Car accident attorney consulting with clients after a crash (Atlanta, Georgia). Car crashes are a leading cause of injury in Georgia. In 2023, the Atlanta Police Department reported 28,278 crashes in the city alone, and statewide there were 1,615 fatal crashes. Injured drivers often face medical bills, lost wages, and insurance push-back. A skilled legal team – such as one of the best car accident lawyer in georgia listed below – is vital to navigate Georgia’s at-fault system, prove negligence, best car accident lawyer in georgia and secure full compensation. This guide profiles the 15 best car accident attorneys in Georgia, USA, highlighting their experience, track record, and what makes them top choices for Atlanta and statewide traffic collision victims.
Why You Need a Top Car Accident Lawyer in Georgia
If you’ve been in a wreck, you may wonder, “Why hire a lawyer?” In Georgia (an at-fault state), the driver who causes an accident must pay damages. Insurance companies, however, will often offer quick, low settlements. A qualified Georgia car accident attorney knows how to investigate collisions (accident reports, witness statements, photos) and demand full damages. They handle communications with insurers and invoke Georgia’s laws on liability. For example, an attorney will ensure you meet deadlines: under Georgia’s law you generally have two years to file a personal injury claim after an accident, or you might lose the right to recover best car accident lawyer in georgia
Most car accident lawyers in Georgia work on contingency, meaning no fee unless you win. Typical contingency rates are about 33–40% of the recovery. This aligns your lawyer’s incentives with yours and avoids out-of-pocket costs. In fact, national firm Morgan & Morgan emphasizes “The Fee Is Free™” – you only pay a share of compensation if they win. A top attorney helps protect your rights and avoids missed opportunities. As Morgan & Morgan explains, a good lawyer “protects your rights, builds your case, and negotiates with insurance companies that are focused on minimizing payouts” – ensuring you do not walk away with a fraction of what your claim is worth best car accident lawyer in georgia
In sum, a seasoned Georgia personal injury lawyer can maximize your recovery (injuries, property damage, pain and suffering, etc.) while you focus on healing. Below are the 15 best car accident lawyers in Georgia – top-rated attorneys known for winning significant verdicts and settlements for crash victims.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer
Not all lawyers are alike. When searching for the best car accident lawyer, consider factors like:
- Experience & Track Record. Look for attorneys with decades of trial and accident experience. For example, Atlanta’s Kathy McArthur has over 44 years handling injury cases. Many top lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions for clients (see “Top results” below). High-value verdicts (e.g. $150M, $45M) are signs of expertise (Butler Kahn Law Firm’s landmark $150M verdict).
- Professional Recognition. Awards and peer ratings matter. Many listed attorneys are members of Georgia Super Lawyers or Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Board certifications and leadership roles (e.g. Glenn Kushel’s “Lifetime Achievement” at Georgia Super Lawyers or McArthur’s Board Certification in Truck Accident Law) indicate high skill best car accident lawyer in georgia
- Recovery Totals. Review what firms highlight. For instance, McArthur Law boasts $450 million+ recovered, Bayuk Pratt over $300 million, Gary Hays & Associates over $1 billion, and Kenneth Nugent $2.6 billion. These sums (from their websites) suggest they handle serious claims.
- Contingency & No-Fee Promise. best car accident lawyer in georgia The best attorneys clearly state no upfront costs. Kenneth Nugent’s firm advertises a “no fee unless we win” pledge. Morgan & Morgan likewise says the fee is free until they win. This protects you from financial risk.
- Client Focus and Communication. Choose a firm that responds quickly and treats you well. Many top lawyers offer free consultations and promise individual attention (several listed firms highlight free case reviews). Check testimonials and reviews: for example, Butler Kahn highlights client praise and a 5.0 Google rating best car accident lawyer in georgia
Keeping these factors in mind (experience, results, recognition, fee structure, client service) will help you identify a traffic accident attorney near me who truly ranks among the best.
15 Best Car Accident Lawyers in Georgia, USA (Our Picks)
Below are profiles of 15 outstanding Georgia car accident attorneys. Each is rated highly for experience, awards, and case results. Note that most serve the Atlanta metro area as well as statewide claims. Wherever possible, we have cited their successes or credentials.
