
Voted Best Personal Injury Law Firm By Georgia Lawyers
Atlanta Highway Accident Lawyer
Client Testimonials
Matt Wetherington with Wetherington Law Firm,P.C. is the hardest working attorney I have ever worked with. He went above and beyond our expectations. Calls and emails are returned promptly and by Mr. Wetherington himself.
– Kelly
5 Stars is nowhere near enough to rate how awesome Matt and his colleagues were. They took my case even when I didn’t think there was anything we could do. I was in a bad situation at the time and Matt, Robert, and Sarah were there for me every step of the way.
– G.B.
I’m so grateful to Ben Levy and everything he did for me. He was truly dedicated to helping my case. Throughout the process, Ben was very thoughtful, responsive, organized, and made sure I was fully informed along the way.
– Shira
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Free Injury Lawyer Consultation
Highway accidents are among the most severe and frequent car accidents in Atlanta and across Georgia. These high-speed collisions, often occurring on interstates like I-85 or I-285, can result in catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe fractures. Victims face overwhelming challenges, including escalating medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and profound emotional trauma. If you’re struggling after a highway accident, our Atlanta highway accident lawyer is here to help you seek justice and recovery.
After a highway accident in Atlanta, Buckhead, or elsewhere in Georgia, you may be battling physical injuries while navigating complex insurance claims and legal disputes. Insurance companies may pressure you into accepting a quick settlement that doesn’t cover your long-term needs. Meanwhile, critical evidence, such as dashcam footage or skid marks, can disappear, making it harder to prove fault and secure fair compensation. Without experienced legal representation, you risk being shortchanged when you’re most vulnerable.
Our Atlanta Highway Accident Lawyer is dedicated to advocating for accident victims throughout Georgia. With deep expertise in Georgia traffic laws and extensive experience handling highway collisions and other car accidents, we fight relentlessly for your rights. From collecting vital evidence and negotiating with insurers to representing you in court if necessary, we manage every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on healing.
Led by Matt Wetherington, our highway accident attorneys are committed to securing maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and ongoing care. Don’t let insurance companies dictate your future. Contact our Atlanta Highway Accident Lawyer today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and financial recovery. Call Wetherington Law Firm at (404) 888-4444 or fill out our free consultation form today.
What are the Qualities to Look for in a Highway Accident Lawyer?
The right high way accident lawyer can make all the difference in recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and life-altering injuries. Here are the key qualities to seek in a highway accident lawyer to ensure you’re in trusted hands.
- Experience with Highway Accident Cases: Highway accidents involve unique factors, such as high speeds, multi-vehicle pile-ups, or road conditions, requiring specialized expertise. Look for a lawyer with a proven track record in handling highway crash claims in Georgia, where interstates like I-20 or the Downtown Connector are common crash sites.
They should excel at gathering evidence, such as black box data or traffic camera footage from Atlanta highways, and working with medical experts to prove injuries like spinal trauma. At Wetherington Law Firm, led by Matt Wetherington, we’ve recovered over $100 million for clients in personal injury cases, leveraging our expertise in Georgia’s traffic laws (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-48) to build strong claims.
- Compassion and Personalized Attention: Remember, you’re not just a case, you’re a person navigating a traumatic ordeal. A great highway accident lawyer listens to your story, understands the crash’s impact on your life, and treats you with empathy. Whether you’re a commuter in Chamblee unable to work or a parent in Dunwoody managing medical appointments, your lawyer should explain your options clearly and keep you updated.
Avoid large firms that treat you like a number. Our Atlanta attorneys are local, approachable, and dedicated to tailoring our strategy to your needs, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
- Strong Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies often minimize highway accident claims, offering settlements that don’t reflect your full losses or blaming you for the crash. A skilled lawyer counters these tactics with evidence like medical records, accident reconstruction reports, and witness statements to establish the other driver’s fault.
In Georgia, where comparative negligence (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) can reduce your compensation if you’re partially at fault, negotiation expertise is critical. Our highway accident attorneys are known for outsmarting insurance adjusters, securing maximum payouts for clients from Midtown to East Point.
