If you’ve been in a car accident in Augusta, you may feel uncertain about what comes next. Medical bills could be piling up, and figuring out how to seek compensation might feel challenging. Augusta sees over 1,250 car accidents annually, and many victims face disruptions to their physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability. Knowing your legal rights as an accident victim is the first step toward recovery.

Hiring an experienced Augusta car accident lawyer can help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Georgia law allows accident victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain, vehicle repairs, and other damages caused by a negligent driver. With 65% of Augusta victims hiring lawyers to secure 42% higher settlements on average, having a skilled attorney ensures your rights are protected.

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Augusta Car Accident Guide

• Why Choose Hawk Firm for Your Augusta Car Accident Claim
• Georgia Car Accident Laws You Should Know
• Common Causes of Car Accidents In Augusta
• Steps to Take After a Car Accident
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact Us for Help

Why Choose Hawk Firm for Your Augusta Car Accident Claim

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident or a catastrophic car wreck can be overwhelming. Working with the right legal team makes all the difference in helping you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Here’s why Augusta residents trust us to secure full compensation for:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation costs (including physical therapy or long-term care)

• Lost wages, future earning potential, and employment benefits

• Vehicle repairs, replacements, or rental expenses

• Emotional distress, anxiety, and pain and suffering caused by the collision

Decades of legal experience

Our experienced attorneys have handled hundreds of personal injury cases over the years, from minor collisions to car wrecks involving traumatic injuries. Our team knows how to counter insurance tactics that downplay rehabilitation needs or emotional trauma. We know how to evaluate cases, identify key evidence, and understand how to fight against major insurance companies. 

A personalized approach

We treat every case with the care and focus it deserves. Each case is different, whether you’re recovering from whiplash, managing anxiety after a traumatic crash, or facing financial strain, we tailor strategies to your needs

so our strategy adapts to your specific situation. From the moment you consult with our team, we’re here to listen, examine the details, and create a plan tailored for your unique needs.

Local experience in Augusta

Augusta has its share of dangerous roads and intersections. Places like Washington Road, Wrightsboro Road, and Bobby Jones Expressway  are hotspots for multi-vehicle collisions and drunk driving accidents. Our knowledge extends to the local court systems, reports from Augusta authorities, and how Georgia’s laws are applied in these cases. This familiarity helps us develop stronger cases for our clients.

No fees unless we win

You shouldn’t have to worry about affording legal help after a car accident. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You owe nothing upfront, and if we don’t secure compensation for you, you won’t pay us.

Services we provide

When you hire us, we assist with every part of your claim, from investigating the accident to pursuing compensation. Here’s an overview of the key services we provide.

Investigating your accident

A strong case starts with the investigation. We collect evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photographs of the crash scene. 

We also collaborate with accident reconstruction experts when needed to determine exactly how the collision occurred. This evidence strengthens your claim and prepares it for settlement or trial.

Communicating with insurance companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Negotiating on your behalf, we’ll deal directly with the insurance adjusters while keeping your best interests as our priority. 

This allows you to focus on your health instead of enduring drawn-out discussions with insurers.

Assessing damages

A big part of your claim involves calculating all the financial and emotional losses from the accident. These may include medical bills and rehabilitation, lost wages, future loss of earning capacity, vehicle replacement, and pain and suffering, anxiety, and emotional distress. We work to present thorough documentation that shows what the accident cost you.

Representing you in court

Litigation may be necessary if an insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement. Hawk Firm lawyers work to prepare your case for court and present clear, persuasive arguments to show how the other driver’s negligence caused your damages.

Georgia Car Accident Laws You Should Know

Understanding how the laws in Georgia apply to car accidents is important if you’ve been injured. Here are some key legal points that may influence your case in Augusta.

Comparative negligence in Georgia

Georgia follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. Under this law, you can recover damages from another party as long as you’re less than 50% at fault for the accident. 

However, if you share some fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault and awarded $100,000 in damages, your compensation would be reduced to $90,000.

Time limits for filing your claim

The statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in Georgia is two years from the date of the crash. Failing to file within this time usually means losing your right to compensation. However, certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or claims against a government entity.

Minimum insurance requirements

Georgia law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. This includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident if multiple people are injured, and $25,000 for property damage. 

