How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer for Your Case
A single crash can lead to a pile of medical bills, missed work, and nonstop calls from insurance adjusters. It is a lot to handle on your own.
At Morain & Buckelew, LLC, we have spent more than 60 years helping injured Georgians handle the aftermath of serious accidents. We understand the stress and confusion that follow, and we know how the right lawyer can make all the difference.
In this article, we will walk you through what to look for in a car accident attorney so you can choose someone who will protect your interests and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choosing the Right Lawyer Matters
A fair recovery often hinges on how well your car accident lawyer deals with the insurer on the other side. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means every percentage of blame can raise or lower your payout. The person guiding you through that math must know the law and be ready to challenge low offers. Slick ads may look inviting, yet some firms work on volume and close files fast, leaving real money on the table.
Key Considerations When Selecting a Car Accident Lawyer
The points below can help you spot a lawyer with a record of solid outcomes rather than quick settlements.
Experience and Focus
Look for years spent working on wreck cases inside Georgia, not wills or business contracts. Car crash law in our state involves statutes such as O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, uninsured motorist rules, and Department of Driver Services reporting deadlines. A lawyer steeped in these rules is better equipped to argue fault, damages, and coverage.
Reputation and Peer Recognition
Peer ratings on Martindale-Hubbell, Best Lawyers in America, and Super Lawyers reflect how other attorneys rate someone’s conduct and skill. High marks on those lists often signal strong ethics and steady trial results.
Referrals from Other Attorneys
Lawyers know which colleagues handle tough cases well. If attorneys you trust routinely send claims to one name, that pattern speaks louder than any billboard. A high share of files coming from fellow lawyers shows confidence in that lawyer’s work.
Communication and Accessibility
You deserve steady updates rather than silence. When you meet the lawyer, note whether they listen, answer plainly, and lay out next steps without legal jargon. Quick callbacks and clear emails are good signs that you will not be left guessing about status.
Knowledge of Georgia Laws
The lawyer should be fluent in Georgia traffic codes, minimum insurance limits, and our two-year personal injury filing deadline. Understanding how fault is split under the modified comparative negligence rule is critical because any share above 49 percent bars recovery.
Trial Experience
Many cases settle, but settlement values rise when the insurer knows your lawyer can pick a jury. Ask for the number of verdicts the lawyer has secured in the past five years and listen for real stories, not vague claims.
Contingency Fee Basis
Most car crash lawyers collect payment only when they win. Before signing, read the fee contract so you know the percentage and whether costs for professionals or court filings come off the top or after the fee is taken.
Financial Resources
Crash cases can require accident reconstruction, medical professionals, and long depositions. Firms with the funds to pay those bills up front will not pressure you into a low offer because money is tight.
The chart below compares several of these points so you can keep them straight while interviewing firms.
| Point to Review | What to Look For | Reason It Matters |
| Years handling Georgia wreck claims | 5 years or more focused on motor vehicle cases | Depth of local court knowledge and insurer tactics |
| Peer ratings | AV rating, Super Lawyers listing, or similar honors | Signals respect from judges and other lawyers |
| Fee structure clarity | Written contract spelling out percentages and costs | Avoids late-stage surprises on net recovery |
| Office resources | Ability to fund professionals and investigations | Keeps pressure off you, and the case value is high |
Use this guide during each consultation so details stay organized and decisions come more easily.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
A few warning signs should make you step back before signing anything.
- Unsolicited mailers landing days after your crash
- Pushy talk about accepting the first offer to “close the matter fast”
- Promises of guaranteed outcomes or set dollar figures without a full review
If any of those pop up, keep looking. Your claim is too valuable to rush.
Questions to Ask Potential Lawyers
An initial meeting costs nothing at most firms, so take advantage of that time. Jot these questions down and bring them along:
- What portion of your workload involves car accident cases?
- How many crash cases have you tried to verdict?
- How will you keep me posted about progress and offers?
- Who pays case expenses along the way?
- Can you share recent results in matters similar to mine?
Clear, confident answers reveal both skill and bedside manner, two traits you will rely on in the months ahead.
Need Help After a Car Accident? Contact Us Today
For more than 65 years, Morain & Buckelew, LLC, has stood beside Georgia families during their hardest days. We take time to learn about your injuries, your job, and how the crash changed daily life, then craft a case story that shows insurers or juries why fair compensation is needed. Call us at 404-448-3146 or reach us through our Contact Us page for a free talk about your options. Let our team fight for the payment you need while you focus on healing.