If you’ve been hurt in an accident — maybe a collision on Riverwatch Parkway, a fall at a store in Evans, or an on-the-job injury in Augusta — you might be wondering what really happens after you call a lawyer.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, we know that the legal process can feel intimidating at first. But with the right team guiding you, it becomes far more manageable. This step-by-step guide breaks down exactly what you can expect from start to finish — from your first meeting with an attorney to reaching a fair settlement or verdict in court. With offices in Augusta and Athens and over 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys have helped hundreds of Georgia residents successfully navigate the personal injury process — one step at a time.
Step 1: The Initial Consultation — Understanding Your Case
Your journey begins with a free consultation. This first meeting is about information — not pressure. You’ll discuss:
- How the accident occurred
- What injuries you sustained
- What medical treatment you’ve received so far
- How the injury has affected your daily life
You don’t need to have everything figured out. Bring what you can — photos, medical records, or police reports — and your attorney will help you fill in the gaps.
Why it matters: In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the more time your team has to investigate and protect your rights.
Step 2: Investigation and Evidence Collection
Once you hire Burnside Law Firm LLP, we immediately begin gathering the evidence that will shape your case. This may include:
- Reviewing police or incident reports
- Contacting witnesses
- Requesting medical and employment records
- Inspecting accident scenes
- Consulting with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists or medical specialists
Our attorneys often act within days of taking a case — before evidence disappears or memories fade. For example, in a Richmond County vehicle accident, nearby security footage might be overwritten within 14 days if not requested quickly.
Pro Tip: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms and medical appointments — it strengthens both your economic and non-economic damage claims later.
Step 3: Filing the Personal Injury Complaint
If the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement during pre-suit negotiations, we move forward with filing a Complaint in the appropriate court (usually Richmond County Superior Court for Augusta cases).
This legal document outlines:
- The facts of the case
- The parties involved
- The alleged negligence
- The damages you’re seeking
Once filed, the defendant is formally served and must respond, typically within 30 days.
Georgia Insight: According to the Administrative Office of the Courts, over 15,000 civil personal injury cases were filed statewide last year — but most are resolved before reaching a full trial.
Step 4: Discovery — Exchanging Information
Discovery is where both sides dig deeper into the facts. This phase can last six months to a year depending on case complexity.
You may encounter:
- Interrogatories: Written questions you answer under oath
- Requests for Production: Documents, photos, or records shared between parties
- Depositions: Sworn interviews conducted by attorneys (often recorded or transcribed)
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, we prepare you thoroughly before any deposition so you know what to expect and feel confident. Our attorneys use discovery to uncover inconsistencies in the defense’s story — often the key to securing favorable settlements later.
Step 5: Negotiation and Mediation
After both sides have reviewed the evidence, settlement discussions typically begin. Many Georgia courts encourage mediation, where a neutral third party helps both sides find common ground.
Common outcomes during this stage:
- Settlement: Most cases resolve here — avoiding trial while securing fair compensation.
- Mediation Impasse: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds toward trial.
The Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution reports that roughly 75% of mediated civil cases end in settlement — proof that this step can save time, cost, and emotional stress.
Our attorneys come to mediation fully prepared, often using expert analysis and damage summaries that make our client’s case impossible to dismiss.
Step 6: Trial Preparation — Building Your Story
If settlement isn’t possible, trial preparation begins in earnest. This phase includes:
- Finalizing witness lists and expert testimony
- Creating exhibits and demonstrative evidence
- Filing motions to exclude improper evidence
- Mock trial exercises or jury focus groups (in major cases)
Trials are unpredictable, but preparation is everything. Our attorneys — including Thomas R. Burnside III, who has tried cases before both the Georgia Supreme Court and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals — approach every case with the precision and discipline of a full trial strategy.
We also ensure clients know exactly what to expect each day in court, from jury selection to verdict delivery.
Step 7: Trial — Presenting the Case
A personal injury trial in Georgia typically lasts two to seven days, depending on the complexity and number of witnesses.
During trial, your attorney will:
- Present opening statements
- Call witnesses and introduce evidence
- Cross-examine the defense’s witnesses
- Deliver a closing argument summarizing your story
The jury (or judge, in a bench trial) then decides whether the defendant was negligent and how much compensation is fair.
Even after decades in Georgia courtrooms, our attorneys never underestimate the power of preparation and authenticity — two things jurors consistently notice.
Step 8: Settlement or Verdict Collection
If you win a verdict or reach a post-trial settlement, your attorney ensures all funds are properly distributed — covering medical liens, court costs, and your final compensation.
For many clients, this step represents not just justice, but closure. It’s the final piece in putting their lives back together after an accident.
Why Clients Choose Burnside Law Firm LLP for Personal Injury Representation
What makes Burnside Law Firm LLP different isn’t just our record — it’s how we guide clients through every step with clarity and care.
1. Experience That Translates Into Strategy
Our firm brings over 50 years of combined legal experience, led by Thomas R. Burnside III, Garon Muller, Robert MacGregor, and Ashton Revollo — each with unique courtroom and community backgrounds.
- Burnside has served on the State Bar of Georgia Board of Governors and is listed in Best Lawyers in America.
- Muller, a Super Lawyers honoree and Leadership Augusta graduate, combines local insight with persuasive negotiation.
- MacGregor, licensed in both Georgia and South Carolina, brings trial-tested experience from the Augusta Judicial Circuit.
- Revollo, an Emory Law graduate, is active in the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association LEAD Program, helping advance legal advocacy across the region.
2. Clear Communication and Accessibility
We prioritize keeping clients informed. From regular updates to transparent timelines, you’ll always know what stage your case is in and what’s coming next.
3. Proven Courtroom Readiness
While many firms settle quickly, we prepare as though every case will go to trial. That level of preparation often leads to higher settlements — because opposing counsel knows we’re ready to go the distance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lawsuit Process
Q: How long does a personal injury lawsuit take in Georgia?
A: Most cases resolve within 12–24 months, though complex cases or trials can take longer. Early settlement can shorten the process significantly.
Q: Will I have to go to court?
A: Not always. The majority of Georgia personal injury claims settle out of court through negotiation or mediation.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Burnside Law Firm LLP?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win compensation for you.
Q: What happens if the defendant doesn’t have insurance?
A: We explore all recovery options, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or third-party liability claims.
Q: How often will I receive updates?
A: Clients can expect consistent communication — typically every few weeks or after each major development.
Takeaway: The Legal Process Is Easier When You Have a Roadmap
A personal injury lawsuit doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. With the right legal team, every step — from consultation to resolution — becomes clear and manageable.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, our attorneys stand beside you at every phase of your case, offering skilled guidance, open communication, and relentless advocacy. Whether your case resolves through settlement or trial, we make sure your voice is heard and your recovery is prioritized. Serving Augusta, Athens, Evans, Martinez, and surrounding Georgia communities — Burnside Law Firm LLP helps injured clients move confidently through every step of the legal process, from start to successful resolution.
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