If the at-fault driver lacked insurance or didn’t carry enough, you may recover compensation through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

After the immediate chaos of a car accident settles, there are important steps to take in the following days and weeks to protect your health and build a strong claim. These actions ensure that your physical recovery and potential compensation stay on track.

Follow up on medical treatment

Even if you’ve already seen a doctor, continue attending follow-up appointments and therapies. Many injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, require consistent care to heal properly. Always stick to your treatment plan, whether it involves physical therapy, imaging scans, or regular checkups. 

Failing to follow through may harm your health and be used against you in a claim.

Keep detailed records of expenses

Start documenting every cost related to the accident. This includes medical bills, prescription costs, and receipts for travel to appointments. Keep track of any missed workdays and how much income you’ve lost as a result.

If you’ve hired someone to handle tasks you can no longer manage, such as childcare or yard work, include those expenses as well. A complete record of damages will be critical when it’s time to seek compensation.

Communicate carefully with insurance companies

Expect calls from insurance companies looking to discuss the case. Be cautious and only provide basic facts like the date and location of the accident. Avoid discussing fault, injuries like anxiety, or emotional distress without your attorney’s guidance. 

Insurance adjusters may try to settle quickly for a low amount, so take time to review every offer and consider whether it covers your costs and future needs.

Consult with an attorney

If you have questions about your rights or feel unsure about how to proceed with a claim, reaching out to a car accident attorney can make a difference. A lawyer can review your case, help handle paperwork, and advocate for fair compensation. 

They can also deal directly with insurance companies and other legal parties, saving you time and stress.

Document Emotional and Physical Recovery

Keep a daily journal to track your healing progress and emotional well-being. Detailed records help prove how the accident impacted your life and strengthen your claim for compensation.

• Track Physical Challenges: Note pain levels, mobility limitations, and progress in physical therapy or rehabilitation.

• Record Emotional Struggles: Document anxiety, sleep disturbances, or mood changes caused by the accident.

• Highlight Milestones: Celebrate improvements like returning to work, resuming hobbies, or completing rehabilitation goals.

Insurance companies often downplay non-physical injuries like anxiety or PTSD. Your journal provides tangible evidence of how the accident affected your daily life, making it harder for insurers to dispute your pain and suffering claim.

Notify your employer

If your injuries have affected your ability to work, notify your employer as soon as possible. Provide them with necessary medical documentation to ensure you’re covered under company policies such as sick leave or disability benefits. Stay in touch with your workplace about your recovery timeline and discuss any adjustments that may be needed for your return.

Repair or replace your vehicle

Contact your insurance provider to arrange for your car’s repair or total loss assessment. Obtain estimates from approved body shops or service centers and document any quotes or invoices.

If your vehicle requires a rental replacement during this time, include that as part of your insurance claim, if covered.

Stay organized

Keep all accident-related documents in one place. Create a folder or digital file for medical records, police reports, insurance correspondence, repair estimates, and any other materials tied to the case. Staying organized ensures that nothing important gets lost and simplifies the process of filing a claim or pursuing legal action.

Taking these steps weeks after an accident is essential to recovering financial and physical losses. Careful preparation and proactive measures can make all the difference in securing the support you’ll need during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my car accident claim worth?

The value of your claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. An attorney can help calculate a fair settlement estimate based on these factors.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the driver at fault has no insurance, you may file a claim with your uninsured motorist coverage. Many auto insurance policies in Georgia include this type of coverage for such cases.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, the percentage of fault assigned to you will reduce your compensation amount.

How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?

Every case is different, but factors like the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether the case goes to trial can influence the timeline. Many cases settle within a few months, but some may take a year or more.

How are long-term rehabilitation costs calculated in my claim?

We work with medical experts to forecast future rehab needs, ensuring compensation covers therapies, medications, and adaptive equipment.

Contact Us for Help

You don’t have to handle this alone if you’ve been involved in a car wreck in Augusta. 

At Hawk Firm, we’re committed to helping you recover physically and financially. Contact our Augusta personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.

📞 (706) 724-8537
📍 127 7th Street, Augusta, GA 30901

Take the first step toward rebuilding your life after an accident. Call now to discuss your case and learn how we can help.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!