony, and black box data.

What’s the Personal Injury Claims Process in Augusta, Georgia?

The personal injury claims process in Augusta, Georgia, follows a general framework. Here are the key steps involved in pursuing a personal injury claim in Augusta:

• Seek Medical Treatment: Your first priority after an accident should be to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. This ensures your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. Additionally, medical records serve as essential evidence in your claim.
• Consult with an Attorney: It is often advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney. An attorney can provide guidance on the strength of your case, navigate legal complexities, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Investigation: Your attorney will conduct an investigation into the accident. This may involve gathering evidence such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation.
• Filing Your Injury Claim with the Insurance Company: Your attorney can submit your injury claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company. They will outline the details of your claim, including the extent of your injuries and the compensation you are seeking.
• Negotiations: The insurance company will review your claim and respond with a settlement offer that’s likely lower than what you need. Negotiations typically follow, where both parties attempt to reach a settlement. Your attorney will advocate for your best interests during these negotiations.
• Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary): If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney may file a lawsuit on your behalf. This initiates the formal legal process.
• Discovery: During the lawsuit, both parties engage in the discovery process. This involves exchanging information, documents, and evidence related to the case. Depositions (sworn statements) from witnesses and experts may also be taken.
• Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Before going to trial, the parties may agree to mediation or another form of ADR to attempt to resolve the case outside of court.
• Trial: If mediation fails to produce a settlement, the case proceeds to trial. Your attorney will present your case to a judge and/or jury, and the opposing party will do the same. The judge or jury will make a decision regarding liability and compensation.
• Settlement or Court Award: Once a settlement is reached or a court makes a final decision, your claim is resolved. If you win your case, you will receive compensation for your injuries and damages.

It’s important to note that the duration of the personal injury claims process can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the insurance company to cooperate, and court availability if a lawsuit is filed. Also, if the other side appeals the decision, it can add to the length of the process and cause more delays.

Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Augusta can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you navigate the process effectively.

Do I Really Need an Augusta Personal Injury Lawyer?

One thing to keep in mind when trying to navigate things post-injury. Do you think the insurance company has your best interests in mind? For most personal injury claims, the insurance company will offer a settlement that is a fraction of what your claim actually costs. Personal injury attorneys witness this travesty every day. A personal injury lawyer’s job isn’t just to obtain financial compensation; it’s to obtain the amount of financial compensation you deserve. We will go after a fair settlement and won’t stop until we get it. If the case goes to court, we’ll be there every step of the way representing you in front of the judge.

Work With an Augusta Personal Injury Attorney to Recover Compensation

The Hawk Firm provides complimentary consultations for injured victims and their families in Augusta and other nearby areas. We can respond to your questions, explain our services, assess your options, and ensure you feel confident about moving forward. We believe no one should face a personal injury or its fallout alone. We are here for you during this process.

Contact us by calling our Augusta office at (706) 724-8537. We want to discuss your options and explain how our team can help.

Client Testimonials

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Star Review

“Best Law Firm in the CSRA! Thank you Hawk Firm for handling all of my legal needs with outstanding professionalism! Highly recommend The Hawk Firm to anyone in need of legal services!” – Rob W.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Star Review

“Jeremy is one of the best in the state of Georgia! He got all my stuff settled away in no time! He makes sure that anyone he is helping gets what they deserve nothing less! He always looks out for anyone and everyone! I definitely recommend the Hawk Firm! They treat everyone as family!!!” – Brandon B.

Read more client reviews.

Additional Resources

Augusta Emergency Rooms

Several emergency rooms serve the Augusta area, including:

• Augusta University Medical Center Emergency Room: 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA 30912
• Emergency Department of Doctors Hospital: 3651 Wheeler Rd, Augusta, GA 30909
• Piedmont Augusta Emergency Room: 1350 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901

Be sure to get immediate medical attention for any serious injuries you suffer in Augusta because of someone else’s negligence, and contact the Hawk Firm as soon as you’re able to discuss your options for obtaining compensation.

*Disclaimer – The Hawk Firm does not endorse these medical providers, nor do we profit from having them listed on our website.

Augusta Courthouses

• Augusta Judicial Center: 735 James Brown Blvd, Augusta, GA 30901
• Richmond Superior Court: 735 James Brown Blvd, Augusta, GA 30901
• Civil Court and Magistrate Court of Richmond County Georgia: 735 James Brown Blvd #1400, Augusta, GA 30901
• United States District Court, Augusta GA Division: 600 James Brown Blvd, Augusta, GA 30901

Neighborhoods We Serve In Augusta 

Downtown Augusta (30901), Olde Town (30901), Summerville (30904), Pepperidge (30906), National Hills, Sand Hills