- Trial-Ready Experience: While most highway accident cases settle, you need a lawyer prepared to go to trial if the insurer refuses a fair offer. Look for someone with courtroom experience in Georgia’s courts, such as those in Fulton or Gwinnett County, who can confidently present your case to a judge or jury.
Our car accident attorneys, including Robert Friendman and James Cox, have won multi-million-dollar verdicts, giving us leverage to demand what you’re owed, whether in negotiations or at trial.
- Local Knowledge of Atlanta and Georgia Law: A lawyer familiar with Atlanta’s highways and legal system brings a clear advantage. They understand local traffic patterns, like congestion on the Perimeter or frequent crashes near Georgia State University, and how these factors affect liability. They’re also familiar with Georgia’s personal injury laws, including the two-year statute of limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) and rules for recovering damages.
Our Atlanta-native team at Wetherington Law Firm taps into local resources, like police reports and regional specialists, to strengthen cases for clients from Sandy Springs to College Park.
- No Upfront Costs and Transparent Fees: Legal help shouldn’t add to your financial stress. Choose a firm that works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe fees if they win your case. They should be clear about fees, typically 33% to 40% of your settlement in Georgia, depending on case complexity.
At Wetherington Law Firm, we offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we recover compensation, letting you focus on healing.
- Focus on Maximizing Compensation
A top lawyer aims to secure every dollar you’re entitled to, including medical costs, vehicle damage, and less tangible losses like emotional trauma or future care costs. In Georgia, you can pursue economic and non-economic damages (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5), but proving their full scope requires expertise.
Our firm works with economists, doctors, and vocational experts to demonstrate how injuries like brain trauma affect your life and career, securing six- and seven-figure settlements for Atlanta victims.
Ready to find the right lawyer for your highway accident case? Call Wetherington Law Firm at (404) 888-4444 or fill out our free consultation form today. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the first step toward recovery with confidence.
How a Highway Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Wetherington Law Firm, we’re more than legal advocates, we’re partners who care about your story. Here’s how we support you:
- Free, No-Pressure Consultation: We listen to your experience, answer questions, and explain your options without obligation.
- Thorough Investigation: We gather police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony to build a rock-solid case.
- Maximizing Compensation: We calculate every loss—past and future—to ensure full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and more.
- Dealing with Insurance: We handle all insurer communications, shielding you from pressure tactics and lowball offers.
- Courtroom Experience: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, our trial-tested attorneys are prepared to fight for you in court.
Led by Matt Wetherington, a Georgia Super Lawyer with over $100 million in verdicts, our firm has helped countless Atlantans recover after life-changing accidents. We’re proud to serve our community, from Brookhaven to West End, with compassion and relentless determination.
What are the Common Injuries in a Highway Accident?
Highway accidents, often occurring at high speeds, result in severe injuries due to the force of impact. Common injuries we see include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions or brain damage from head impacts, causing cognitive or memory issues.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage leading to paralysis or chronic pain, often requiring surgery or lifelong care.
- Fractures: Broken arms, legs, or ribs from the crash, limiting mobility and work ability.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding from impact, which can be life-threatening if untreated.
- Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, or fear of driving, impacting daily life as much as physical injuries.
These injuries are costly and life-altering, with medical bills and lost income piling up fast. In Georgia, you can seek compensation for economic losses (e.g., medical costs) and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering) under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5. We fight to ensure every aspect of your suffering is accounted for.
What to Do After a Highway Accident in Atlanta, GA
The aftermath of a highway accident can be chaotic, but your actions matter. Follow these steps to protect your health and claim:
- Seek Medical Attention: See a doctor immediately, even if you feel okay—injuries like TBIs may not show up right away.
- Report the Accident: Call 911 to file a police report, especially if there’s injury or significant damage.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. Collect witness contact info.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Don’t apologize or speculate about blame—it could be used against you.
- Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to us before speaking with insurance adjusters to protect your rights.
Time is critical in car accident and personal injury cases. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Call Wetherington Law Firm at (404) 888-4444 or fill out our free consultation form today.
What Compensation is Available After a Highway Accident in Georgia?