1. Katherine L. McArthur – McArthur Law Firm (Atlanta & Macon)
Kathy McArthur is a senior partner with over 44 years of experience in Georgia injury law. She is Board Certified in Truck Accident Law and is a member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum. McArthur’s firm advertises having recovered over $450 million for clients. Super Lawyers has recognized her as a “top-rated personal injury attorney”. best car accident lawyer in georgia In practice she is known for thorough case preparation and trial success, making McArthur Law one of the state’s premier car crash firms best car accident lawyer in georgia
2. Glenn E. Kushel – Cunningham Bounds (Atlanta)
Glenn Kushel is a veteran trial lawyer at Cunningham Bounds in Atlanta. He has tried major personal injury and medical cases for decades. His credentials include “Lifetime Achievement” status in Georgia Super Lawyers and listing in America’s Top 100 Attorneys. Kushel’s firm focuses on accidents and trucking negligence. With numerous high-dollar verdicts and settlement wins, Kushel is considered among Georgia’s elite trial lawyers.
3. Steven I. Goldman – The Goldman Firm (Atlanta)
Steven Goldman founded The Goldman Firm in 1989 and has practiced in Atlanta since 1986. He is admitted to the Georgia Supreme Court and is an active member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Goldman’s firm exclusively represents injury victims (including auto accidents and wrongful death). He is known for readiness to go to trial to secure full compensation. Clients praise his integrity and results. (One Atlanta review exclaimed that Goldman is “better than the best” for accident cases.) best car accident lawyer in georgia
4. Stephen D. Apolinsky – Apolinsky & Associates (Decatur/Atlanta)
Stephen “Steve” Apolinsky is a founding partner of Apolinsky & Associates. He’s nationally recognized as a top trial lawyer, including being named to The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Apolinsky & Associates has tried over 80 cases to verdict and negotiated 300+ settlements (many in the millions). The firm handles catastrophic injury and wrongful death in crashes. Steve Apolinsky’s track record of multimillion-dollar outcomes and his induction into the Million Dollar Advocates Forum reflect why he’s a go-to for severe accident claims best car accident lawyer in georgia
5. Frank Bayuk & Bradley W. Pratt – Bayuk Pratt (Atlanta)
Bayuk Pratt is an Atlanta-based personal injury law firm founded by Frank Bayuk and Bradley Pratt. Together they leverage experience from defense-side firms to handle plaintiff cases. Their team has over 50 years of combined experience and has recovered $300+ million in compensation. Both partners have top law school credentials and served as senior defense attorneys before turning to represent crash victims. best car accident lawyer in georgiaThey emphasize their insider knowledge of insurer tactics. Bayuk Pratt offers free case reviews and focuses on maximizing recovery. Their sizable track record and founder pedigree make them one of Georgia’s most capable accident firms best car accident lawyer in georgia
6. Gary Martin Hays & Associates – Personal Injury (Atlanta & GA)
Gary Martin Hays has been a leading Atlanta personal injury lawyer since 1993. He even worked briefly for insurance companies early in his career, using that insight to help crash victims. His firm has recovered over $1 billion for Georgia clients. They maintain multiple offices across metro Atlanta and statewide to serve accident victims conveniently. The firm advertises numerous local awards (e.g. “Atlanta’s Best Car Accident Lawyers”) and a high client-review rating. For drivers injured on Georgia highways, Gary Hays’ team brings both deep resources and a client-centered approach best car accident lawyer in georgia
7. Kenneth S. Nugent, P.C. – Kenneth S. Nugent, P.C. (Duluth, GA)
Kenneth Nugent’s firm is a well-known personal injury outfit serving metro Atlanta and beyond. On its website the firm highlights $2.6 billion recovered for clients across Georgia. The lawyers practice only plaintiff-side injury law (auto, motorcycle, truck, etc.) and promise a “no upfront cost, no fee unless we win” policy. The firm has been in business for 45+ years. They also list a number of high-value verdicts (e.g. multiple $5M–$9M auto accident awards). With its large scale and lengthy experience, Kenneth Nugent’s office ranks among the state’s biggest car accident legal teams.
