Most people who hire a car accident attorney know they want help. What they do not know is what that help actually looks like on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. This page explains the specific work product an attorney produces at each stage of a Georgia car accident case, so you can evaluate whether that work product justifies the fee for your specific situation.
Pre-Litigation: Building the Case
Before any lawsuit is filed, the attorney’s primary work is investigative and organizational. They send evidence preservation letters (spoliation demands) to all parties possessing relevant evidence within 24 to 48 hours of engagement. They obtain and review the police report, requesting supplemental reports if errors exist. They identify all potentially liable parties and their insurance coverage, including umbrella policies and commercial policies that may not be immediately apparent. They order and organize complete medical records from every treating provider. They coordinate ongoing medical treatment referrals when the client needs specialists outside their network or requires treatment under a Letter of Protection. They calculate the total damages picture: economic (medical bills, lost wages) and noneconomic (pain and suffering, loss of consortium). They prepare and send the demand letter that opens settlement negotiations. They negotiate directly with the adjuster through multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers.
During Litigation: The Legal Process
If pre-litigation negotiations fail, the attorney files suit and manages the litigation process. They draft and file the complaint identifying all defendants, legal claims, and damages. They handle service of process, including out-of-state defendants through Georgia’s long-arm statute. They conduct discovery: drafting interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission; preparing the client for deposition; deposing the defendant and witnesses; and subpoenaing records from third parties (cell phone carriers, surveillance footage holders, employers). They retain and coordinate expert witnesses: accident reconstructionists, medical experts, economic/vocational experts, life care planners, and biomechanical experts. They respond to defense motions including motions to dismiss (especially relevant post-SB 68), summary judgment motions, and Daubert challenges to expert testimony. They prepare for and attend mediation, which many Georgia courts require before trial.
At Trial: Presenting the Case
Trial preparation and presentation include jury selection (voir dire), opening statements, direct examination of plaintiff’s witnesses, cross-examination of defense witnesses and experts, introduction of exhibits and demonstrative evidence, closing arguments (subject to SB 68’s anchoring restrictions for noneconomic damages), and post-verdict motions if necessary.
Post-Settlement: Distribution
After settlement or verdict, the attorney manages fund distribution: negotiating subrogation claims and medical liens (often reducing them by 25-50%), resolving Medicare and Medicaid claims, calculating the net distribution after fees, expenses, and liens, and disbursing funds.
For how attorney fees are structured and what is deducted from your settlement, see How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Georgia.
This guide covers Georgia car accident law as of March 2026. Laws change. This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. If you need advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
Last updated: March 2026
