Yes, Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in Georgia Increases Your Settlement
You’re thinking about hiring an attorney. But you’re wondering: Will it actually increase my settlement? Or will I just lose a chunk to attorney fees?
It’s a fair question. And the answer might surprise you.
The short version: Yes. Hiring an attorney almost always increases your settlement. Usually by significantly more than you’d pay in attorney fees.
But here’s why that’s true.
The Numbers: What Happens With vs. Without An Attorney
Let’s be direct with data:
Studies consistently show that car accident victims who hire attorneys receive settlements 3-5 times higher than those who don’t.
Not slightly higher. Three to five times.
If your settlement without an attorney would be $10,000, with an attorney you’re looking at $30,000-$50,000.
Yes, you’ll pay attorney fees (typically 33-40% of the settlement). But you’re still coming out dramatically ahead.
That’s not coincidence. That’s how the system actually works.
Why Insurance Companies Pay More To Attorneys
Here’s what changes when you hire an attorney:
Insurance companies take you seriously. They know you’re not settling for pennies. They know you’re willing to fight.
Adjusters know attorneys investigate thoroughly. They find evidence, witness statements, expert testimony that strengthens your case.
They know attorneys understand the law. They know what similar cases settle for. What juries award.
They know attorneys won’t accept lowball offers. They’ll go to trial if necessary.
Essentially: They respect attorneys more than they respect injured people negotiating alone.
So they pay more.
What An Attorney Actually Does (That You Don’t)
If you’re thinking “I can just negotiate myself,” here’s what you’re missing:
Investigation: Attorneys hire investigators. They interview witnesses. They gather police reports, medical records, accident reconstruction data. They build evidence you don’t know how to gather.
Valuation: Attorneys know what your case is worth based on case law, settlement trends, and jury verdicts. They don’t guess. They calculate based on data.
Negotiation: Attorneys have done this hundreds of times. They know insurance company tactics. They know leverage points. They know when to push and when to wait.
Medical Coordination: Attorneys connect you with doctors who work on liens. They ensure medical expenses are properly documented and included in your claim.
Legal Knowledge: Georgia has specific laws about car accidents, liability, damages. Attorneys know these laws. You probably don’t.
Timeline Management: Attorneys know deadlines. They know Georgia’s statute of limitations. They make sure your case is filed properly and on time.
Trial Readiness: If settlement fails, they’re ready for trial. Insurance companies know this. It changes their offer.
You doing these things yourself? Possible. Likely? No.
The Insurance Company’s Calculation
Here’s how insurance adjusters actually think:
“If this person doesn’t hire an attorney, they’ll probably accept $15,000. They’re desperate. They don’t know any better.”
“If they hire an attorney, that attorney will push for $35,000-$45,000. They’ll probably go to trial if we don’t move. Trial is expensive for us. Let’s offer $40,000.”
The insurance company would rather pay an attorney (you) $40,000 and keep the rest, than pay $45,000+ if the case goes to trial.
Their calculation works in your favor when you have representation.
Why You’re Actually Paying Nothing
Here’s the part people miss: You’re not paying the attorney upfront.
Most car accident attorneys work on contingency. You pay zero dollars until the case settles or wins at trial.
Then the attorney takes a percentage (usually 33-40% depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial).
So if your settlement is $40,000 and the attorney fee is 33%, you pay $13,200 and keep $26,800.
Compare that to $10,000 with no attorney.
You’re still ahead by $16,800.
That’s not a cost. That’s an investment that pays off massively.
What Happens If You Wait To Hire An Attorney
Here’s a mistake people make: They negotiate alone first, then hire an attorney.
Problem: You’ve already told the insurance company what you’ll accept. You’ve already said yes to a lowball offer (or close to it).
Now the attorney can’t undo that. You’re locked in.
The right approach: Hire an attorney immediately after the accident. Before any settlement discussions. Before you say anything to the insurance company.
An attorney starting from scratch with a clean slate will negotiate much better than one trying to undo your mistakes.
The Real Question Isn’t “Will An Attorney Increase My Settlement?”
It’s: “Can I afford NOT to hire an attorney?”
Because the data is clear: You’ll almost certainly receive less money without one.
Significantly less.
What Georgia Law Says
Georgia allows contingency fee arrangements specifically because it recognizes that injured people need legal representation. The law acknowledges the power imbalance between individuals and insurance companies.
Your right to an attorney is built into Georgia’s legal system.
Use it.
The Bottom Line
Hiring a car accident attorney in Georgia increases your settlement. The increases are substantial. The fees come out of your increased settlement, not out of your pocket.
It’s not a cost. It’s a financial decision that pays for itself many times over.
The only question is: Why wouldn’t you hire one?
Get Legal Representation Now
Contact Horst Shewmaker for your free consultation. We handle car accident cases on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
We’ll evaluate your case. We’ll tell you what it’s actually worth. We’ll fight to get you maximum recovery.
Learn more about how our Alpharetta car accident lawyers help clients get the compensation they deserve.
For more information on Georgia car accident law and your rights, visit the Georgia Department of Insurance.
Visit our homepage to learn about our firm.
Don’t negotiate alone. Get legal representation. Get fair compensation.
