1. Chris Hudson Law Group
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace accidents, workers compensation, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, multi-vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence gathering, medical record analysis, workers compensation claims
Background: The attorneys at Chris Hudson Law Group are known for being apt and experienced litigators who get results. The firm is based in Augusta, GA and represents clients who have suffered serious injuries. Attorney Chris Hudson is known in Augusta as a go-to attorney for personal injury and workers compensation cases.
Location: Augusta, GA
Contact: https://www.chrishudsonlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation
2. Burnside Law Firm LLP
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, wrongful death, premises liability, defective products
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, rear-end collisions, slip and fall accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence collection, medical record analysis
Background: The attorneys at Burnside Law Firm have over 30 years of collective experience handling personal injury claims. The firm was founded by Thomas R. Burnside III, who worked under the direction of senior partner Thomas R. Burnside, a senior litigator with decades of experience. Attorney Robert MacGregor is licensed in Georgia and South Carolina. Attorney Ashton Revollo received his J.D. from Emory University School of Law and gained courtroom experience as an intern with the District Attorney for DeKalb County. The firm has helped clients recover millions of dollars in injury cases throughout Georgia.
Location: Augusta, Georgia
Contact: (800) 569-1937 | https://www.burnsidefirm.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation
3. Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, wrongful death, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, hit-and-run accidents, catastrophic injury cases including brain injuries and spinal cord injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence preservation, expert witness coordination
Background: The firm has more than 100 years of combined legal experience. The attorneys have recovered more than $140 million for previous clients. The firm is known for its willingness to take cases to trial and pursue full compensation. The attorneys understand how insurance companies and their lawyers operate and use that knowledge to protect client interests.
Location: Augusta, Georgia (serving Richmond County and surrounding areas including Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, Martinez, Thomson, and Waynesboro)
Contact: (706) 722-8784 | https://nicholsonrevell.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7
4. Hawk Law Group
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, DUI accidents, distracted driving accidents
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, drunk driving accidents, hit-and-run accidents, catastrophic injury cases including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence collection, medical expense documentation, lost wage recovery
Background: The firm focuses exclusively on personal injury law and has helped hundreds of injured individuals and families in Augusta and surrounding areas. The attorneys have experience dealing with insurance company tactics and know how to counter attempts to minimize payouts. The firm handles cases from initial consultation through trial if necessary.
Location: Augusta, Georgia
Contact: https://hawklawgroup.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation
5. M. Austin Jackson Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, rollover accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence gathering, medical record analysis
Background: Attorney M. Austin Jackson was born and raised in Augusta and is honored to support his neighbors during difficult times. The firm has deep ties to Georgia and South Carolina and is familiar with local laws, roads, and court systems. Unlike large firms based in other cities, the firm is deeply invested in the local community. The firm brings in accident reconstructionists, physicians, engineers, forensic accountants, economists, and other experts to build cases when needed. The firm is the official Injury Lawyers of the Augusta GreenJackets.
Location: Augusta, Georgia (also serving Evans, Grovetown, Hephzibah, Thomson, Lincolnton, North Augusta SC, and Aiken SC)
Contact: https://maj.law/
Consultation: Free, no-obligation consultation
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Georgia
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents under O.C.G.A. Section 9-3-33. This means you must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, the statute of limitations is four years. Missing these deadlines typically results in the court dismissing your case.
Discovery Rule: In some cases, if you do not discover your injury right away, you may have two years from the date of discovery to file a claim. For example, if you are in an accident but do not notice symptoms of whiplash until days later, the statute of limitations may run from the date you discovered the injury.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance State Status: Georgia is a fault-based (tort) state for car accidents. The driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the resulting damages. Victims can pursue compensation by filing claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, filing a claim under their own insurance, or filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system under O.C.G.A. Section 51-12-33. You can recover damages if your fault is less than 50% of the total fault for the accident. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and have $100,000 in damages, you would receive $70,000.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Georgia requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). These are minimum requirements, and many drivers carry higher limits for additional protection.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Georgia law does not require drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but insurance companies must offer it. Policyholders must sign a written rejection if they choose not to purchase this coverage.
Damage Caps: Georgia does not cap compensatory damages (economic and non-economic) in most personal injury cases. However, punitive damages are generally capped at $250,000 unless the defendant acted with specific intent to harm or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Accident Reporting Requirements: In Georgia, you must report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 to local police or the Georgia State Patrol. If the accident occurs within city limits, report to local police. If outside city limits, report to the county sheriff or state patrol.
Seat Belt Law: Georgia requires all front-seat occupants and passengers under 18 to wear seat belts. While failure to wear a seat belt is not considered negligence per se, it may be used as evidence to reduce damages.
Wrongful Death Claims: Wrongful death claims in Georgia must be filed within two years of the date of death. The surviving spouse has first priority to file the claim, followed by children if there is no spouse, and parents if there is no spouse or children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline to file a car accident lawsuit in Georgia?
A: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, you have four years. If you do not discover your injury immediately, you may have two years from the date of discovery. Missing these deadlines typically results in losing your right to pursue compensation, so it is important to consult with an attorney promptly after an accident.
Q: How does Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my case?
A: Under Georgia law, you can recover compensation if your fault is less than 50% of the total fault for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines your damages are $100,000 but you were 25% at fault, you would receive $75,000. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any damages. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to victims to reduce payouts.
Q: What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Georgia?
A: Georgia requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to all persons per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. While uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, insurance companies must offer it, and you must sign a written rejection if you choose not to purchase it. Many attorneys recommend carrying higher coverage limits.
Q: Can I handle my car accident claim without an attorney?
A: While you can handle a simple claim involving minor injuries directly with the insurance company, having an attorney is often beneficial. Insurance companies employ skilled adjusters and attorneys who work to minimize payouts. For cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or complex legal issues, an experienced attorney can protect your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and take your case to trial if necessary.
Q: What types of damages can I recover in a Georgia car accident case?
A: In Georgia, car accident victims can recover economic damages including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disability or disfigurement. In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available, though they are generally capped at $250,000 unless the defendant acted with specific intent to harm or was intoxicated.