TMP Master Class - Personal Injury Litigation

Every Car Accident Claim in Atlanta Comes Down to Proving Fault

Georgia is a fault-based state, which means the driver who caused your accident, not your own insurance company, is generally responsible for your damages. Establishing that fault is where most car accident claims are won or lost.

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33: you can recover damages as long as you're found less than 50 percent at fault, though your compensation gets reduced by your share of responsibility. Insurance adjusters know this rule well, and they use it to shift blame onto you whenever they can.

If you or someone you love was hurt in an accident, the car accident attorneys in Atlanta at Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass build the fault case before the insurance company gets the chance to build theirs.

Results That Speak for Themselves

$32.5 Million Auto Defect Verdict

Florida

$25 Million Auto Defect Verdict

California

$3.5 Million Negligent Entrustment Settlement

Georgia

$550,000 Municipal Bus Settlement

Georgia

$550,000 Traumatic Brain Injury Settlement

Georgia

$2 Million Verdict

Alabama

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How Common Car Accidents Really Are

Car accidents are far more common than most people realize, and the numbers back that up. According to NHTSA, an estimated 39,254 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes nationwide in 2024, with roughly 2.42 million more injured.

Georgia sees a substantial share of that traffic, and Atlanta's dense, fast-growing metro area, with its mix of interstates, surface streets, and constant congestion, produces more than its fair share of serious wrecks.

What Is the Range of Injuries a Car Accident Can Cause?

Injury severity varies enormously depending on speed, angle of impact, and whether safety systems performed as intended. Injuries we see most often include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
  • Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs and whiplash
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Internal injuries from blunt force impact
  • Psychological trauma, including anxiety around driving afterward

Even accidents that look minor on the surface can leave lasting injuries. A thorough medical evaluation matters regardless of how you feel immediately after a crash.

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What an Insurance Company Won't Tell You

Insurance companies are not on your side, even your own. Adjusters are trained to settle claims for less than they're worth, and they're skilled at using recorded statements, quick settlement offers, and gaps in your medical treatment against you later.

A car accident lawyer in Atlanta levels the playing field. We handle the insurance company directly, gather the evidence that proves both fault and the true value of your damages, and make sure a fast, lowball offer isn't the only option on the table.

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What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents?

  • Distracted Driving: Anything that pulls attention off the road, from eating to adjusting the radio, remains one of the most common and most preventable causes of a crash.
  • Drunk Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment slow reaction time and judgment, and Georgia treats DUI-related crashes especially seriously in both criminal and civil court.
  • Rear-End Collisions: Often blamed reflexively on the trailing driver, though following distance, sudden braking, and mechanical failure can all complicate who's actually at fault.
  • Speeding: Reduces reaction time and increases the severity of a crash, making it one of the most consistent factors in fatal accidents.
  • Texting and Driving: A specific, well-documented form of distraction that Georgia's Hands-Free Act, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241, treats as its own traffic violation.

Each of these causes raises different questions about evidence and liability, which is why we treat every case as its own investigation rather than a generic car accident claim.

“Real Client Testimonial”

Philip and his team were very helpful and easy to work with after my wreck in Atlanta. If you need an attorney after an accident, he’s your guy!

J.B.

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Where Do Atlanta's Worst Car Accidents Tend to Happen?

Interstate corridors like I-285, I-75, and I-85 see some of the region's most severe crashes, largely due to high speeds and heavy congestion during rush hour. Busy surface streets and intersections throughout the metro area, particularly those without protected turn signals, also produce a steady stream of collisions.

Rear-end collisions cluster in stop-and-go traffic, while higher-speed crashes tend to happen on highways and connector roads where reaction time matters most.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Car Accident Claim?

  • The at-fault driver, for negligent or reckless operation
  • An employer, if the driver was working at the time of the crash
  • A vehicle manufacturer, if a defective part contributed to the crash
  • A government entity, if a road defect or signal malfunction played a role
  • A repair shop or maintenance provider, for negligent repairs

Claims against a government entity carry a short ante litem notice deadline, often just six months, far shorter than the standard two-year window for an ordinary claim.

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Our Roster of Attorneys The Trial Team Insurance Companies Don’t Want on Your Case

What Is the Full Scope of What I Can Recover?

A car accident claim can draw on both categories of damages Georgia law recognizes, general and special, depending on how serious your injuries turn out to be.

  • Medical Treatment, Past and Future: Doctor visits, diagnostic imaging, surgery, and any care your injuries still require.
  • Missed Wages and Reduced Earning Power: Pay lost while you recover, plus any lasting impact on your future income.
  • Pain and Suffering: The physical toll and everyday disruption a crash causes, valued separately from your medical bills.
  • Vehicle and Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your car and anything else damaged in the crash.
  • Wrongful Death Losses: Funeral costs and the loss of income, guidance, and companionship a family experiences when a crash proves fatal.

What Should I Do in the Minutes and Days After a Crash?

  • Check for injuries and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
  • Move to safety if possible, or stay put and wait for emergency responders.
  • Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance and contact details.
  • Get witness information from anyone who saw what happened.
  • Document everything, including photos of the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries.
  • Get medical treatment right away, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
  • Notify your insurance company, but stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault.
  • Talk to an attorney before giving a recorded statement to any insurer, including your own.
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Philip Pendergrass

Why Choose the Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys at Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass in Atlanta, Georgia?

The aftermath of a serious car accident can involve far more than physical injuries, leaving victims with mounting expenses, lost income, and difficult recovery decisions. Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass represents people whose lives have been disrupted by negligent drivers and preventable collisions. As a national trial firm, we approach every case with the preparation and determination needed to handle complex litigation and achieve substantial results. Our attorneys have handled more than 127 trials and secured 116 jury verdicts across 36 states. With licenses in 10 states and verdicts reaching $37 million, our firm has the experience and resources to pursue high-value injury claims.

Our team’s professional recognitions and memberships include:

  • Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
  • Southern Trial Lawyers Association
  • American Association for Justice
  • National Trial Lawyers, Top 100
  • The Best Lawyers in America®
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
  • Super Lawyers

We offer free consultations and work exclusively on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. If another driver's negligence has left you injured, contact Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass today to discuss your options and learn how our car accident lawyers in Atlanta can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Car Accident FAQs

What if I don't know exactly what caused my accident?

That's common, and it's exactly what an investigation is for. We review police reports, gather evidence, and consult experts when needed to determine what actually happened.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

Your own policy may still cover you. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can fill that gap, and we review your policy as part of every case to make sure that avenue isn't overlooked.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?

Yes, as long as you're found less than 50 percent at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your share of responsibility, but it isn't eliminated.

Do I have to pay anything up front?

No upfront cost. Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass represents car accident clients on a contingency basis, and every consultation is free.

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