If you were injured in a highway accident on a busy Atlanta road like I-75 or stalled on the Perimeter, you shouldn’t bear the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. In Georgia, you can seek compensation to cover your losses and move forward. Here’s what’s available:
- Medical Expenses
Highway accidents often cause severe injuries requiring extensive treatment. Compensation covers:- Emergency room visits and hospital stays
- Diagnostic tests (e.g., CT scans, MRIs)
- Physical therapy, surgeries, or rehabilitation
- Medications or medical equipment
- Future care, like ongoing therapy for spinal injuries
Atlanta’s top hospitals, like Emory or Northside, come with high costs. We work with medical experts to document every expense, ensuring your claim reflects all current and future needs.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If injuries keep you from working whether you’re a driver in Chamblee or a professional in Downtown Atlanta you may recover:- Income lost during recovery, including missed shifts or benefits
- Reduced hours or duties due to physical limitations
- Loss of earning capacity if injuries prevent you from returning to your career
For example, a spinal injury might limit your mobility, impacting your job. We use vocational experts to prove these losses under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4, ensuring fair compensation.
- Pain and Suffering
Highway accidents take a physical and emotional toll. Compensation for pain and suffering includes:- Physical pain from fractures or spinal injuries
- Emotional distress, like anxiety or fear of highways
- Loss of enjoyment of life, such as missing family events or hobbies
Proving non-economic damages (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5) requires expertise. We use medical records and personal testimony to show how the crash affects your life, from dreading I-285 commutes to struggling with daily tasks.
- Property Damage
Highway accidents often cause severe vehicle damage, disrupting your commute. Compensation includes:- Repair costs or replacement value if your car is totaled
- Rental car expenses during repairs
- Damaged personal items, like electronics in the car
In Atlanta’s car-dependent city, we negotiate to cover these costs fully, so you’re not stuck paying for another’s mistake.
- Loss of Consortium
If injuries strain your relationships, you or your spouse may seek loss of consortium damages for:- Loss of companionship or affection
- Impact on family dynamics
These damages are recognized in Georgia and can be significant. We handle them with sensitivity to acknowledge your family’s losses.
- Punitive Damages (Rare)
If the at-fault driver’s behavior was grossly reckless e.g., weaving through traffic on Buford Highway while intoxicated punitive damages (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1) may apply to punish and deter. These are rare, but our attorneys pursue them when warranted.
What are the Common Causes of Highway Accidents in Atlanta, GA?
Highway accidents often stem from preventable mistakes, but their high-speed nature makes them particularly devastating. In Atlanta’s bustling traffic, from I-20 to Georgia 400, these crashes happen frequently. Common causes include:
- Speeding: Excessive speed on highways like I-85 reduces reaction time, increasing crash severity.
- Distracted Driving: Texting or adjusting GPS diverts attention, leading to rear-end or lane-change collisions.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment, heightening risks on roads like the Downtown Connector.
- Tailgating: Following too closely leaves no time to stop, especially in heavy traffic on I-285.
- Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, or wet pavement, common on Atlanta highways, can cause loss of control.
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-48), drivers must maintain control and exercise due care. When they fail, they’re liable for your injuries and losses. Our Atlanta car accident lawyer investigates thoroughly, using dashcam footage or accident reconstruction to prove fault.
Contact Our Georgia Highway Accident Attorney
After a highway accident, immediate legal action is essential to secure evidence like crash scene photos, witness statements, and police reports. These are critical for proving liability and damages, especially in high-speed or multi-vehicle cases. Your attorney uses this evidence to establish duty, breach, causation, and damages key to a strong claim. Time is of the essence. Call Wetherington Law Firm at (404) 888-4444 or fill out our free consultation form today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the highway accident in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) allows recovery if you’re less than 50% at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage. For example, if you’re 20% at fault for a $100,000 award, you’d receive $80,000. Our attorneys counter insurance tactics that exaggerate your blame.
What if the driver who caused the accident lacks insurance or sufficient coverage?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can cover medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Though optional in Georgia, UM/UIM is highly recommended. We review your policy and file claims to ensure you’re not left paying for another’s negligence.
How long does a highway accident injury claim take to settle in Georgia?