8. Morgan & Morgan – Auto Accident Attorneys (Atlanta/GA)
Morgan & Morgan is a national plaintiff’s firm with a major Georgia presence. The firm’s marketing boasts having won over $20 billion for clients nationwide. Their Atlanta office handles a full range of vehicle accident cases (cars, trucks, rideshare, etc.) with substantial resources. Morgan & Morgan emphasizes a contingency (“No Fee Unless We Win”) model. Their attorneys highlight that when insurance companies see Morgan & Morgan on a case, “they know we mean business”. Indeed, they note “we operate on a contingency fee basis – The Fee Is Free™” until they win. This combination of name recognition, deep bench (dozens of Georgia attorneys), and no-fee guarantee places Morgan & Morgan on any list of top Georgia accident attorneys best car accident lawyer in georgia
9. Thompson Law / 1-800-LION-LAW – Thompson Law (Atlanta)
Thompson Law (often branded as 1-800-LION-LAW) is another large Georgia personal injury firm. Its website advertises $1.9 billion recovered for clients. Thompson’s Atlanta office handles vehicle crash cases aggressively, and they run statewide advertising to reach victims. Like others, they promise free consultations and no fee if they don’t win. While not locally headquartered (they have Florida roots), best car accident lawyer in georgia Thompson is prominent in Georgia car accident advertising and legal circles. Their inclusion on the list is due to their sheer case volume and recovery total best car accident lawyer in georgia
10. John Foy & Associates – Personal Injury (Atlanta)
John Foy & Associates is a long-time Atlanta injury law firm (founded by the late John Foy). They are famous for their catchy slogan “Get the Strong Arm” (a reference to Foy’s armcast logo). The firm’s website notes 15+ years of accident litigation experience and 24/7 availability. The Strong Arm Firm is based in downtown Atlanta and handles all kinds of collisions. They have won numerous high-value settlements (notably insurance policy limits in many cases). Though smaller than Morgan & Morgan, John Foy’s firm is a household name in Atlanta for car wreck cases best car accident lawyer in georgia
11. Samuel Johnson & Associates – Injury Attorneys (Alpharetta)
Samuel Johnson & Associates is a personal injury law firm in the Alpharetta/North Fulton area. On their site they highlight a record of over $20 million recovered for clients. Their tagline calls them “the Insurance Fighters” who will seek full compensation. Johnson’s office is known for quick response (they advertise 24/7 contact) and local service. While more regional in scope than some, they have a strong reputation in North Atlanta suburbs. For Georgia drivers outside metro core, Samuel Johnson’s firm is a strong local choice for car and truck crash claims best car accident lawyer in georgia
12. Butler Kahn Law Firm – Personal Injury (Atlanta)
Butler Kahn is an Atlanta-based boutique firm known for focusing on high-stakes personal injury. They emphasize quality over quantity. Notably, Butler Kahn secured a $150 million verdict in a wrongful death crash case against Chrysler. Their website highlights multiple multi-million-dollar results (e.g. $45M, $40M, $30M wrongful death verdicts). The firm’s attorneys (such as Jeb Butler and Graham Roberts) are very trial-oriented and well-regarded in the Atlanta legal community. Clients and peers describe Butler Kahn as “one of the best personal injury lawyers in Atlanta” (their site) and a “blueprint” for ethical representation. Because they handle fewer cases and work them hard, Butler Kahn is widely listed among Georgia’s top lawyers for car accident victims best car accident lawyer in georgia
13. Seay/Felton, LLC – Trial Attorneys (Atlanta)
Seay & Felton is an Atlanta and D.C. personal injury firm with a reputation for handling complex injury cases. Their practice includes vehicle collisions, especially wrongful death and catastrophic cases. Several attorneys from Seay/Felton have been named Super Lawyers. The firm emphasizes trial advocacy (many of its lawyers are career litigators). Though they also have a DC office, their Atlanta team is known for serious accident lawsuits. Clients note that Seay & Felton attorneys are aggressive trial lawyers who fight for maximum compensation. (For example, multiple partners have “Super Lawyer” credentials and Georgia Trial Lawyers awards.) best car accident lawyer in georgia
14. Shani O. Brooks, P.C. – Attorneys at Law (Atlanta)
Shani O. Brooks is a boutique Atlanta injury law firm. Attorney Shani Brooks and her team focus on serious personal injury, including car and truck accidents. In local rankings and reviews, Shani Brooks’s office frequently appears among top Atlanta PI attorneys. The firm markets in Buckhead and Midtown and emphasizes client communication. While smaller, their lawyer-led approach and strong client reviews (often 5-stars) make them a noteworthy firm. Brooks herself has a background in insurance defense, giving her insight into how insurers operate – which can benefit accident claimants best car accident lawyer in georgia
15. Other Notable Georgia Car Accident Lawyers
Beyond the names above, many other Georgia attorneys are respected in auto crash cases. For example, Bader-Scott Injury Lawyers (Savannah/Atlanta), McLean & Howard, and Park’s Love, LLC (Augusta) are often mentioned in regional listings. Likewise, firms like Kanner & Pintaluga (Augusta) and Brunini Law (Duluth) are well-regarded. Always check an attorney’s experience in Georgia law. The key is finding one with proven results and a practice focus on car crashes best car accident lawyer in georgia
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Georgia
After a crash, your safety is the top priority. Follow these steps (and consult a lawyer as soon as possible):
- Ensure safety and call 911. Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Call emergency services immediately to document the crash and get medical help.
- Document the scene. If you can, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any traffic signals. Get names and contact info of witnesses. Collect the at-fault driver’s insurance and license information.
- Seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor. Some injuries (like whiplash) may appear later. A medical record is key evidence for your claim.
- File a police report. Having an official accident report strengthens your case. Georgia law requires you to notify the police if someone is injured or if damage exceeds $500.
- Notify your insurer. Report the accident to your insurance company promptly (be factual, don’t admit fault). But do not give a recorded statement or sign anything without advice.
- Contact a car accident lawyer. As soon as possible, consult a Georgia car accident attorney. Many offer free initial consultations. Early legal help ensures deadlines (like GA’s 2-year statute of limitations) are met, and evidence is preserved.
Following these steps and getting a lawyer on board quickly will protect your rights and help maximize compensation. For example, multiple top firms offer 24/7 case intake so that you can get immediate guidance after a wreck best car accident lawyer in georgia
Common Car Accident Injuries and Damages
Car crashes can cause a wide range of injuries and losses. Common injuries include whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord trauma, and traumatic brain injury. Victims may face high medical costs, ongoing care, and disability.
Victims may recover various types of damages through a lawsuit or insurance claim, such as:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgery, hospital bills, medication, physical therapy.
- Lost income: Wages lost during recovery, plus future lost earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal items.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic losses like physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life.
- Other costs: Rehabilitation, home modifications, travel to medical appointments, etc best car accident lawyer in georgia
(For reference, Georgia law mandates minimum auto liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injury, but these limits are often inadequate for serious crashes. A good attorney can help identify additional sources of recovery.)
FAQs (Schema-Friendly)
Q: How do I choose the best car accident lawyer in Georgia?
A: Look for an attorney with specific car accident experience in Georgia, strong track record, and client reviews. Check if they have relevant certifications (e.g. Board Certification in civil trial law) and trial experience. Top lawyers often feature case results or awards on their sites. Make sure they work on contingency with no upfront fee. You can search locally (e.g. “traffic accident attorney near me”) but always verify credentials and past results best car accident lawyer in georgia
Q: How much does a Georgia car accident lawyer cost?
A: Most work on contingency fees, typically around 33–40% of the recovery. This means you pay nothing unless you win. Lawyers will often advance case costs (like expert fees) and deduct them from your award. Always confirm fee details and any additional costs at the start.
Q: What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
A: Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if your fault is less than 50%. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re found 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of the damages. A lawyer can help argue the degree of fault and maximize your share best car accident lawyer in georgia
Q: How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Georgia?
A: The standard statute of limitations is two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. You should not delay – evidence (like photos, video footage, and witness memory) can disappear, and insurers may use delays against you. Consulting an attorney early ensures your claim is filed in time best car accident lawyer in georgia
Q: What if the other driver’s insurance is too low?
A: In Georgia, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage often applies. This is coverage on your own policy that kicks in when the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance. A car accident lawyer can help make a UM/UIM claim if needed. They can also pursue additional parties (like employers, manufacturers, or the government) if liable best car accident lawyer in georgia
Q: Will a lawyer really get me more money?
A: Studies and real cases show yes. Insurance companies know that top lawyers will take cases to trial, so they negotiate more fairly. Attorneys also know how to document all damages. For example, one national survey found accident victims without lawyers received significantly lower settlements than those with counsel. (In Georgia, firms like Morgan & Morgan highlight that when insurers see experienced attorneys involved, they “mean business”.) best car accident lawyer in georgia
Conclusion and Call to Action
Choosing the best car accident lawyer in Georgia can make a huge difference in your recovery. The 15 attorneys listed above have proven experience handling Georgia crashes, from minor collisions to life-changing wrecks. Each has a record of fighting for full compensation in Georgia courts and against insurers best car accident lawyer in georgia
If you or a loved one was injured in a Georgia traffic accident, don’t settle for a low offer – consult an experienced attorney. Many of the lawyers above offer free consultations and work on a no-win, no-fee basis. Act quickly: share this guide, comment below with questions, and reach out to one of these top attorneys to protect your rights. Remember, time is limited by law, so the sooner you get help the better your chances of a full recovery.
Sources: Atlanta accident data; Georgia fatal crash stats; GA insurance minimums; contingency fee norms; attorney recoveries and credentials, etc. (All above figures and claims are drawn from the cited law firm and safety reports.) best car accident lawyer in georgia