Settlement timelines depend on case complexity, injury severity, and whether litigation is needed. Many claims settle in months to a year if liability is clear. Complex cases with severe injuries may take longer. We prioritize efficiency while maximizing your compensation.
Should I speak to the other driver’s insurance company after the crash?
Avoid direct contact with the other driver’s insurer without a lawyer. Adjusters may use your statements to weaken your claim, especially in high-speed crash disputes. Let us handle all communications to protect your rights and avoid lowball offers.
What evidence strengthens a highway accident claim?
Strong evidence includes:
- Police reports detailing the crash
- Photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and injuries
- Medical records documenting treatment
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage
- Witness statements or phone records (e.g., for distracted driving)
Georgia Auto Accident Laws Summarized
Driving While Intoxicated
OCGA 40-6-253 and OCGA 40-6-391
Speeding
OCGA 40-6-181
Using a Phone While Driving
OCGA 40-6-241
Failing to Yield to Pedestrians
OCGA 40-6-91, OCGA 40-6-92, OCGA 40-6-93, and OCGA 40-6-96
Failing to Obey a Traffic Official
OCGA 40-6-2
Conducting a Police Chase in a Reckless Manner
OCGA 40-6-6
Failing to Change Lanes to Give Space for Parked Emergency Vehicles and Construction Workers
OCGA 40-6-16 and OCGA 40-6-75
Tampering with or Stealing Road Signs
OCGA 40-6-26
Failing to Maintain One Lane
OCGA 40-6-40 and OCGA 40-6-48
Going the Wrong Way on a One-Way Road
OCGA 40-6-47 and OCGA 40-6-240
Driving a Tractor-Trailer or Bus in the Far-Left Lane(s)
OCGA 40-6-52
Failing to Yield to Emergency Vehicles
OCGA 40-6-74
Making an Improper U-Turn
OCGA 40-6-121
Failing to Exercise Due Caution Near Railroad Crossings
OCGA 40-6-140 and OCGA 40-6-142
Driving Too Slow in the Fast Lane
OCGA 40-6-184
Failing to Slow and Exercise Caution in Construction Zones
OCGA 40-6-188
Obstructing an Intersection
OCGA 40-6-205
Failing to Secure all Loads
OCGA 40-6-248.1 and OCGA 40-6-254
Driving Recklessly
OCGA 40-6-390
Causing Serious Injury by Vehicle
OCGA 40-6-394
Running a Red or Yellow Traffic Light
OCGA 40-6-20, OCGA 40-6-21, and OCGA 40-6-23
Traveling Too Close to Other Vehicles
OCGA 40-6-49
Running Stop and Yield Signs
OCGA 40-6-72
Failing to Yield to Other Vehicles
OCGA 40-6-70 and OCGA 40-6-73
Driving on the Shoulder, Gore, or Other Prohibited Areas
OCGA 40-6-50
Fleeing Police Officers
OCGA 40-6-395
Road Rage
OCGA 40-6-397
Tampering with Traffic Signals
OCGA 40-6-25, OCGA 40-6-17, and OCGA 40-6-396
Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road
OCGA 40-6-40 and OCGA 40-6-45
Passing Another Vehicle Improperly
OCGA 40-6-42, OCGA 40-6-43, OCGA 40-6-44, and OCGA 40-6-46
Going the Wrong Way in a Roundabout
OCGA 40-6-47
Turning the Wrong Way at an Intersection
OCGA 40-6-71 and OCGA 40-6-120
Failing to Yield to Funeral Processions
OCGA 40-6-76
Failing to Use Turn Signals
OCGA 40-6-123
Failing to Stop First Before Exiting a Parking Lot
OCGA 40-6-144
Drag Racing
OCGA 40-6-186
Parking a Vehicle in an Unsafe Place
OCGA 40-6-202
Driving a Vehicle with an Obstructed View
OCGA 40-6-242
Laying Drags or Intentionally Making Skid Marks
OCGA 40-6-251
Intentionally Striking and Killing a Person with a Vehicle
OCGA 40-6-393
Failing to Follow Pedestrian Traffic Signals
OCGA 40-6-22
Failing to Drive Motorcycles Safely
OCGA 40-6-310 and OCGA 40-6-311
Awards
and Recognitions